St Laurence Church, Northfield Daily Bible Meditations 26th – 31st July Compiled by Janice Wones (Reader) This week we consider the promises made to Abraham. Monday 26th July Psalm 33 : 12 - 22 Genesis 12 : 1 – 9 God told Abram to travel from his home country in modern Iraq through modern Syria to the country of the Canaanites, where he would live as a nomad. Have you ever had to make a dramatic alteration in your lifestyle? God made two promises to Abram – that he would give Abram many descendants and that they would have the land of Canaan as their own land. Can you understand why the Jews feel it is right for them to live in the land of Israel? “Blessed is the nation whose god is the Lord.” Tuesday 27th July Psalm 15 Genesis 13 : 2, 5 - 18 Abram and Lot both had large flocks and herds. They had to separate so that the land could support them. Lot chose the more attractive area for grazing. Have you ever offered someone a choice, and did you regret it when they chose the better option? God repeated his promises to Abram that he would have many descendants and they would occupy the land. Can you understand why the Jews feel it is right for them to live in the land of Israel? “Who may live on your holy hill? …He who does his neighbour no wrong.” Wednesday 28th July Psalm 105 : 1 – 9 Genesis 15 : 1 – 12, 17 – 18 Abram pointed out to God that the promise of many descendants could not be fulfilled, because Abram had no children - no son. Have you ever mentioned to God some difficulty which would prevent one of his promises from being fulfilled? God repeated again his promises that Abram will have many descendants and that they would possess the land – this time, from the River Nile to the River Euphrates. Can you understand why the Jews feel it is right for them to live in the land of Israel? “He remembers --- the covenant he made with Abraham.” Thursday 29th July Psalm 106 : 1 – 5 Genesis 16 : 1 – 12, 15 – 16 Abram really wanted a son. Sarai wanted a child. The years had passed and there were no children. They took matters into their own hands and did not wait for God’s timing. Do you think that you have ever tried to ‘help’ God, when you should have waited? Ishmael, the son born to Abram and Hagar, became the ancestor to many descendants – the Ishmaelites – who settled in the area of Gilead, current day Jordan. Can you understand why the Jews feel it is right for them to live in the land of Israel? “We have done wrong and acted wickedly.” Friday 30th July Psalm 128 Genesis 17 : 1 – 10, 15 – 22 God made a covenant – an agreement – with Abram. He changed his name to Abraham and Sarai’s name to Sarah. He instituted the act of circumcision. He promised that he would be the God of Abraham’s descendants and that they would be his special people. Do you know what your name means? Once again God repeats his promise to Abraham. As well as him being the father of many nations, his descendants will occupy the land where he is currently a nomad. Can you understand why the Jews feel it is right for them to live in the land of Israel? “Your sons will be like olive shoots round your table.” Saturday 31st July Luke 1 : 46b – 55 Genesis 18 : 1 – 15 God visited Abraham and Sarah in the guise of three strangers. Abraham greeted them and treated them with the care and respect that any good host in that age and in that country would do. Do you think that you have ever entertained a representative of God unexpectedly? This time God makes his promise specific – Abraham and Sarah will together have a son. This was all that they ever really wanted. Can you understand why the Jews feel it is right for them to live in the land of Israel? “From now on all generations will call me blessed.” 2nd – 7th August Compiled by Fr David (Associate Priest) Monday 2nd August Psalm 103 : 6-17 Genesis12 : 1 – 9 Place yourself in a barren countryside, an unfamiliar place. Feel the sun on your head as you journey. At a water hole you meet another traveller. You notice that he is travelling with his immediate family. You ask where he is going. It seems that he is not certain. He says “wherever God leads me.” Do you find this courageous, or foolish? Is this a man of faith and hope or a man with no sense of purpose? You ask him where he is from, and he answers “we left Haran. We stopped at Shechem, in Canaan, at the great oak of Moreh.” You ask him isn’t this a big journey to embark on? Shouldn’t you be enjoying your children and grandchildren? The man asks “where you are going?” How do you answer? Are you travelling in search of a better life? How will you know when you have arrived? What do you say to the traveller? You sit drawing in the sand. He asks if that is where you are going. You answer I am not sure where I am going, I simply want to make a fresh start. How does the man respond? Does he tell