Koonung Heights – Surrey Hills Uniting Church
Service of Worship at Home
Pentecost 6 – 20 July 2025 – 10am or whenever possible
Crossroads of Culture and Faith – Politics
You may like to light a candle during your time of worship.
Feel free to text the Peace to other members of the congregation.
Introit: “Santo, Santo, Santo” – (TiS 723)
Santo, santo, santo. Mi corazón te adora!
Mi corazón te sabe decir: Santo eres Señor!
Holy, holy, holy. My heart, my heard adores you!
My heart knows how to say to you: Holy are you, Lord.
Lighting the Christ Candle:
As we light the Christ candle today,
we do so as a sign of God’s Spirit at work in the world.
May its light represent the wisdom of Christ,
and may it inspire us to also make wise choices
that work towards a more just and peaceful world for all.
Acknowledgement of Country:
This land is God’s land and God’s Spirit dwells here.
I acknowledge the Wurundjeri WoiWurrung
People of the Kulin nation,
traditional custodians of this land under God.
I pay my respects to their elders and leaders,
past and present, and to all future generations.
Let us commit ourselves again
to working for justice in this land.
Call to Worship:
Where questions and debate shape us;
where critical thinking deepens us;
where faith stretches us;
where the world challenges us:
in that crossing point,
of faith and reality,
we find the God who speaks into our times.
In such a place we worship.
Opening Prayer:
God of wisdom and justice,
in the stillness of this moment,
we pause to reflect on your presence among us.
You have called us to seek wisdom,
to lead with humility, and to serve with love.
As we worship, may your Spirit shape us.
As we listen, may your voice challenge us.
In this time of worship may the words we speak
the prayers we offer and the meditations of our hearts
be pleasing in your sight.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
We Sing: “Sing of the Lord’s goodness” – (TiS 183)
Sing of the Lord’s goodness, Father of all wisdom,
come to God and bless the name.
Mercy God has shown us, God’s love is for ever,
faithful to the end of days.
Come then, all you nations, sing of your Lord’s goodness,
melodies of praise and thanks to God.
Ring out the Lord’s glory, praising with your music,
worship God and bless the name.
Courage in our darkness, comfort in our sorrow,
Spirit of our God most high;
solace for the weary, pardon for the sinner,
splendour of the living God.
Come then, all you nations …
Praise him with your singing, praise her with the trumpet,
praise God with the lute and harp,
praise God with the cymbals, praising with your dancing,
praise God till the end of days.
Come then, all you nations …
Prayer of Adoration and Confession:
Gracious God,
you are the source of all truth,
the One who reigns with justice and love.
From the beginning of time
you have guided leaders and inspired prophets,
and spoken wisdom into the hearts of all.
We stand before you in awe,
knowing that everything comes from you.
We thank you for your boundless wisdom,
wisdom that surpasses knowledge.
We thank you for your justice,
justice that lifts the lowly and humbles the proud.
We thank you for your love that
embraces all people and shapes our hearts.
We thank you for your Spirit that guides us in truth.
Merciful God,
we come before you humbled,
knowing that we have often sought our own ways
instead of your wisdom.
Like so many before us,
we have pursued power without responsibility,
spoken without listening and acted without love.
You have called us to seek justice,
but we have turned our focus inward,
protecting our own interests rather than uplifting others.
Forgive us
for the times we have been silent in the face of injustice,
for seeking control instead of discernment,
for chasing wealth instead of wisdom,
for valuing appearances over integrity.
We confess that too often,
we have asked the wrong questions,
sought our own comfort instead of the well-being of others,
have chosen fear over faith, division over unity,
and self-interest over service.
God of grace, cleanse our hearts.
Renew in us a spirit of wisdom and humility.
Teach us to ask the right questions,
to lead with love and to act with courage
for the flourishing of all people.
Have mercy on us and shape us
into the people you have called us to be.
Amen.
Words of Assurance:
Sisters and brothers, hear this good news.
In Christ and through Christ we are forgiven.
Thanks be to God.
Amen.
