Sunday Worship 9 March 2025
Before we consider some answers to those opening questions, let us sing together a song of adoration based on Psalm 42, which echoes in the deep yearning for God within each of us.
Hymn As the Deer Pants For The Water
Martin Nystrom © 1983 Restoration Music OneLicence # A-734713
Performed by Emmaus Music and used with their kind permission
As the deer pants for the water
so my soul longs after you;
you alone are my heart’s desire
and I long to worship you.
You alone are my strength, my shield;
to you alone may my spirit yield:
you alone are my heart’s desire
and I long to worship you.
I want you more than gold or silver,
only you can satisfy;
you alone are the real joy-giver
and the apple of my eye.
You alone are my strength, my shield;
to you alone may my spirit yield:
you alone are my heart’s desire
and I long to worship you.
You’re my Friend and you’re my Brother
even though you are a king:
I love you more than any other,
so much more than anything.
You alone are my strength, my shield;
to you alone may my spirit yield:
you alone are my heart’s desire
and I long to worship you.
Talk Part 2
Pancakes are traditionally eaten in the UK on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Lent is a period of 40 days before Easter, during which Christians throughout the centuries have simplified their lives, often by giving up certain foods or behaviours as a spiritual disciple. Some Christian denominations take this practice very seriously. Pancakes are made from certain ingredients – flour, eggs and milk – which often formed the food abstinence during Lent.
Shortly, we will be hearing again the account of Jesus in the wilderness following His Baptism in the river Jordan. We are probably familiar with the parallels between this Gospel account and Lent practice: the 40 days. (But if you count up on the calendar, it is 40 days, excluding the six Sundays of Lent.) And the giving things up during Lent reflects Jesus’ abstinence in the wilderness.
Back to the opening questions… have you heard the term ‘hangry’? The mood swing which can genuinely affect some people when hungry. I admit that I am one of those people. My doctor tells me it’s a blood-sugar thing. So, whatever we might choose to do for Lent, we should be mindful not to harm ourselves.
What does it feel like to go without food or water? We know only too well Jesus’ teaching to feed the hungry; however, too many people still go hungry and thirsty, not because they are giving things up for Lent, but because their cupboards are bare. If we were to pop outside and ask our neighbours or passers-by to give us an example sentence with the word ‘fast’ in it, I think it’s very likely that every answer would be along the lines of something speedy – “a fast car”, for example.
I wonder if we would get different answers if we asked our Islamic neighbour the same question during the month of Ramadan, which this occurs in March. Fasting is something Islamic believers still hold very dear.
And again, if we were to ask people we meet the meaning of Lent and of Ramadan, I have feeling that more folk could explain the practices of Ramadan than of Lent. So let us turn to the Scripture and hear again Luke’s account of Jesus in the wilderness, and the temptations he met there.
Reading St Luke 4:1-3
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone.”’ Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, ‘To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.”’ Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, “He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you”, and “On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.”’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”’ When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
Talk Part 3
Today, in our service, we have already prayed the well-known words: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Contrast that with the opening words to our reading: “[Jesus] was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where… He was tempted by the devil.”
For any human – and Jesus is both fully divine and fully human – the time in the wilderness – the heat of the sun by day, and the bitter cold by night – would be an extreme endurance event. The text tells us that Jesus was famished! The same verb in Greek which Jesus used in Matthew 25 to teach us to “feed the hungry”. Most Bible translations have those chapter headings – added by the translators, not in the original text. This passage is usually entitled “The Temptation of Jesus”. Temptation! What comes to mind when I say that word? I’ll give you a few seconds to think about that… <silence>
What about the word “temptation” in the context of someone who is famished? In every society today, and throughout history, there have been those so hungry that the are tempted and succumb to that temptation and steal food. “One does not live by bread alone” – Jesus’ response comes from Deuteronomy 8:3 – the book of Law – a code by which the society should live. If society lives by God’s code – “every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD” – then no-one need go hungry.
The second temptation relates to acknowledging a higher authority. Humankind abounds with hierarchical structures: parents, teachers, sports-teams, bosses and managers, elected politicians and officials, heads of government and of state. We tend not to have too many problems with authority until it goes wrong and becomes abusive. History books (and today’s news) are sadly filled with higher authorities who have not – and do not – reflect the peaceable kingdom nor good government. During His time on earth, Jesus lived in an occupied land, ruled over by another Herod (Antipas), who was just as bad as his father.