you more about his journey and his God? What does he say to you? How do you respond to what he says? Tuesday 3rd August Psalm 26 Genesis 19 : 15 – 29 Do you believe that you have been visited by one or more angels? Were they angels disguised as ordinary people or were they an unexpected presence? What message did they bring? Was it a message of comfort or of warning? Did you do as they said? Were you more able to face a special challenge after this visitation? Can you imagine being told to get up and flee your home with your family? Would you linger? It seems these angels appeared like men and they seized Lot, his wife and daughters. These were not ethereal gentle visions but people of action who intervened. When life does not go well for you can you think of it as God’s will? Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt. Lot and Abram regarded this an act of God. The angels urged Lot to flee to a neighbouring city if he wished to save his life and that of his family. What might God be asking you to turn your back on? Is there anything that prevents you from making a greater commitment to God? Would your family need to make changes to their lives for you to make the changes to your life that God requires of you? What are you willing to give up in order to follow God’s will? Wednesday 4th August Psalm 34 : 1 - 12 Genesis 21 : 5, 8 – 20 Do you have brothers or sisters? Do you feel one of you was loved more by your mother or father? How do you feel about that? Is it hard to think that one of your brothers or sisters was loved more than you? If you were the favourite how did that feel? Can you imagine being a refugee from Samaria, Ethiopia or elsewhere? Imagine walking alongside a child with their mother or older sister. Do you ask where they have come from or why they on the road, where they are going? Are these questions too obvious to ask? Is it better to just talk and pass the time? What food or water do you each have? What do they say about those they have left behind or why they were sent away by their family? Eventually you all run out of water. It is hard walking in the hot son on the dry ground with nothing to drink. You sit down more often but even that is hard. The young boy cannot walk anymore. His sister carries him as much as she can. You help her. Eventually she cannot carry him anymore and cannot bear to watch him getting weaker. What do you say to God? Do you feel that God has abandoned you? The young girl tells you that in a vision God told her that her brother would be the head of a nation. She says “I don’t see how that could be – look at how we are – almost dead”. What do you say? Thursday 5th August Psalm 116 : 1 - 7 Genesis 22 : 1 - 19 Imagine that you are the donkey. Your master, Abraham put a saddle on you and a bundle of wood. You set off with Abraham, two servants and Abraham’s son Isaac. Only Abraham seemed to know where you were going. How did you feel about being on a journey and not knowing how far you were going? Why carry wood and not much food? What did you think when Abraham told the two servants to stay with you whilst he and his son went ahead? Abraham said they were going to worship, but they had no lamb for the burnt offering. What did the servants say about this? Did they question if Abraham was losing his faculties? Later you heard that Abraham drew his knife to sacrifice Isaac because God had told him to do so. How did you feel about Abraham after learning this? Most mother animals protect their offspring at all costs. Did you keep a careful eye on Abraham whenever he was around you? It is hard to understand why God would test Abraham in this way. What would you have said to Isaac if you had a chance? Friday 6th August Psalm 106 : 1 - 5 Genesis 23 : 1 – 4, 19, 24 : 1 - 8, 62 - end The burial of a loved one is a sensitive issue for many, especially at the moment. Imagine that you live in a foreign land, that you are an immigrant or an asylum seeker. I have had a conversation with a lady who wished to hold a funeral for a friend, a young mother who had died not from COVID-19 but cancer. This was not in association with St Laurence. It transpired the deceased had been cremated and as far as I could ascertain that there had been a memorial service. She wanted a memorial service for family and friends. What more could the church offer? A solution was found. Can you imagine the unresolved grief born by those associated with the young mother. Can you imagine the grief of an immigrant or asylum seeker when a loved one dies in a foreign land where the funeral rites are not as they are at home. This is what Abraham experienced. He did not have land with caves suitable for a burial and appealed to the people that he lived amongst, but to whom he was an alien, for help. It must have been a huge relief when he was offered, as