Sunday Devotion: 4 October 2020, Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday Devotions
Confidence in the face of uncertainty
Written by clergy and lay people across our Diocesan community, ‘Sunday Devotions’ is a column of short reflections based on a Lectionary reading of the day, suitable for small group discussion or personal use.
Main readings: Exodus 20.1–4, 7–9, 12–20; Psalm 19; Philippians 3 or 3.4b–14; Matthew 21.33–46 [Isaiah 5.1-7; Psalm 80.7-15]
Supplementary Readings: Psalm 118.19-29; Matthew 20.17-28; Exodus 22.21-22.9; Psalm 80.7-15; Romans 16.1-16
“Christ Jesus has made me his own.” (Philippians 3.12)
Throughout the COVID-19 period, especially in the face of uncertainty regarding the health of our loved ones, we have learnt to have faith. We have confidence that God’s love and protection over us are unwavering.
Because Christ has made us his own, we know that God’s love carries us through the hardship and despair of the unknown future, especially as Year 12 students wondering what the world holds for us after we graduate. God’s love and desire to know us better also inspire us to love those around us and connect with one another as Jesus would have, however distant we may be.
Paul discussed his confidence in a loving relationship with Jesus Christ, which he put at the centre of his life. He joyfully acknowledged the loss of all other things for the immensity of their relationship. Before Paul became a Christian he believed that his ‘religious’ achievements were the measures of his success, all in the effort to please God. However, as Paul came to realise, the greatness of God was much more powerful and sacred. You can win in life and have success and wealth, but God’s only desire is that we live our lives on earth to the fullest, with compassion for our neighbours and loving those who feel unloved, as well as living righteously in God’s name.
Our God does not measure us by the success that we obtain, but rather wants us to have confidence and trust in Jesus, which cannot be quantified.
Olivia Gabauer and Taya Kesby, from St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School, wrote this Sunday Devotion with the support of college chaplain The Rev’d Gillian Moses.
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