Jesus’ reply to the devil is based in Scripture; and again, we find it in Deuteronomy Chapter 6. Here, in verse 12, the Torah reminds Israel that God led them out of the “house of servitude”, but also that their servitude is not ended but that they now serve God (verse 13, which Jesus is quoting here). The next verse, Deuteronomy 6:14, warns Israel not to follow other gods (of the nations which surround them), and the implied inappropriate power structures which Jesus rejected in His reply.
The following axiom is attributed to Lord Acton from the 19th century: “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Whether internationally, nationally, locally, in business, in schools, in sports clubs, in churches, and even in homes, abuse of power is a terrible and destructive thing. Jesus was rejecting abusive power. Because abuse of power can happen anywhere, we are all capable of error in this regard.
In the third temptation, Jesus’ dialogue with the devil becomes a Scripture-quoting contest. Cherry-picking a verse to make a point, maybe. I can, sadly, think of many occasions where cherry-picked verses out of context have caused so much pain, and have marred Christ’s church true message of affirming, unconditional love. The devil here quotes Psalm 91 (verses 11-12), which is usually given by translators the heading: “Assurance of God’s protection”. Jesus’ reply once again comes from Deuteronomy, and again from Chapter 6. More fully in verse 16, we read: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah.” Massah? That was where Israel was thirsty and Moses struck the rock twice. By striking the rock, Moses had done more than God has instructed him.
Of the three temptations in this passage, this is perhaps the one hardest to interpret. For Jesus in the wilderness, He was there for 40 days and nights. His hunger and thirst were self-evident, as they would be in any human. By comparison, Israel was in the wilderness for 40 years, following their exodus from Egypt. The immediacy of Israel’s need for water caused Moses to overstep the mark. In the verse Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy, the question Israel asks itself – Is God with us, or not? The account throughout Scripture shows that God is indeed with us; and therefore, God has nothing to prove to us, and we have no need to test God.
So, in the context of Lent, what is it that God requires of us? One of the key messages from the Protestant Reformation is that we are saved by God’s grace alone. Early Reformed theologians such as Ulrich Zwingli were concerned that people might misinterpret giving things up for Lent as a way of ‘earning’ salvation. A leading Reformer, John Calvin, believed that only God could offer the mercy, loving-kindness, and compassion necessary to overcome the gap created between God and others by human sinfulness.
There is no act that we can do that can save ourselves: Jesus did it all! Giving (more) money to the church or charity, giving up chocolate for Lent, coming to church more often, or reading the Bible – these things are not what God asks of us, not from our own motivation or sense of obligation anyway, and like many New Year’s and Lenten resolutions, likely to fail.
When we examine Jesus’ answers to the devil’s temptations, He reaches into Deuteronomy. Two of Jesus’ answers come from Deuteronomy 6, which is certainly one of Jesus’ favourites. Later in Jesus’ ministry, someone asks Jesus what the greatest commandment is. Again, Jesus’ quotes from Deuteronomy 6 (verses 4-6): “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart.”
This commandment rooted in love reaches into the temptations: by living out this commandment, we know the Source, Guide and Goal of all that is: to God be eternal glory. Amen.
Hymn Have You Heard God’s Voice?
Jacqui G. Jones — © 2008 used by permission. Performed by Ruth and Joy Everingham and used with their kind permission.
Have you heard God’s voice; has your heart been stirred?
Are you still prepared to follow?
Have you made a choice to remain and serve,
though the way be rough and narrow?
Will you walk the path that will cost you much
and embrace the pain and sorrow?
Will you trust in One who entrusts to you
the disciples of tomorrow?
Will you use your voice; will you not sit down
when the multitudes are silent?
Will you make a choice to stand your ground
when the crowds are turning violent?
Will you walk the path that will cost you much
and embrace the pain and sorrow?
Will you trust in One who entrusts to you
the disciples of tomorrow?
In your city streets will you be God’s heart?
Will you listen to the voiceless?
Will you stop and eat, and when friendships start,
will you share your faith with the faithless?
Will you walk the path that will cost you much
and embrace the pain and sorrow?
Will you trust in One who entrusts to you
the disciples of tomorrow?
Will you watch the news with the eyes of faith
and believe it could be different?
Will you share your views using words of grace?
Will you leave a thoughtful imprint?
We will walk the path that will cost us much
and embrace the pain and sorrow.
We will trust in One who entrusts to us
the disciples of tomorrow.
Reading words from Pope Francis, 2017
Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
Fast from worries and have trust in God.
Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
Fast from bitterness and fill your hearts with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.
