The Lord has done great things for us,
and we rejoiced.
(Psalm 126:3)
1 Kings 7:1-51
Solomon built other buildings, big and expensive.
Acts 7:30-50
Stephen also reminded them that leaders chosen by God weren't always immediately accepted. He has been preaching to them about their ancestors. Abraham and then Moses were willing to leave home, to travel to unknown places, (and for Moses, to spend decades in the wilderness without reaching the destination). Moses over and over had to face the complaints of his followers who kept insisting that they ought to return rather than go on to something yet unseen.
Stephen then used Solomon as a bad example because he insisted on building a visible temple. Turning to the religious authorities, Stephen chastised them, "God doesn't live in a house that humans can build."
To summarize: buildings should not be the goal of your life with God. God expects you to leave the comfortable and spend some time with the unfamiliar and the uncomfortable.
Psalm 126:1-6
Proverbs 16:31-33
Gray hair is a crown of glory;
it is gained in a righteous life.
One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
and one whose temper is controlled than one
who captures a city.
The lot is cast into the lap,
but the decision is the Lord's alone.
Prayer for Today: O Lord, our God, help us turn away from false gods that promise us security, advancement, rewards, and to turn toward you. Remind us that you don't just stay in that big building we call our church but are with us and before us and behind us in all we do and try to do. Amen.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Monday, June 9, 2014
Reflection on readings for June 9
Unless the Lord builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
(Psalm 127:1)
1 Kings 5:1-6:38
A new king; new policy. David had wanted to build a temple but had been convinced that God did not want him to. Solomon, now the king, wants to build a temple. He states that since they are not now at war, God would approve. Their neighbor Lebanon is happy with the decision because the project will require importing cedar from them. King Solomon conscripts labor from 30,000 men to go to Lebanon to harvest the cedar, another 70,000 laborers and 80,000 stonecutters, and 3,300 supervisors.
The word of the Lord comes to Solomon "If you walk in my statutes, obey my ordinances, and keep all my commandments, I will establish with you the promise I made to David."
It took seven years to complete the building.
We descendants of Solomon still tend to show our allegiance to God by building big, expensive structures.
Acts 7:1-29
The religious authorities bring Stephen to trial. He reminds them that God's people had been required to make drastic moves in the past in order to remain faithful to God's wishes for them.
Psalm 127:1-5
Proverbs 16:28-30
A perverse person spreads strife,
and a whisperer separates close friends.
The violent entice their neighbors,
and lead them in a way that is not good.
One who winks the eyes plans perverse things;
one who compresses the lips brings evil to pass.
Prayer for Today: Choose a prayer from Joan Stott's website The Timeless Psalms.
those who build it labor in vain.
(Psalm 127:1)
1 Kings 5:1-6:38
A new king; new policy. David had wanted to build a temple but had been convinced that God did not want him to. Solomon, now the king, wants to build a temple. He states that since they are not now at war, God would approve. Their neighbor Lebanon is happy with the decision because the project will require importing cedar from them. King Solomon conscripts labor from 30,000 men to go to Lebanon to harvest the cedar, another 70,000 laborers and 80,000 stonecutters, and 3,300 supervisors.
The word of the Lord comes to Solomon "If you walk in my statutes, obey my ordinances, and keep all my commandments, I will establish with you the promise I made to David."
It took seven years to complete the building.
We descendants of Solomon still tend to show our allegiance to God by building big, expensive structures.
Acts 7:1-29
The religious authorities bring Stephen to trial. He reminds them that God's people had been required to make drastic moves in the past in order to remain faithful to God's wishes for them.
Psalm 127:1-5
Proverbs 16:28-30
A perverse person spreads strife,
and a whisperer separates close friends.
The violent entice their neighbors,
and lead them in a way that is not good.
One who winks the eyes plans perverse things;
one who compresses the lips brings evil to pass.
Prayer for Today: Choose a prayer from Joan Stott's website The Timeless Psalms.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Reflection on readings for June 8
The Lord has done great things for us,
and we rejoiced.
(Psalm 126:3)
1 Kings 3:3-4:34
Having become king, Solomon goes to the high places to offer sacrifices to the Lord. The Lord appears to him in a dream, asking him what he wants. Solomon's reply that he would prefer wisdom as the gift pleases the Lord, who grants his gift and promises many others as well.
A demonstration of his wisdom convinces everybody.
Judah and Israel got along with each other. Solomon ruled over kingdoms extending from the Euphrates (Philistines) to Egypt, receiving tributes from them. A time of peace and of prosperity. A king who was respected for his wisdom by all the kings of the earth.
