SUNDAY BIBLE READINGS
Bible Readings at all our main services are usually taken from the NIV Version of the Holy Bible and follow ‘The Lectionary 2022 - According to the Common Worship Calendar and Lectionary’ authorised for use in the Church of England (Year A) .
You can find the readings for the Day on the Home Page link by clicking the picture of the service sheet, or on the Services Page.
~~~~~~~
Sunday 6th October 2024
READING – EZEKIEL 17 (Message Translation)
God’s Message came to me: “Son of man, make a riddle for the house of Israel. Tell them a story. Say, ‘God, the Master, says:
“‘A great eagle with a huge wingspan and long feathers,
In full plumage and bright colours, came to Lebanon
And took the top off a cedar, broke off the top branch,
Took it to a land of traders, and set it down in a city of shopkeepers.
Then he took a cutting from the land and planted it in good, well-watered soil, like a willow on a riverbank.
It sprouted into a flourishing vine, low to the ground.
Its branches grew toward the eagle and the roots became established."
GOSPEL –MARK 4 (Message Translation)
Jesus taught by using stories, many stories. He said: “God’s kingdom is like seed thrown on a field by a man who then goes to bed and forgets about it. The seed sprouts and grows—he has no idea how it happens. The earth does it all without his help: first a green stem of grass, then a bud, then the ripened grain. When the grain is fully formed, he reaps—harvest time!
“How can we picture God’s kingdom?" said Jesus. "What kind of story can we use? It’s like an acorn. When it lands on the ground it is quite small as seeds go, yet once it is planted it grows into a huge oak tree with thick branches. Eagles nest in it.”
With many stories like these, he presented his message to them, fitting the stories to their experience and maturity. He was never without a story when he spoke.
Some material included in this page is copyright: © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society.
Used by permission of Hodder & Stoughton Ltd.