The Peace:
May the peace of Christ dwell with you …
and also with you.
Time for All:
Do you like my lamp? While it doesn’t look particularly fancy, I wonder what might happen if I rubbed it? Do you think a genie might appear? Just imagine if a genie did appear and they offered to grant my wish. I wonder what I’d wish for.
What if you could have one wish granted? What would you wish for? What might be the first thing you’d think of? Do you think you might wish for something else if you had longer to think about it?
The genie in the lamp is a familiar literary device which appears in quite a few stories. Probably the most well-known of these is the story of Aladdin. While this tale has been ‘Disneyfied’ in recent times, the plot sees Aladdin, a poor boy, find a lamp and release a genie who grants him three wishes.
Aladdin’s initial wish is granted, but it doesn’t ultimately bring lasting fulfilment. Aladdin wants to marry Princess Jasmine and he thinks he will have a better chance if he is a rich prince and so he asks for this and arrives in the city of Agrabah as Prince Ali.
After many adventures Aladdin and Princess Jasmine end up together, but for me the best part of the story is when Aladdin keeps his promise and uses his final wish to grant the genie his freedom. Aladdin has come to understand that the most important thing isn’t looking after yourself, but putting others first.
In one of our Bible readings today we will hear about Solomon. Solomon is seen as being selfless in what he asks for because he doesn’t ask for wealth or power, but for wisdom so that he can rule God’s people justly.
Let us pray
Loving God,
Help us to be people who seek those things that really matter
wisdom over wealth, truth over convenience, and love over fear,
the things of your kingdom.
As we strive to follow in the way you would have us live,
may we continue to seek you every day.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray,
our wisdom and our peace,
Amen.
We Sing: “Seek ye first” – (TiS 745)
See ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,
and all these things shall be added unto you. Allelu, alleluia.
Ask and it shall be given unto you, seek and you shall find,
knock and it shall be opened unto you. Allelu, alleluia.
Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 1:1, 7-13
– Solomon Requests Wisdom
1 Solomon son of David strengthened himself in his kingdom; the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.
7 That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask what I should give you.” 8 Solomon said to God, “You have shown great and steadfast love to my father David and have made me succeed him as king. 9 O Lord God, let your promise to my father David now be fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of yours?”
11 God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you and have not even asked for long life but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may rule my people over whom I have made you king, 12 wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.” 13 So Solomon came from the high place at Gibeon, from the tent of meeting, to Jerusalem. And he reigned over Israel.
Bible Reading: Luke 3:7-18
7 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Therefore, bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 9 Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
10 And the crowds asked him, “What, then, should we do?” 11 In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none, and whoever has food must do likewise.” 12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” 13 He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.”
Reflection:
Two things we are often encouraged not to talk about are religion and politics – they are dangerous topics of conversation, particularly if you are meeting people for the first time.
This suggestion is attributed to Mark Twain, who elegantly stated, ‘I am quite sure now that often, very often, in matters concerning religion and politics a man’s reasoning powers are not above the monkey’s.’ Whether we believe that to be the case or not, it is true that we tend to avoid topics of conversation that might lead to conflict. Let’s face it, it is awkward at a family dinner when all of a sudden your crazy uncle starts yelling at grandma because they disagree about who the Prime Minister should be. That scene is probably pretty common considering today’s world politics, but I also believe that it is not all that different from how it was over one century ago, except that the conversation may have happened mostly among the men.
I can’t imagine that there would be any yelling or name calling today, but I’m going to invite us to think a little about how culture and faith intersect within the realm of politics. One of the greatest worries concerning many of us at present, is the startling state of the world politics, political leaders and the decisions that are being made. As people of faith surely we have something to say in this space.
Our two readings for this week shine a light on politics and, I believe, on how we might be called to respond. In 2 Chronicles we witness Solomon answering God’s question, ‘Ask what I should give you.’ In the gospel passage, John the Baptist responds to a question from the crowd, encouraging them to change their lives to reflect God’s kingdom. Both passages call for a transformed perspective and actions that are aligned with what God envisages.
