‘Through the letter box,’ Worship Service, Sunday 5 April

Worship

If you know the tune, sing this song of worship to God. If you don’t know the tune, reflect on the lyrics.

Still (Hillsong)

Hide me now under Your wing
Cover me within Your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still and know You are God

Find rest my soul in Christ alone
Know His power in quietness and trust

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still and know You are God

Bible Reading: Luke 19:28-44

Sermon on the Mat: A mixed up world
This familiar reading contains stark contrasts:

• the eternal king on a humble donkey;
• the shouts of hallelujah which we know will be replaced with shouts of crucify in less than a week’s time;
• the crowd joyfully praising while Jesus weeps (v41).

We are in a time of deep contrast. For many of us, isolated at home, it is a time of quiet, of loneliness. Yet for those working in hospitals, supermarkets and other essential workplaces, it is frantic, busy, exhausting. We are fearful, maybe resentful, of the invisible virus that disrupts our lives, yet the planet is breathing more easily as pollution levels fall, and communities are working together to support each other.

As Jesus entered Jerusalem amid the cheering crowds, he knew he was going to his death. Yet that death was not a failure but a victory: buying our freedom.

We can’t always tell what is good and what is bad. And even in the worst of situations, God is working for good.

As Jesus enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, he weeps because the people don’t know what they need, ‘if you had only known… what would bring you peace,’ he says (Luke 19:41). Maybe this virus is what we, as a society, need to bring us true, godly peace. We are being forced to stop, to look at our lives, to reflect on what really matters. We are being given a fearful push towards prayer.

What we can say for certain is that God is at work. And Jesus, heaven’s king, promises to be with us always, whatever we face. ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’ (John 14:27)

Prayer

Father we thank you that you hurt when people are troubled and don’t seek your peace. In these strange times, please draw people to you, and give us the confidence to share your love: the secret of our peace.  Amen

Prayer pointers

Please pray for those who don’t find home a place of safety: the abused, the victims of domestic violence, the lonely.
Pray for those who are worried about lack of money, lack of work or the failure of their business.

Suggested readings for Holy Week

Monday        Luke 19:45-20:8
Think about your body as the temple. What does Jesus need to clean to be truly honoured?

Tuesday       Luke 20:1-40
Are there times when Jesus’ truth seems harsh or hard to follow? Do you grumble or back away? Do you question Him?

Wednesday   Luke 20:41-7; Luke 22:1-6
Sometimes we want Jesus to act the way we feel He should. Is that what led Judas astray?

Thursday      Luke 22:7-46
Jesus’ disciples couldn’t keep awake even one hour to pray with Him. Tonight see if you can spend one hour praying with Jesus.

Friday           Luke 22:47-23:48
What do you want to say to Jesus? Spend some time in worship.

Saturday       Luke 23:50-56
Think of what Jesus is doing for your sake even though you can’t see Him.