Reflection for 21st July 2024The Eighth Sunday After TrinityJeremiah 23.1-6, Ephesians 2.11-22, Mark 6.30-34, 53-endThis week's passages speak of undesirable and positive leadership. We see God's salvific plan at work throughout history. The prophet Jeremiah speaks of the appalling leadership of the kings over the people. We have all likely encountered or endured poor leadership, whether from managers, governments, or other group leaders.Good and unsuccessful leadership happened then, as it does today. God attributed the scattering and driving away of the sheep to the Kings, implying that their lack of faith and disobedience, coupled with their corrupt, greedy, and oppressive governments, led to the harsh judgement of exile on the people. Jeremiah prophesied that God would deal with the kings who do not care for his children, the sheep of His pasture, and the people of Israel. In verse 5, Jeremiah prophesies something to which our ears should prick up: "The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I raise up for David a righteous branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.” This foretells Jesus, the Messiah, who was born of Mary. Despite the complete severance of King David's main hereditary line, a branch persisted, from which Mary descended. The Old Testament refers to the future saviour, God's King of Israel, as 'The Lord is our righteousness', symbolising God's righteousness as a means of justice and redemption. God, being a merciful judge, carried out justice by condemning the oppressor and saving the oppressed by delivering them from exile.In the passage from Mark, we see Jesus’ reign wisely as King, administering justice and righteousness in the land. Realizing the apostles have not had a break while ministering, not even to eat, Jesus takes them away to a solitary place to rest and recuperate. Here, Jesus shows His wise care for the people of God, both physically and spiritually. This is also a lesson for us. Do you recall the blessing of spending time with God? Keep those moments of space for God to refresh and revitalise you. Jesus knows the work He gives is tough—not a burden, but costly. He was aware of this when he took the apostles away. And soon enough, the crowds found them, desperate for the care they had so badly missed out on. Upon seeing them, Jesus did not become irritated or frustrated due to the distraction from His task. Instead, “He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things.” We once again refer to God's people as sheep, and Jesus is the Great Shepherd. He heals them and teaches them righteousness, providing them with the justice they require. Jesus is the King Jeremiah prophesied about thousands of years ago.Both of these passages have a double message for us today. First, God is the true king of our lives. He only has our best interests at heart. He knows our needs and will care for us far more than any human leader can.Second, Christ is not only our shepherd, but also our model for serving others. Like Christ, we look to serve in the world by meeting the needs of others with unconditional love, humility, and compassion, for we are all part of His royal priesthood, shepherds caring for God’s people. Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk and theologian, once said, “Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy." Christ demonstrates that we must make time to fully rest, to allow God to minister to us through prayer. Such rest may also entail allowing others to assist us—perhaps even daring to be vulnerable and asking for help! During our times of rest, God can reveal His plan for us and guide us, preventing us from rushing into our own plans. There is a cliché saying that we are ‘human beings, not human doings.’ Giving ourselves in service is how we find ourselves and the richness God has prepared for us. However, the passage from Mark clearly emphasizes the importance of taking time away from everything and everyone else. It is crucial to intentionally create time each day to recuperate, rejuvenate, and spend time in prayer to God, who is the ultimate source of sustenance and unwavering love. Only when we are filled from His source can we go out and truly selflessly serve the needs of our neighbours. When are you going to spend time each day this week resting in God’s arms and talking to Him before shepherding? Blessings and prayers, Emma