Firstly, the passage from 2 Chronicles gives us a glimpse into a very different political system and, apparently, a very different kind of leader. Solomon ascends to power after his father, David, has designated him as successor, partly due to the encouragement of Solomon’s mother, Bathsheba. Early in his reign, God appears to Solomon and asks, ‘What should I give you?’ The passage tells us that instead of requesting wealth, power, or military dominance, instead Solomon asks for the wisdom and knowledge to govern well. Solomon’s request is not self-serving and so God grants him not only in wisdom but also wealth, honour and success.
Whether we take these verses literally, or see them as part of a political speech designed to remind the reader of Solomon’s virtues, there is still something relevant they have to say. When given an open invitation to ask for anything, we see Solomon choose wisdom for the sake of others, rather than power for himself. This speaks volumes about what true leadership should look like – leadership that founded in humility and justice with a sense of responsibility towards the people. If you know anything of the story of Solomon, you will know that he was by no means perfect, but at least he started out with what seem to be good intentions. This raises a critical question for today: are our leaders asking the right questions? Are we?
Solomon’s response contrasts sharply with much of today’s political landscape. Too often, it seems, leaders are more focused on their own image, influence, or their re-election campaigns than they are on the well-being of the people they serve. Instead of asking, ‘How can I govern with wisdom and justice?, many ask, ‘How can I maintain power?’, ‘How can I silence opposition?’ and ‘How can I benefit personally?’ This failure is not just one of individual leaders, but a systematic issue. In many societies politics is shaped more by wealth, privilege and partisanship, than by a commitment to truth and justice. Leaders who do prioritise wisdom and service often face opposition, misinformation and pressure to conform. Solomon’s example reminds us that true leadership is not about self-preservation, it is about using power and responsibility for the good of all.
It’s not enough to just be concerned with what is happening in the political realm. As citizens we also have a part to play. Are we asking the right questions of our leaders, our institutions and ourselves? The quality of our democracy, our justice systems and our communities also depends on the kinds of questions that we are prepared to raise.
Instead of asking, ‘How do I protect my own interests?’, we should be asking ‘How do we ensure fairness for all?’ Instead of asking, ‘How do we return to how things were?’, we should ask ‘How do we move forward in ways that will benefit future generations?’. Instead of asking, ‘How do we maintain power?’, we should ask ‘How do we use power to build a more just and inclusive world?’ It seems to me that the way we frame our questions reflects the values that we hold. As people of faith, our values should be in line with God’s kingdom values.
‘What, then, should we do?’ This is the question at the centre of today’s gospel reading. John the Baptist is not pulling any punches when he calls the crowd a ‘brood of vipers’. He says that it doesn’t matter who their ancestors were. Rather, what matters, is that they do something. They are called to ‘bear good fruit’, to take action. The actions John describes are actions of justice and generosity – sharing what they have and only taking what is owed to them.
I think that we, too, are called to action. We need to live in a way that demonstrates a commitment to responsibility, justice and wisdom – three values that should shape all aspects of political and public life. I wonder if the challenge for us is to move beyond our own self-interest, and to live into the posture that enables us to move to more honest, ethical and compassionate engagement with leadership and governance. Wisdom seeking leadership is not just about individual morality, but also about building systems and institutions that prioritise justice, equality and the common good. This may only happen if we, the community, hold ourselves and our politicians to account.
At a time when misinformation spreads quickly, politics is often divisive, and justice feels like an uphill battle, wisdom must be at the centre of any dialogue and decision making. We should demand better from our leaders, our institutions and ourselves.
Leadership, in any space, is not about personal gain, but about service. Today, more than ever, we need leaders, activists and communities who embody this spirit. May we, following the example of Christ, also embody that spirit.
Amen.
We Sing: “O God, you call for justice” – (Tune TiS 457)
O God, you call for justice – for goodness, never greed!
You seek a world of fairness where all have what they need –
where all have food and water and homes in which to thrive,
where all have hope and laughter and joy to be alive!
O God, you call for kindness instead of keeping score;
you seek a world that welcomes the hungry and the poor.
