Wednesday September 15 Pentecost 16
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Psalm 72
A prayer that the king will rule with justice for the poor, and that as a result all will have more than enough to live fully. This can easily applied as a prayer for our political leaders today.
1 Kings 22: 1-28 What’s Kings about?
Ahab, king of the north in Samaria, and Jehoshaphat king of the south in Jerusalem, meet in Samaria to consider war to regain some traditional territory. Ahab’s prophets tell him what he wants to hear, that he will be successful, but Jehoshaphat insists he consult with Micaiah even though Micaiah consistently forecasts doom for Ahab. Micaiah pretends to give a positive prophecy but Ahab knows he is being false, and when Micaiah tells the truth Ahab imprisons him. We see a dictator aware of his evil but nevertheless forcing people to flatter him. Ahab has a choice—he can be loyal to the God of justice or he can follow those who encourage his greed and arrogance.
Matthew 4: 18-25 What’s Matthew about?
Jesus calls four working men to follow him and fish for people. Jesus shows the kingdom is coming by healing people from incurable diseases. He becomes famous even in Syria, outside his own country and religion. God’s power is working through him to bring life and health to people everywhere.
This week’s collect:
Almighty God,
you call your Church to witness
that in Christ we are reconciled to you.
Help us so to proclaim the good news of your love,
that all who hear it may turn to you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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