Prayer of Confession
Lent is often a time used by Christians to examine one’s life. We know that there have been times when we have failed to love others, failed to love God and even failed to love ourselves.
Empty, broken, here we stand: touch us with Your healing hand. Take our arrogance and pride: wash us in Your mercy’s tide. Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.
When our faith has all but gone: give us the strength to carry on. When our dreams have turned to dust, in you, O Lord, we put our trust. Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.
When our hearts are cold as ice: Your love speaks of sacrifice. Love that sets the captives free: pour compassion down on us. Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.
You are the voice that calms our fears: You are the laughter that dries our tears. You are our music, our refrain: help us sing Your song again. Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.
Humble heart of holiness: kiss us with Your tenderness. Jesus, faithful friend and true: all we are, we give to You. Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.
Assurance of Pardon
Here this assurance of pardon, as found in John’s First Letter: “If anyone does sin, we have someone who pleads with God on our behalf—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. And Christ is the means by which our sins are forgiven, and not only our sins, but also the sins of everyone.”
Affirmation of Faith
We believe in God.
Despite His silence and secrets, we believe that God lives.
Despite evil and suffering, we believe that He made the world,
so that all would be happy in life.
Despite the limitations of our reason,
and the revolts of our hearts, we believe in God.
We believe in Jesus Christ.
Despite the centuries which separate us,
from the time when He came to earth, we believe in His word.
Despite our incomprehension and our doubt,
we believe in His resurrection.
Despite His weakness and poverty, we believe in His reign.
We believe in the Holy Spirit.
Despite appearances, we believe He guides the Church.
Despite death, we believe in eternal life.
Despite ignorance and disbelief,
we believe that the Kingdom of God is promised to all. Amen.
Prayers of Concern
At the bidding, “O Lord, hear our prayer”, please respond with, “And let our cry go unto You”.
Loving God, we pray for the brokenness in our world: especially we pray for those whose lives are torn apart by violence, war and disaster. We pray for leaders of governments and business that they might turn from narrow self-interest to global concern. O Lord, hear our prayer and let our cry go unto You.
Loving God, we pray for those who find themselves in desperate situations, not knowing where to turn. We pray for refugees and seekers of asylum. We pray for those in our own communities whose lives are in turmoil. We pray for those who provide support – practically, emotionally and financially. O Lord, hear our prayer and let our cry go unto You.
Loving God, we pray for those whose strength is failing. We pray for those who are unwell, in body, mind or spirit. We pray for all those who work and serve in health and social care. In the silence of our hearts, we name those known to us in need…
O Lord, hear our prayer and let our cry go unto You.
Loving God, we pray for those who are bereaved, and for those for whom anniversaries occur at this time. We give thanks for Your eternal promise that You will be with us always, even to the end of the age.
We praise You and give thanks for the beauty of creation, the joy which the diverse creativity in many forms enriches our lives, and for the times our souls rejoice!
O Lord, hear our prayer and let our cry go unto You.
Loving God, we pray for the church throughout the world, and the church families of which we are apart. We pray for our United Reformed Church: we pray for the unity of the Body of Christ. We give thanks for Your faithfulness which never ends, and especially we pray for those who are taking the first steps in faith.
O Lord, hear our prayer and let our cry go unto You.
Gracious and merciful God, accept these prayers, for the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with You – One God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. For You are Our Creator, Our Saviour, and Our Giver of Life. Amen.
Hymn And Can It Be?
Charles Wesley (1738) Public Domain, sung by Maddy Prior
And can it be that I should gain
an int’rest in the Saviour’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
that Thou, my God, should die for me?
Amazing love! how can it be
that Thou, my God, should die for me!
‘Tis mystery all! Th’Immortal dies!
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the first born seraph tries
to sound the depths of love divine!
‘Tis mercy all! let earth adore,
let angel minds inquire no more.
Amazing love! how can it be
that Thou, my God, should die for me!
He left His Father’s throne above,
so free, so infinite His grace;
emptied Himself of all but love,
and bled for Adam’s helpless race;
’tis mercy all, immense and free;
for, O my God, it found out me.
Amazing love! how can it be
that Thou, my God, should die for me!
Long my imprisoned spirit lay
fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
my chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth and followed Thee.
Amazing love! how can it be
that Thou, my God, should die for me!
No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
and clothed in righteousness divine,
bold I approach th’eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Amazing love! how can it be
that Thou, my God, should die for me!
Blessing
Thank you for joining in with our worship today.
We close with some verses from Scripture (John 14:27; Numbers 6:24-26).
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord turn His smile towards you and give you peace. Amen.