Lord, where there is injustice may we work to protect
the struggling ones, the voiceless that others would reject.
You call us to walk humbly, for we are not our own;
we all are poor and needy; we need the grace you’ve shown.
May we respond to others reflecting what you give –
compassion, kindness, justice — so all may gladly live.
O God, may our great nation seek justice, as we should,
and work with dedication to seek the common good.
We’re blessed to be a blessing; may we within our law
seek justice and compassion that reaches out to all.
Prayer for Others (prepared by Margaret Lord):
Today we have listened to ancient stories of Solomon and of John the Baptist. May we apply their insights to our life in today’s world, prioritising wisdom, justice and kindness.
Let us join in prayer for the world.
The needs are vast, beyond our comprehension or even our knowing. But that does not mean we escape responsibility, for there are plenty of things we do know, injustices that we are only too well aware of, and some of these things we remember in our prayers together today.
We know that people, including ourselves, so easily resort to tribal identities of one sort or another, setting one group against another. We pray for just reconciliation between sparring individuals, rival groups and national enemies, so that divisive argument, needless suffering and wars might cease.
However insignificant any contribution we can make might seem, as followers of Jesus, we want to play our part in the work of reconciliation. May we have the courage to reach out across barriers, even when that puts us outside our own comfort zones. We acknowledge and confess that some barriers we may even have helped to construct ourselves.
May we remember that everyone brings the lens of their own culture and background to their view of the world. Just because this is the way we do something, doesn’t mean it is a universal truth or necessarily reflects how others may view the same situation. We pray for open minds, and welcoming hearts as we develop relationships with others.
We pray for the work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission and their recent report which shines new light on the history of our State, viewed through the lens of its indigenous people.
We pray that we may learn how to live together more constructively in our melting pot society, without prejudice and without fear and suspicion of each other.
We pray for wisdom for those who are elected to lead us, as they also wrestle with these issues.
May we avoid easy cynicism about the political system, but rather, be encouragers, working towards a more just and generous society.
We pray for our local community, especially for people who, for whatever reason, feel that they face barriers to living a fulfilling life, who feel they are outsiders looking in on the community – for those living in poverty, or who are homeless, those ill or grieving, lonely or feeling misunderstood, those who see no light at the end of their particular tunnel, those who feel different from the mainstream in whatever way.
May we play our part in making these people know they are seen and that our response is couched in warmth and openness, accepting personal responsibility and engagement with others wherever we can.
We pray for the church, that it might thrive and be flexible enough to develop in new ways as it seeks to move through the ever-changing situations of the world, guided by the example of Jesus.
We pray that all the people who come into contact with members of this congregation may find the interactions positive and life giving.
In a few moments of silence let us each name those particular people and situations for which we have a special concern today, knowing that they are all held within God’s love and care.
We give thanks that God is with us and with those for whom we pray, in all these situations and in all our living.
All these things we pray in the name of Jesus, who taught us to pray saying:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name;
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
We Sing: “God gives us a future” – (TiS 687)
God gives us a future, daring us to go
into dreams and dangers on a path unknown.
We will face tomorrow in the Spirit’s power,
we will let God change us for new life starts now.
We must leave behind us sins of yesterday,
for God’s new beginning is a better way.
Fear and doubt and habit must now hold us back:
God gives hope, and insight, and the strength we lack.
Holy Spirit, teach us how to read the signs,
how to meet the challenge of our troubled times.
Love us into action, stir us into prayer,
till we choose God’s life, and find our future there.
Blessing and Sending:
As we leave worship today,
let us remember to be wise.
May we speak up,
speak out and speak well.
This is what is asked of us
today and every day,
now and always.
May the blessing of God,
Father, Son and Spirit,
the One who Mother’s us all,
be with you evermore.
Amen.
Thanks to all those who have assisted in preparation for this liturgy with encouragement, prayers and conversation. I have also utilised the following resources: www.interruptingthesilence.com, Spill the Beans (Issue 55) and www.workingpreacher.com.
O God, you call for Justice written by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette.