Lesser
Festival for Nicholas, bishop, c. 326
Isaiah 61.1-3 Esaïe 61.1-3 Jesaja 61.1-3
1 Timothy 6.6-11 Mark 10.13-16
1 Timothée 6.6-11 Marc 10.13-16
1 Timotheüs 6.6-11 Markus 10.13-16
The image of God’s blessing used in two of today’s readings is that of a tree. For those who are rooted in God’s word, who delight in his law and believe in his promises, the assurance of future flourishing is given. The phrases used are so evocative……They will be like a tree planted by streams of water yielding its fruit in season with leaves that do not wither. They will be called Oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord, displaying his splendour. If we think of God’s blessing as being His purpose fulfilled and displayed in our lives giving glory back to him , the image of the majestic oak has a deep resonance.
1 Timothy 6.6-11 Mark 10.13-16
1 Timothée 6.6-11 Marc 10.13-16
1 Timotheüs 6.6-11 Markus 10.13-16
The image of God’s blessing used in two of today’s readings is that of a tree. For those who are rooted in God’s word, who delight in his law and believe in his promises, the assurance of future flourishing is given. The phrases used are so evocative……They will be like a tree planted by streams of water yielding its fruit in season with leaves that do not wither. They will be called Oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord, displaying his splendour. If we think of God’s blessing as being His purpose fulfilled and displayed in our lives giving glory back to him , the image of the majestic oak has a deep resonance.
In scripture, we find that that the names of people and places often encapsulate something of their story. (Jesus -the one who saves, Bethlehem – house of bread etc). I am reminded by this of a wonderful old house in Dorking UK called ‘Two Oaks’ . It was the family home of the rather appropriately named ‘Goode’ family and it had 2 large oak tree’s in the garden. The funny thing is though, whenever I drive past or recall that house, I never think about the tree’s in the garden but the about the ‘Oaks of righteousness’ who lived inside the house. When I read today’s scriptures it is their faces that spring to mind, people whose roots were planted deep into God, who drew their life from him and remain such an inspiration to me as a result. – people planted by the Lord who displayed his
Prayer: Lord thank you that when the acorn of faith is planted deep into the rich soil of your promises, a righteous oak will slowly emerge and grow to display your beauty.
Fiona
Simon
Editors’ note: Nicholas was a native of the western part of Turkey. He became Bishop of Myra in the
fourth century. Nicholas provided bags of gold for each of three unmarried sisters
to save them from a life of shame. Hence a pawnbroking shop traditionally
advertises by displaying three gold balls over its front. In many countries,
Nicholas visits children on his feast day, 6 December, and brings them gifts.
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