Acts 6:1-15
Today's reading from Kings tell about wisdom and peace. The reading from Acts tells about Christians who did not get along perfectly. But, they were able to devise a plan that would result in appropriate distribution of resources. Christian congregations still worry about making sure no one in their community is lacking what they need--don't they?
Conflict arose among the congregations. Some thought that Stephen was not voicing the orthodox line sufficiently. He was put on trial for saying things they considered blasphemy.
Psalm 126:1-6
The Psalmist asks for our fortunes to be restored "like watercourses in the Negeb." His first readers would have known what a lavish gift he was asking for.
In the desert region of the Negeb, creek beds were almost always dry. But, when the rains came, they were rushing rivers. If you knew the central Texas of my childhood, you would be familiar with what we called a gully, a wash, or an arroyo.
Imagine now a shallow depression in the desert. That's what you've got. Dust. Now, imagine, a heavy rain.
Despair followed by joy.
Proverbs 16:26-27
The appetite of workers works for them;
and hunger urges them on.
Scoundrels concoct evil,
and their speech is like a scorching fire.
Prayer for Today: Choose a prayer from Joan Stott's website The Timeless Psalms.
and we rejoiced.
(Psalm 126:3)
1 Kings 3:3-4:34
Having become king, Solomon goes to the high places to offer sacrifices to the Lord. The Lord appears to him in a dream, asking him what he wants. Solomon's reply that he would prefer wisdom as the gift pleases the Lord, who grants his gift and promises many others as well.
A demonstration of his wisdom convinces everybody.
Judah and Israel got along with each other. Solomon ruled over kingdoms extending from the Euphrates (Philistines) to Egypt, receiving tributes from them. A time of peace and of prosperity. A king who was respected for his wisdom by all the kings of the earth.
Acts 6:1-15
Today's reading from Kings tell about wisdom and peace. The reading from Acts tells about Christians who did not get along perfectly. But, they were able to devise a plan that would result in appropriate distribution of resources. Christian congregations still worry about making sure no one in their community is lacking what they need--don't they?
Conflict arose among the congregations. Some thought that Stephen was not voicing the orthodox line sufficiently. He was put on trial for saying things they considered blasphemy.
Psalm 126:1-6
The Psalmist asks for our fortunes to be restored "like watercourses in the Negeb." His first readers would have known what a lavish gift he was asking for.
In the desert region of the Negeb, creek beds were almost always dry. But, when the rains came, they were rushing rivers. If you knew the central Texas of my childhood, you would be familiar with what we called a gully, a wash, or an arroyo.
Imagine now a shallow depression in the desert. That's what you've got. Dust. Now, imagine, a heavy rain.
Despair followed by joy.
Proverbs 16:26-27
The appetite of workers works for them;
and hunger urges them on.
Scoundrels concoct evil,
and their speech is like a scorching fire.
Prayer for Today: Choose a prayer from Joan Stott's website The Timeless Psalms.
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Reflection on readings for June 7
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,
Prayer for Today: Choose a prayer for Pentecost from Joan Stott's website The Timeless Psalms.
which cannot be moved but abides forever.
(Psalm 125:1)
1 Kings 2:1-3:2
Acts 5:1-42
On Easter we remembered and celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That was Easter. In what the church calls Eastertide, we have been remembering the resurrection. As we approach Pentecost, we are also assessing what the impact of the resurrection has on our own lives.
Acts takes us back to the very early church, the period immediately after ascension and pentecost.
The believers were caring for each other--to the extent of sharing their possessions (Acts 4:32-35) and caring for many, many others. They performed great numbers of healings (5:12-16).
And they preached. And the preaching upset the authorities. When called to account, their response was "We must obey God rather than any human authority."
Peter and the other apostles summarize the message that inspired them and continues to inspire us as we move through Eastertide:
God raised up Jesus.
God exalted him so that he might give repentance and forgiveness.
We are witnesses to these things.
But they weren't the last witnesses. The Holy Spirit continues to move through the church.
Psalm 125:1-5
Psalm 125 begins with a statement of confidence: Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people from this time on and forevermore.
As I thought about these verses, I was struck first by the psalmist's use of place. That is, he looked around him where he was and saw God right there right them, and further knew that God had always been there and always would be. We are like that big mountain over there. We cannot no more be moved than it can. God is like the mountains that surround this city. I can step out into the street and see them all around us. God is like that, all around us.