a gift land with caves for burial. Abraham was forthright and asked, almost demanded land to bury his wife and others of his family in due course. Can you imagine being Abraham’s ageing servant. How would you feel when after this Abraham asks you to ensure that his son seeks a wife from Canaan, not from the local people, those who have been so kind to him. Imagine being asked to fetch a wife for Abraham’s son from a distant homeland and to bring her to a foreign land to marry someone she had never met. What would the journey be like? What would it be like persuading a young woman to go with you, persuading her family to let her go? Would Abraham’s son accept the woman? This experience is as alien to us as the situation in which Abraham found himself was alien to him. Saturday 7th August Psalm 135 : 1 - 6 Genesis 27 : 1 – 5a, 15 - 29 Now Isaac is on his death bed. What would be your last wish? A spa treatment? An amazing dinner? A day free from pain? A chance to see and play with the grandchildren once more? A chance to enjoy birdsong and flowers in the garden? A chance to see a view from a mountain top? Few of us get a chance to choose and experience a last special wish. Imagine asking your son to go and hunt game to prepare a meal or if you are a vegetarian to go seek choice vegetables to make an amazing meal. What would be the blessing that you would want to give to your first born, the gift of inheritance? Today we write a will and leave it to the executors to sort out. This can lead to family upsets over who gets what. Can you imagine the second born fooling you into getting your blessing the bequest intended for the first born and your partner colluding in the deception? What would your bequest to your first born be? Abraham bequeaths the land of a nation and the people who will form the nation. God’s promise to Abraham. 9th – 14th August Compiled by Canon Janet Chapman (Rector) Monday 9th August Psalm 91 : 1-10 Genesis 28 : 10 - end We now meet Jacob as he flees the family home to stay with his mother’s brother, Laban, at Haran. His brother Esau is seeking revenge from having been cheated out of the blessing from his father he was entitled to as the eldest son. It is here that Jacob encounters God in a dream and receives a promise similar to that of his grandfather Abraham. Jacob’s response is two-edged. First, in awe and fear he converts his stone pillow into what could become a foundation pillar for a place of worship, but this is dependent upon God meeting the conditions of Jacob’s vow to worship only if God fulfils his hopes. How do you feel about this? How does this compare with the psalmist’s declaration of trust in God? Tuesday 10th August Psalm 17 : 1 - 8 Genesis 32 : 22 - end The years pass and Jacob has become an honest man despite being on the receiving end of trickery from Laban. Some sort of truce has now been made and Jacob and his large family (including Joseph of coloured coat and dreams fame) set out on the journey to return to Jacob’s homeland and to seek reconciliation with brother Esau. Jacob is fearful of the reception he may receive. In the night Jacob is alone when he finds himself wrestling with a man. For once he is not the winner and senses the divine in his opponent and requests a blessing. In order to receive one he has to admit his name and confesses to being ,”Jacob” which means heel-grabber (Genesis 25.26.) In return he is renamed Israel which means, “Prince with God.” Can you, too, face up to some ‘grabbing’ in your life or is there an issue about which you want to “wrestle with God?” Wednesday 11th August Psalm 33 : 1 - 4, 18 - end Genesis 41 : 55 – end, 42 : 5 - 7, 17 - end Some years have now passed and if you want to fill the gap you could watch ‘Joseph and his technicoloured dreamcoat.’ Jacob’s family is settled in Canaan except for Joseph who is in Egypt and a senior official to Pharoah and in both lands there is famine but, thanks to the warnings in one of Joseph’s dreams foretold, the storehouses under Joseph’s control are full so ‘all the world comes to Egypt including Joseph’s brothers. It isn’t comfortable for either side of the family. Feel the confusion on finding the money in the sacks. What are you finding confusing at the moment? Bring it before God for “He is our help and our shield.” Psalm 33:20 Thursday 12th August Psalm 105 : 11 - 17 Genesis 44 : 18 - 21, 23 - 29, 45 : 1 - 5 Time moves on and the famine continues, and the family has the choice between starvation or returning to put themselves at Joseph’s mercy again; this time with Benjamin as well as with money to pay for more food and that which they found in with the first bags of food. Again their bags were filled with both wheat and the money – and a silver chalice hidden at the bottom of Benjamin’s bag. This time they aren’t able to return