FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

NOTES ON THE READING

The motivation for caring for the environment is from Genesis when God created the Earth and it was “Good”, it was what we know as the natural environment that was created. Although it was created for us to enjoy and look after, we were given dominion over all creation. We have not been very good stewards of our one and only planet. I was challenged as I read that as churches we should be in the forefront in advocating for the caring of the environment. I therefore have been challenged to call the whole church, in dependence on the Holy Spirit, to respond radically and faithfully to care for God’s creation, demonstrating our belief and hope in the transforming power of Christ.

In Zimbabwe, we have witnessed profound challenges related to climate change, which remind us of the importance of stewardship as emphasized in God’s word. Historically, we faced issues of insufficient rainfall that led to drought. Recently, Cyclone Idai struck, devastating lives, crops, and infrastructure, compounding our struggles with drought as many crops were either washed away or waterlogged.

Additionally, we experience heatwaves that dry up water sources, intensifying competition for the limited water available. This has forced people and animals to travel longer distances in search of water, impacting the most vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our communities.

These experiences underscore the biblical call to care for creation, as found in Genesis 2:15, where God entrusted humanity with the responsibility to tend to the earth. The suffering caused by climate change serves as a stark reminder of our interconnectedness with the environment and the urgent need to act in harmony with God’s creation. As we reflect on these challenges, let us be inspired to advocate for sustainable practices and support those most affected, aligning our actions with the principles of compassion and stewardship taught in scripture. As an individual and as the church we have been challenged to preach about the care for the environment, as this is what God has asked us to do.

Creation by God has also made me understand God better. It has shown us how God is relational. All creation flows from the love that existed before between the three persons of the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit who were all involved as co-creators. As Christians, we have been reminded that “everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving” (1 Timothy 4:4).

SUMMARY OF PREACHING THEME

GOD IS WATCHING OVER US AND HE WILL COME TO JUDGE US BY OUR DEEDS.

• In the book of Amos, God made Amos a prophet to go and tell Israel what was about to come.
• The prophet of God delivers the message to the people as it is from God but people sometimes choose not to listen.
• God always fulfil his promise to the people even if the people do listen or not listen to the prophets
• Whatever God does or say he will do to the earth, he always gives a warning first to his people
• Amos 7 vs 14 “I was not a prophet by profession, No, I was a headman who also took care of sycamore fig trees”. This was Amos telling Amaziah the priest of Bethel, to show that God can qualify anyone to convey his message to his people
• In the book of Psalm, David pleads with God to come and execute his judgement to the earth
• It was after David saw the oppression which was done to the poor and needy. There was unjust rulings against the poor yet the wicked were being rewarded
• In all our readings we are being reminded that God is watching over us and He will come to judge both the living and the dead.
• We have to exercise our faith, show love and do what is right for the Lord so that when He comes our ways will be righteous to see the kingdom of heaven
• No one can stand on the way of God’s sent prophet and thus God will always vindicate those who come against his word

DETAILED NOTES

Old Testament Reading / Psalm

JUSTIFY YOUR JUDGEMENT

God is the overseer of all judges. This psalm is designed to make kings wise and to instruct the judges of the earth, to tell them their duty and their faults

David noted that there were unjust legal decisions made against the poor, orphans and yet favouritism was being shown to the wicked. He was the making a plea that there is need to rescue the poor and the needy from the wicked rulers of the earth

There so many times where the poor and the needy are neglected in our today’s life. The fact that they are poor denies fair opportunities and judgement in their lives. Even today’s church has cast a blind eye and a deaf ear to the poor. Thus David pleads with God to rise and execute the fair judgement on earth, for God owns all the nations.

Whatever we do in our daily lives let us know that God is watching and will one day rise to us all. Psalm 82 vs 8

New Testament Reading

Paul wrote to the Colossians to affirm them of their faith in Jesus Christ and also to thank them for their love of the saints.

Paul speaks of the levels of their faith that has risen so much and so much hope that they have about the message of truth – that’s the gospel

The word of God had been bearing so much fruit to the Colossians from the first day they heard and understood the Grace of God.

This teaches us that when we hear and understand the word and grace of God, it starts to bear fruits in our lives. This will be our love of God will be more and hence our deeds will show that we are the children of God.

Gospel Reading

Luke 10vs 25 “Teacher what must I do to inherit eternal life”

In this reading we see our Lord Jesus Christ answering the religious law expert’s questions. In his response Jesus redirected the question back to the owner and he made him say what is required of the law. This means that in our everyday life we know what is expected of us by God. However we choose to do the opposite but knowing what is right. You might have the same question like the law expert had, but Jesus is saying do the right thing and live.

The parable of The Good Samaritan illustrated and explained from Luke 10 vs 30-37, teaches us that going to church or being a priest does not make you righteous but doing good, showing love and compassionate to others qualifies you to be a Christian.

by Artwell Sipinyu, Zimbabwe