Perhaps I will remember to look around today and to let familiar objects remind me of God and God's qualities and the qualities of people who recognize God's presence.
This psalm continues with a prayer to the Lord to do good to those who are good. We need to remember to be good if we are sincere in this prayer.
Proverbs 16:25
Sometimes there is a way that seems to be right,
but in the end it is the way to death.
Prayer for Today: Choose a prayer for Pentecost from Joan Stott's website The Timeless Psalms.
Friday, June 6, 2014
Reflection on readings for June 6
Our help is in the name of the Lord
who made heaven and earth.
(Psalm 124:8)
1 Kings 1:1-53
Acts 4:1-37
Peter, a religious man, has been acted on his religious training and experience, is now called to account by religious authorities.
"Who gave you the authority to do this?"
Holly Hearon asks: "When have you experienced a life-giving event in your life that has been viewed with suspicion by others? When have you found yourself suspicious of what someone else has identified as a life-giving event? What criteria should be used in assessing such moments?"
More disturbing to us may be verses 32-35. We Americans complain that our government wants a lot. Then, the church wanted it all.
Remember, no social security, no medicare, no unemployment insurance. How were people who needed help to be cared for?
Giving everything seems hard--and it seemed hard to them, too. Keep reading in this chapter.
But, back to this lesson: Luke has emphasized that discipleship to Jesus involves one's possessions. See Luke 6:20-26; 12:13-21; Acts 11:27-29, among others.
Is there a conflict between being of one heart and one mind (v.32) and having private ownership? Even if we cannot imagine common ownership, is there any way we can accept a modification of this principle?
How do you find a connection between verses 33 and 34? What is our responsibility toward the needy (v.34)? Does this responsibility leap across national borders?
Psalm 124:1-8
I'm trying to imagine the original setting for this psalm. Everybody is grateful. Everybody is traveling to a great festival. Which is harder for me to imagine happening in my time--that they are on a pilgrimage, or that they are on it together?
This psalm gives us words to express gratitude and reminds us to whom we owe our rescue.
If God had not been on our side, we would have been swallowed up by enemies--human ones and ones of nature.
Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Prayer for Today: Choose a prayer from Joan Stott's website The Timeless Psalms
who made heaven and earth.
(Psalm 124:8)
1 Kings 1:1-53
Acts 4:1-37
Peter, a religious man, has been acted on his religious training and experience, is now called to account by religious authorities.
"Who gave you the authority to do this?"
Holly Hearon asks: "When have you experienced a life-giving event in your life that has been viewed with suspicion by others? When have you found yourself suspicious of what someone else has identified as a life-giving event? What criteria should be used in assessing such moments?"
More disturbing to us may be verses 32-35. We Americans complain that our government wants a lot. Then, the church wanted it all.
Remember, no social security, no medicare, no unemployment insurance. How were people who needed help to be cared for?
Giving everything seems hard--and it seemed hard to them, too. Keep reading in this chapter.
But, back to this lesson: Luke has emphasized that discipleship to Jesus involves one's possessions. See Luke 6:20-26; 12:13-21; Acts 11:27-29, among others.
Is there a conflict between being of one heart and one mind (v.32) and having private ownership? Even if we cannot imagine common ownership, is there any way we can accept a modification of this principle?
How do you find a connection between verses 33 and 34? What is our responsibility toward the needy (v.34)? Does this responsibility leap across national borders?
Psalm 124:1-8
I'm trying to imagine the original setting for this psalm. Everybody is grateful. Everybody is traveling to a great festival. Which is harder for me to imagine happening in my time--that they are on a pilgrimage, or that they are on it together?
This psalm gives us words to express gratitude and reminds us to whom we owe our rescue.
If God had not been on our side, we would have been swallowed up by enemies--human ones and ones of nature.
We have escaped like a birdAlthough this psalm is written for a community, individuals can also find solace and suggestion in it. When you have escaped from whatever snare had trapped you, you can pray these words. When you are still entrapped, you can use them as a reminder that help does come.
from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken,
and we have escaped.
Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Prayer for Today: Choose a prayer from Joan Stott's website The Timeless Psalms
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Reflection on readings for June 5
To you I lift up my eyes,
O you who are enthroned
in the heavens!
(Psalm 123:1)
2 Samuel 23:24-24:25
Acts 3:1-26
Even seeing the healing first hand, they all were astonished that the beggar was now able to walk. Even after hearing Peter invoke the name of Jesus, they couldn't understand what had just happened.
In response to their lack of understanding, Peter preaches to them. "Did you think that we did this? Have you forgotten the God of Israel? You may have rejected Jesus, the one that God chose, but God has not rejected him."
We today are living among people who also have heard about God, about God's gifts, and God's faithfulness. Yet, they don't expect God to do anything good for them, and they don't recognize when God does. They may have neglected God or they may have corroborated in acts that were in opposition to what God wished.
What now?
Peter preaches, "Repent. Even your sins can be forgiven.
Tangent: Verse 16 says that Peter was able to heal the man through faith, but is not explicit whether Peter is talking about his own faith. Nothing is said about the beggar's faith before the healing.
Psalm 123:1-4
When the Israelites were oppressed by Canaan, they cried out to the Lord for help (Judges 4:3). Centuries later, after success and great failure, they continued to ask the Lord for mercy. And, we, their descendants, continue to suffer and continue to turn to the Lord to aid them.
And, like them, we can pray Psalm 123 when we are suffering from the contempt of those around us.
The notes in The New Interpreter's Bible interpret the image of servant and master:
The wise of heart is called perceptive,
and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.
Wisdom is a fountain of life to one who has it,
but folly is the punishment of fools.
The mind of the wise makes their speech judicious,
and adds persuasiveness to their lips.
Prayer for Today: Choose a prayer from Joan Stott's website The Timeless Psalms.
O you who are enthroned
in the heavens!
(Psalm 123:1)
2 Samuel 23:24-24:25
Acts 3:1-26
Even seeing the healing first hand, they all were astonished that the beggar was now able to walk. Even after hearing Peter invoke the name of Jesus, they couldn't understand what had just happened.
In response to their lack of understanding, Peter preaches to them. "Did you think that we did this? Have you forgotten the God of Israel? You may have rejected Jesus, the one that God chose, but God has not rejected him."
We today are living among people who also have heard about God, about God's gifts, and God's faithfulness. Yet, they don't expect God to do anything good for them, and they don't recognize when God does. They may have neglected God or they may have corroborated in acts that were in opposition to what God wished.
What now?
Peter preaches, "Repent. Even your sins can be forgiven.
Tangent: Verse 16 says that Peter was able to heal the man through faith, but is not explicit whether Peter is talking about his own faith. Nothing is said about the beggar's faith before the healing.
Psalm 123:1-4
When the Israelites were oppressed by Canaan, they cried out to the Lord for help (Judges 4:3). Centuries later, after success and great failure, they continued to ask the Lord for mercy. And, we, their descendants, continue to suffer and continue to turn to the Lord to aid them.
And, like them, we can pray Psalm 123 when we are suffering from the contempt of those around us.
The notes in The New Interpreter's Bible interpret the image of servant and master:
Worshipers turn to God as their true sovereign, sick to death of the scorn and contempt of those who strut through the earth, oblivious of everything and everyone except themselves. The petition, even so, has no bitterness, just an urgent plea for God's mercy.Proverbs 16:21-23
The wise of heart is called perceptive,
and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.
Wisdom is a fountain of life to one who has it,
but folly is the punishment of fools.
The mind of the wise makes their speech judicious,
and adds persuasiveness to their lips.
Prayer for Today: Choose a prayer from Joan Stott's website The Timeless Psalms.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Reflection on readings for June 4
I was glad when they said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the Lord!"
(Psalm 122:1)
2 Samuel 22:1-23:23
The last words of David. He speaks of the many times that he called out to God and God delivered him. He also says that his deliverance was a reward for his righteousness, that he never turned away from God's ordinances. I don't know what to say about this. David also recounts his experience as a warrior and expresses the claim that God has made an everlasting covenant with him.
Acts 2:1-47
The Holy Spirit appeared suddenly, loudly, and effectively. The reaction was mixed. Some were bewildered, amazed, astonished.
Even when they found themselves able to understand in their own languages what the recipients were saying, the first witnesses either didn't know what was happening or made up a reason that seemed reasonable--they must be drunk.
Miracles or any exciting phenomena do not necessarily generate faith.
Peter responded to the lack of understanding and the rude remark by preaching a sermon.
Nonbelievers will not agree with our explanations. At least right away. After all, why should they? Allowing experience to explain phenomena is not unexpected.
Be careful with those sermons. They don't always help the unbeliever. At least right away.
I'm wondering what fraction of the people listening to a sermon on any Sunday are unbelievers. I'm wondering what they think about what they see happening that we explain has come through the Lord.