home with it all as Joseph sends his steward after them and they are accused of theft. Today’s passage begins as the brothers plead their innocence before Joseph (whom they still don’t recognise) and the whole story comes out. How do you feel about Joseph’s behaviour? Sit with the brothers in their shock at discovering that Joseph is the brother. Ponder the final verse, “for God sent me before you to preserve life.” Friday 13th August Psalm 37 : 3 - 6, 27 - 28 Genesis 46 : 1 - 7, 28 - 30 I needed to remember that Jacob being renamed Israel as I read this passage (see Tuesday.) Picture the procession of all the family and livestock and goods setting off for Egypt. Pray for those who are moving house or fleeing as refugees. What are the things you would be most anxious to take with you? Then there is the re-union at Goshen, which is the eastern area of the Nile delta; what or who would you like to see before you die? Saturday 14th August Psalm 105 : 1 - 7 Genesis 49 : 29 - end, 50 : 15 - 25 Today first Jacob dies and then it is clear that his son Joseph is not far from death. Both want to be buried in Canaan, the land of their ancestors. Do your loved ones/solicitor know what you want them to arrange for you when you die? It could well make things a lot easier for them. Is there anyone you need to ask for forgiveness from or offer forgiveness to? It’s an ongoing process as the Lord’s Prayer makes clear. Notice too, that in both today’s and yesterday’s passages the phrase, “Do not be afraid” appears. Rest for a few moments in that command. Psalm 105 v 4 “Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his presence continually.” 16th – 21st August Compiled by Fr John Richards Monday 16th August Psalm 124 Exodus 1 : 8 - 14, 22 Today we begin reading about the most important event in Israel’s history. The first part of the story tells of the departure of the people of Israel from Egypt, where they had been slaves and we meet Moses for the first time. The whole book of Exodus describes what God did as he liberated his enslaved people and formed them into a nation with hope for the future. Think of modern-day slavery and the pain and suffering it causes. Does it concern you or do you feel untouched by it? Where do you feel it is likely to manifest itself in your life? Is there anything you can do about it? Tuesday 17th August Psalm 69 : 1 -2, 31 - end Exodus 2 : 1 - 15 The story of the birth of Moses is well known and probably takes us back to our Sunday School days. It is dramatic and has a positive ending. Perhaps you are thinking of the circumstances around your own birth and early life. I doubt if any of us were put amongst the reeds and bulrushes, but all of us should be grateful for those who were there at the time and played their part in our safety and nurture. Human life is a miracle and we should be grateful to God for it. We have heard recently of babies being “ abandoned”, how does that make you feel for the baby, and its mother? Wednesday 18th August Psalm 103 : 1 - 7 Exodus 3 : 1 - 6, 9 - 12 The story of God calling Moses from the burning bush is familiar and miraculous. Moses didn’t think he was the right person to do what God wanted. He saw himself as a nobody. But God had other ideas and saw Moses differently. God often gives us work to do that we don’t think we are up to, but God knows what we are capable of doing better than we know ourselves. Have there been occasions in your life that you have been surprised by? Times when you didn’t know you had the courage or skill to do something “beyond your capabilities”? Moses was reluctant, but with faith in God, became a great leader, and surprised even himself! Thursday 19th August Psalm 105 : 1 - 2, 23 - end Exodus 3: 13 - 20 Moses begins the work that God has asked him to do. It is daunting work for someone who normally looks after the sheep. Moses has to take a great step of faith. Have you ever had to do that? It is scary! The journey Moses is to take is to the land that God has promised to the Israelites. It seems an impossible journey with so many obstacles in the way. Our life may seem like that at times, with so many things to overcome, with impossible twists and turns. Does that seem familiar? Friday 20th August Psalm 116 : 10 - end Exodus 11 : 10 - 12, 14 Here we read about the Passover. The Passover was important to Jesus and to all Jews, and links Judaism to Christianity. We think of Maundy Thursday, when Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples and after supper took the bread and wine which he said was his body and blood. What do you think about when you hear these words? Are they too familiar to us, or do they become a reality? Is the Passover part of the story for you? Saturday 21st August Psalm 136 : 1 - 4, 10 - 15 Exodus 12 : 37 - 42 The Israelites finally leave