Lent 2023 – Day 28 – Luke 17 v 20-37

Welcome to our Daily reflections for Lent.

We have provided a number of ways of using these reflections.

• You can listen to it in podcast style by clicking on the first audio file. (approx 18 minutes);
• You can listen to the reflection and the prayers with a shortened length for personal prayer (approx 6 minutes);
• You can read your own version of the Bible and then listen to the reflection, play the hymn in the embedded YouTube clip and then listen to the prayer section;
• You can choose to just read through it and ignore the audio files; or
• any combination of the above.

However you choose to use them we hope you will find them helpful and thought provoking.

Full Audio of today’s reflection.

Read Luke Chapter 17 verses 20-37. In your own preferred version. The audio uses the NIV.
Link to the Bible Gateway NIV version (Opens in a new tab)

“the kingdom of God is in your midst.”

I am re-reading some 1960’s science fiction at the moment, which I originally read as a teenager far closer to the 1960’s than I would care to admit. The indomitable spirit of humanity as it explores the galaxy in sleek star ships. Seeking and searching for adventure and fulfillment. Seeing wrong and setting it right.

In a sense our passage today explores a similar theme as we ourselves seek to find these things in our own lives and circumstances. Not in some far distant place but here and now. The passage emphasises the fact that the kingdom of God is around and about us. We sometimes say and indeed some translations state that the kingdom of God is “within us” but in fact it is not an internal thing. Our experience of the kingdom is something to be shared with each other. Jesus is revealing to us that the kingdom is within our grasp and that there is a need for action from us in order to be able to grasp this relationship with God. It is not something which will just happen but needs us to do our part to open channels to God that we have closed. How much more vivid and exciting are the things that we do together knowing that we do them in the context of the kingdom of God.

The second half of the passage is a much misinterpreted one. Stating that it will be the faithful who are lifted away and the sinful left behind. In fact, the commentators tell us, the meaning of the passage is that those who are not a part of the kingdom will be stolen away by the enemy be that human or spiritual. Taking the historical context into account this would have resonated with the people who had experienced exile so many times uprooted from their homes and taken away from their land into slavery. It could well also be a reference to the Roman invaders and the future destruction of the temple. The link between the two sections is, I think, that we need to be prepared and engaged in the kingdom so that we are firmly rooted and confident of our place both here and now and into eternity.

Hymn: Singing the Faith –  254 “The Kingdom of God is justice and joy”

Contemplation Words

“ the kingdom of God is in your midst.”

Let us pray together.

Contemplative Prayer

Think of the words in order to understand context and meaning, Feel the meaning of the words with and in your heart, Pray, using the words, for yourself or others. With only a name and without explaining the reasons or pre-defining any answers. Listen for God’s voice in the quiet of your prayers. Pray using your own prayers or one of those which have been prepared below.

Twitter Prayer

Lord, we thank you that we can experience your kingdom each day of our lives. Amen

Full Prayer

Loving God, give us eyes to see your kingdom all around us. Let all of our actions demonstrate that we are part of that kingdom and to encourage others to accept your invitation to join with you. We pray for hearts that trust your promises that the kingdom of God is available to anyone who will come to you. Give us the courage to reach out to others with the good news of the grace and mercy we have experienced in you.