I got the Greek Reader app for my iPhone and used it today to analyze some of the words in this passage. This analysis then raised questions and prompted suggestions:
apostles (apostolos apostle, messenger, delegate) Who are we listening to? Who does the sending; i.e., how do we decide to recognize the authority of the one we're listening to, or learning from?
sign (semeion sign, token) What do we see? What do we find convincing?
wonders (teras) What is happening that is so different from ordinary life that we notice it?
devoted (proskartereo persevered, adhered to, gave constant attention to) Imagine a buzzer going off at intervals.You're supposed to write down what you are doing or thinking at that moment. Try it, and see how closely you come to the description of this early Christian congregation.
What does the word "church" mean to us now? Is it restricted to that building that we gather in on Sunday morning? Or, does it mean more than that?
Looking at the Acts passage, I really cannot imagine a congregation selling all of their possessions and sharing the proceeds. I can and have seen great generosity but not to the extent that Luke describes. We seem to be more likely to complain about high taxes than we are to worry about the needs of those less fortunate than we are.
What should we do with this text?
Psalm 122:1-9
Proverbs 16:19-20
It is better to be of a lowly spirit among the poor
than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Those who are attentive to a matter will prosper,
and happy are those who trust in the Lord.
Prayer for Today: O Lord our God, send your Spirit among us so that we can speak with each other and understand them when they speak to us. Show us how to share the gifts that you have bestowed upon us. Amen.
"Let us go to the house of the Lord!"
(Psalm 122:1)
2 Samuel 22:1-23:23
The last words of David. He speaks of the many times that he called out to God and God delivered him. He also says that his deliverance was a reward for his righteousness, that he never turned away from God's ordinances. I don't know what to say about this. David also recounts his experience as a warrior and expresses the claim that God has made an everlasting covenant with him.
Acts 2:1-47
The Holy Spirit appeared suddenly, loudly, and effectively. The reaction was mixed. Some were bewildered, amazed, astonished.
Even when they found themselves able to understand in their own languages what the recipients were saying, the first witnesses either didn't know what was happening or made up a reason that seemed reasonable--they must be drunk.
Miracles or any exciting phenomena do not necessarily generate faith.
Peter responded to the lack of understanding and the rude remark by preaching a sermon.
Nonbelievers will not agree with our explanations. At least right away. After all, why should they? Allowing experience to explain phenomena is not unexpected.
Be careful with those sermons. They don't always help the unbeliever. At least right away.
I'm wondering what fraction of the people listening to a sermon on any Sunday are unbelievers. I'm wondering what they think about what they see happening that we explain has come through the Lord.
I got the Greek Reader app for my iPhone and used it today to analyze some of the words in this passage. This analysis then raised questions and prompted suggestions:
apostles (apostolos apostle, messenger, delegate) Who are we listening to? Who does the sending; i.e., how do we decide to recognize the authority of the one we're listening to, or learning from?
sign (semeion sign, token) What do we see? What do we find convincing?
wonders (teras) What is happening that is so different from ordinary life that we notice it?
devoted (proskartereo persevered, adhered to, gave constant attention to) Imagine a buzzer going off at intervals.You're supposed to write down what you are doing or thinking at that moment. Try it, and see how closely you come to the description of this early Christian congregation.
What does the word "church" mean to us now? Is it restricted to that building that we gather in on Sunday morning? Or, does it mean more than that?
Looking at the Acts passage, I really cannot imagine a congregation selling all of their possessions and sharing the proceeds. I can and have seen great generosity but not to the extent that Luke describes. We seem to be more likely to complain about high taxes than we are to worry about the needs of those less fortunate than we are.
What should we do with this text?
Psalm 122:1-9
Proverbs 16:19-20
It is better to be of a lowly spirit among the poor
than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Those who are attentive to a matter will prosper,
and happy are those who trust in the Lord.
Prayer for Today: O Lord our God, send your Spirit among us so that we can speak with each other and understand them when they speak to us. Show us how to share the gifts that you have bestowed upon us. Amen.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Reflection on readings for June 3
I lift up my eyes to the hills--
from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
(Psalm 121:1-2)
2 Samuel 20:14-21:22
The ten tribes of Israel and the two tribes of Judah haven't gotten over their resentment of each other. David's kingship is again threatened. Through the help of a wise woman, the leader of the rebellion is eliminated. When the Gibeonites reminded David of the sufferings caused them by Saul, he agreed to execute almost all of Saul's sons. The actions of the grieving Rizbah, one of Saul's concubines, inspired David to give the remains of Saul and Jonathan a proper burial.