Egypt. It is the end of an era and the beginning of a long journey. Perhaps it makes you think of your own life? The children leaving home to get married or the death of a partner or loved one? The journey may be fraught with difficulties and problems. Remember the problems Moses had to face as he crossed the desert. As Christians we need to remember that God is with us every step of our journey. Looking back over your life have you managed to feel that God is truly with you, through good times and bad? 23rd – 31st August 2021 Compiled by Revd Theresa Morton (Assistant Curate) Monday 23rd August Psalm 136 : 1 - 4, 10 - 15 Exodus 14 : 5 - 18 In today’s reading from Exodus, the Israelites finally have their freedom from slavery by the Egyptians…and yet they are wondering whether what they left behind was better than the fear and hardship they are facing now. It can be easy to see the past through ‘rose tinted spectacles’, especially when we’re stepping into an unknown future. Perhaps today, give thanks to God for some good things from the past, and ask to experience his presence in whatever lies ahead. Tuesday 24th August Psalm 105 : 37 - 44 Exodus 14 : 21 - 15.1a We might cheer as Moses leads the Israelites across the Red Sea, with the Egyptians being drowned as they attempt to pursue them, and join with Moses in his song of praise to the triumph of God over the enemy. Indeed, this is an important story of the liberation of oppressed people, which continues to give hope to many today. However, the story has been quoted many times over the centuries to justify the killing of one group of people by another, in the belief that God vindicates such actions. Does the God who teaches us to love one another approve of genocide? Pray for all those caught up in wars across the world, that those on both sides will come to know love and peace. Wednesday 25th August Psalm 78 : 17 - 31 Exodus 16 : 1 - 5, 9 -15 The Israelites are hungry. Again, they look back to a time when life seemed better – even as slaves in Egypt they had enough bread to eat. But once again, God provides. There are many children, including in our own parish, that are not getting nutritious food to eat over the school holidays. But God can provide for them too – through us. Why not consider donating to a local food back or a charity that supports food poverty, or if that’s not possible do pray for them. Thursday 26th August Psalm 36 : 5 - 10 Exodus 19 : 1 - 2, 9 - 11, 16 - 20 Moses and the Israelites experience an incredible divine encounter. God really does make his presence felt! We don’t usually experience God in a way that feels like trumpet blasts, thunder, and clouds of smoke – and we might be quite glad of that! – but perhaps God can sometimes seem very distant. Note that the Israelites had to prepare themselves to encounter God; think about what might help you to better hear God’s voice – maybe re-read today’s Psalm again very slowly, or go for a walk, or just sit quietly in his presence. Friday 27th August Psalm 19 : 7 - 11 Exodus 20 : 1 - 17 The Ten Commandments isn’t just a set of rules used to control behaviour, as some people think. They are given by God in covenant with his people. They are the foundation of the relationship between God and his people, and the people with each other. So rather than curtailing freedoms, they offer liberation. There is much we are freed from in this life - greed, envy, immorality, for example - when we put God first in everything. Prayerfully read today’s Psalm again: find the words and phrases that speak of the joys to be found in God’s Law. Saturday 28th August Psalm 103 : 8 - 12 Exodus 32 : 15 - 24, 30 - 34 The rebellious Israelites are rebelling again! How soon they have forgotten God’s covenant! Their leader Moses seems to have left them too, so they want a false idol in his place. If we’re honest, we too can lose sight of God, and forget the teachings and example of those who try to support us in in our discipleship (like the Israelites, out of sight out of mind!). Perhaps spend a bit of time thinking about what would help keep you steadfast in your faith. For example, if you attend church services once a week, what nourishes you spiritually on the days in between? Monday 30th August Psalm 103 : 8 - 12 Exodus 33 : 7 - 11, 34 : 5 - 9, 28 What a beautiful image: “the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend” (Exodus 33:11). Imagine yourself entering the tent of meeting. Sit down with God, as you would with a friend. What would you like to say to him? What would you like God, the God who loves you as his beloved child, to say to you? Pray about this. Tuesday 31st August Psalm 99 Exodus 34 : 29 - end Moses shines with God’s radiance. How glorious! God is at work in us all; how might other people see the glory of God shining through you? 2