The Daily Office for January 19, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 37:1-18
Genesis 11:1-9
Hebrews 6:13-20
John 4:1-15
Reading (Hebrews 6:13-20)
Reflection
The greatest encouragement to faith and patience is the confidence that God’s promises are trustworthy. The author of Hebrews uses Abraham as an example of one who practiced the diligence of a fruitful life. In so doing, he cites God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 22:16–17, which is a restatement of His promise in Genesis 12:2–3. God backed up His promise with His integrity. He signed His name to the promise.
Yet Abraham died not having received fullness of God's promises. The ultimate fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant involved the coming and ministry of Christ Himself, which Abraham did not see during his lifetime. The promise cited in today's Epistle reading concerns the receiving of Isaac. And though the quote in verse 14 is taken from the statement made to Abraham when he offered Isaac to God on Mount Moriah, it is only the reaffirmation of a promise made before Isaac was born. Of course, this was simply the first step toward the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham; the promised Messiah who came to be our great High Priest and Messiah.
Collect of the Day
Lord God, who raised up Wulfstan to be a bishop among your people and a leader of your Church: help us, after his example, to live simply, to work diligently and to make your kingdom known; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.