{"id":10368,"date":"2024-09-01T01:40:57","date_gmt":"2024-08-31T15:40:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.leighmoorunitingchurch.org.au\/?p=10368"},"modified":"2024-09-07T20:23:01","modified_gmt":"2024-09-07T10:23:01","slug":"the-call-to-be-doers-of-the-word","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.leighmoorunitingchurch.org.au\/?p=10368","title":{"rendered":"The Call to Be Doers of the Word"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Scripture Readings: James 1:17-27 & Mark 7:1-8<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In NRSVE (New Revised Standard Version Updated), the title of Song of Songs 2:8-13 is \u201cSpringtime Rhapsody\u201d. Here, we find a beautiful portrayal of love in full bloom, echoing the vibrancy and renewal of spring. This speaks of the beloved calling out to his love, urging her to come away and enjoy the beauty of the season – a time when life bursts forth in a symphony of colour, fragrance, and sound. The “voice of my beloved” in verse 8 symbolizes an invitation to enter a new season of love, hope, and joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This passage reminds us that, just as nature awakens to the warmth of spring, our spirits are called to awaken to the love and presence of God. The imagery of flowers appearing on the earth and the time of singing birds reminds us of the new life we find in God’s love – a love that calls us to step out of the shadows and into the light of His grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I reflect on the recent conference I had the privilege of attending, just as springtime brings renewal, refreshment, and a sense of new beginnings, the conference was a season of spiritual spring for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over those three days, I was recharged and renewed in ways that I didn’t fully anticipate. The worship services and devotions were like a gentle rain on parched soil, bringing new energy to my spirit. The fellowship we shared was like the blossoming of flowers, each conversation adding a vibrant colour to our shared faith. The special lectures and discussions reminded me of the fresh winds that stir the trees, signalling a new direction and vision for my future ministries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

May we find ourselves listening to the voice of the Spirit calling us to rise and embrace the new season God is leading us into. Just as spring brings a time for planting and nurturing, may we be in a season where the seeds of faith and mission are being sown for a fruitful future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

James 1:17 reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes from above. This resonates with the idea in Song of Songs that love is a divine gift, as the beauty of springtime reflects God’s perfect creation. Today\u2019s texts invite us to recognize and celebrate the goodness of God in the gifts He bestows – whether in the natural world or in our relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

James was known as a man of prayer, nicknamed \u2018camel’s knee,\u2019 and lived a life that exemplified holy and righteous living. He was considered a \u2018pillar,\u2019 as Galatians 2:9 says. James was the one who settled arguments with the Word and was given authority by others. However, in verse 19, he begins his words by calling the Jewish diaspora as “My dear brothers and sisters” and finishes with the meaning of pure religion or true piety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In James 1:19-21, we are encouraged to be quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to become angry, allowing God’s word to be planted in us. This warns against pretending instead of listening, deceiving instead of obeying, and talking instead of serving. Similarly, Song of Songs 2:10-13 speaks of hearing the voice of the beloved and responding to the invitation. In both cases, there is a call to listen carefully and respond with a heart open to God’s leading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

James 1: 22-27 emphasize the importance of being doers of the word, not just hearers. This aligns with the active response of love seen in Song of Songs. Love, whether in our relationship with God or with others, requires action – a living out God\u2019s commandments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 27 defines pure religion as caring for orphans and widows and remaining unstained by the world, inviting us to examine our faith, our hearts, and our lives, recalling the life of James, who also modelled a holy life, and inviting us to a place of faith in action. True religion is expressed through loving action and inner integrity. Caring for the weak and needy shows we are following Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Mark 7, Jesus condemns empty rituals while James speaks of caring for the vulnerable. God’s call through James to be doers of the Word is linked with Jesus\u2019 emphasis on inner purity from Mark 7:1-8. Here, we can see Jesus\u2019 criticism of the Pharisees for focusing on external rituals while neglecting the heart (vv. 6-7). True worship is not about outward appearances but about the condition of the heart. True discipleship involves more than external observance; it requires a transformed heart that leads to righteous action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In verse 15, Jesus\u2019 teaching shifts the focus from external practices to internal purity. It means the source of evil come from within the human heart and shows the depth of human sinfulness and the need for inner transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today’s texts emphasize the role of heart in faith. In James, it\u2019s about living out the Word; in Mark, it\u2019s about guarding against the evil that can emerge from within. Both point to the need for a heart aligned with God\u2019s will. Here, true religion is expressed through loving action and inner integrity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God wants His people to overcome their trials and to live in accordance with His commandments. Jesus teaches that our relationship to God is not based on religious formality but faith in Him. Committed believers demonstrate their obedience with deeds of compassion and inner purity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for me, the experience at the conference was a personal “Springtime Rhapsody” – a time of hearing God’s call anew, of being refreshed by His love, and of stepping into the light of a new season with hope and expectation. It was a vivid reminder that God’s love is continually inviting us to live and come away with Him, to be renewed and to participate in the unfolding of His beautiful plan for our lives and our communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this “Springtime Rhapsody,” we are invited to celebrate the love of God that calls us into a new season of growth and renewal, reminding us that every good and perfect gift we receive is meant to be cherished and shared as we live out our faith in love. We are called to be doers of God\u2019s Word. May we carefully listen to God\u2019s word and actively living it out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks be to God. Amen.
<\/strong>(Ref. Bible, commentaries, theological books, UCA materials)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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