St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh
Midweek Devotion 16th March 2023
Led by Rev Douglas A O Nicol
The Psalmist wrote:
‘O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!’ (Psalm 95: 1/2)
Let us worship God.
Scripture Reading
The Gospel according to St. Luke, chapter 11, verses 14 to 23:
‘Now Jesus was casting out a demon that was mute; when the demon had gone out. The one who had been mute spoke, and the crowds were amazed. But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.’ Others, to test him, demanding from him a sign from heaven. But he knew what they were thinking and said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls on house. If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? – for you to say that I cast out the demons by Beelzebul. Now if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his castle, his property is safe. But when one stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away his armour in which he trusted and divides his plunder. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.’
Reflection
Our Lectionary reading for today includes one of a number of paragraphs in which the Gospel writer identifies the opposition that was mounting against Jesus during His ministry. In each case Jesus challenges the opposition!
Beelzebul is a name given to Satan, the chief of evil spirits, by Jews at the time of Jesus, and those questioning Jesus’ ministry voice the view that He is the Devil’s agent, despite the transparent goodness of his work. Jesus argues that if they were right, Satan would be on a suicide course – as are all who, opposing Jesus, call good evil. He claims that they are stubbornly denying the Holy Spirit’s work, and making their own forgiveness impossible.
With the hindsight of history we know that opposition to Jesus’ ministry led Him to the cross of Calvary, where He died on the first Good Friday. In doing so He offers to all forgiveness and the promise of a fulfilled life. The hymnwriter Isaac Watts puts it this way:
When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of Glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
save in the death of Christ, my God;
all the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.
See! From his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down;
did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.
Prayer
Almighty God, we give you thanks
for life and all its blessings,
for joys great and simple,
for gifts and powers more than we deserve,
for love at the heart of your purpose
and surpassing wisdom in all your works,
for light in the world
brought once in Jesus Christ
and shining ever through his Spirit.
We pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord,
for that light to dawn upon us daily,
that we may always have a grateful heart,
and a will to love and serve you
to the end of our days.
We commend to your generous goodness
all those who today are in any way
afflicted and distressed,
remembering especially all Ukrainians.
We remember now all seeking to offer humanitarian aid, and all working for peace … that an end to the invasion of Ukraine would come swiftly.
We remember before You those we love the most whether at home or abroad, and we ask that they might know of Your peace, joy, and love in full measure.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, which art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever,
Amen.
Benediction
The guarding of the God of life be on you,
the guarding of the loving Christ be on you,
the guarding of the Holy Spirit be on you
to aid you and enfold you
each day and night of your lives.
Amen.
Organ Music
Nicolas de Grigny Duo – Ave maris stella