More war with the Philistines. David's men told him it was time for him to retire from army leading. Then another giant is killed, this time not by David but by his nephew.
Acts 1:1-26
He was a man who taught and worked and died. He appeared to travelers and disciples. We don't experience him in the way that they did. Yet, we continue to experience him. In the Christian calendar, we mark the 40th day after Easter as the day of the Ascension of the Lord (May 29 this year).
They had listened to his teaching. They had asked him when things would be the way they wanted them to be.
He told them that the Holy Spirit would visit them and bestow power upon them.
2 Samuel 20:14-21:22
The ten tribes of Israel and the two tribes of Judah haven't gotten over their resentment of each other. David's kingship is again threatened. Through the help of a wise woman, the leader of the rebellion is eliminated. When the Gibeonites reminded David of the sufferings caused them by Saul, he agreed to execute almost all of Saul's sons. The actions of the grieving Rizbah, one of Saul's concubines, inspired David to give the remains of Saul and Jonathan a proper burial.
More war with the Philistines. David's men told him it was time for him to retire from army leading. Then another giant is killed, this time not by David but by his nephew.
Acts 1:1-26
He was a man who taught and worked and died. He appeared to travelers and disciples. We don't experience him in the way that they did. Yet, we continue to experience him. In the Christian calendar, we mark the 40th day after Easter as the day of the Ascension of the Lord (May 29 this year).
They had listened to his teaching. They had asked him when things would be the way they wanted them to be.
He told them that the Holy Spirit would visit them and bestow power upon them.
He vanished from their sight.
But not from their lives.
In order for the church (yes, I realize that it wasn't called that yet) to continue, they are going to have to tell what Jesus had done and they're going to have to do the work he was doing.
Witnesses are essential to knowing what has happened and then telling about it--telling that the church continues to live, continues to do the work that it was created to do. The question that the Ethiopian convert asked Peter remains a good question, "How can I understand what the scripture says unless someone is willing to explain it." I would add, "or live by its teachings right in front of me."
Matthias is chosen to replace Judas. The team is complete, again.
Yet, I am troubled that we never hear any more about Matthias. We're left to wonder whether he did a good job preaching and healing and teaching or not. Or, maybe, I should be reassured by the omission of Matthias' success or lack of it. After all, the job did get done even if we don't know all the details of who did what work or how well.
Psalm 121:1-8
Commentaries tell me that this psalm was used by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem to celebrate various festivals. The goal was important, desirable, worthy, but the trip to get there was often uncomfortable, even dangerous.
We moderns can benefit from the words of this psalm. We are also on journeys. We're not traveling through geographic Israel toward the physical Mount Zion to visit the site of the temple in Jerusalem. But, we are moving in our lives surrounded by calls to give allegiances to worldly pleasures and protections. As we go through each day, we may be confronted by, interrupted by, irritations or even threats of actual danger.
May we in our journeys, real and metaphorical, as we face our adversaries, in situations due to our own transgressions or not, have the assurances offered to those ancient pilgrims that are still offered to us:
God will protect us from stumbling, night or day, now and always.
Book recommendation: Openings, a Daybook of Saints, Psalms, and Prayer by Larry James Peacock, published by Upper Room Books.
In his discussion of Psalm 121, Peacock points out that in encompassing day and night, near and far, present and future, all of life rests under the protection of the Lord.
The Lord is always awake. The Lord is always with us. The Lord protects us in all our comings and goings, now and forever.
Can I have the confidence in the Lord that the psalmist expresses? Do I usually look for help from the Lord, or am I more likely to try something else first?
Witnesses are essential to knowing what has happened and then telling about it--telling that the church continues to live, continues to do the work that it was created to do. The question that the Ethiopian convert asked Peter remains a good question, "How can I understand what the scripture says unless someone is willing to explain it." I would add, "or live by its teachings right in front of me."
Matthias is chosen to replace Judas. The team is complete, again.
Yet, I am troubled that we never hear any more about Matthias. We're left to wonder whether he did a good job preaching and healing and teaching or not. Or, maybe, I should be reassured by the omission of Matthias' success or lack of it. After all, the job did get done even if we don't know all the details of who did what work or how well.
Psalm 121:1-8
Commentaries tell me that this psalm was used by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem to celebrate various festivals. The goal was important, desirable, worthy, but the trip to get there was often uncomfortable, even dangerous.
We moderns can benefit from the words of this psalm. We are also on journeys. We're not traveling through geographic Israel toward the physical Mount Zion to visit the site of the temple in Jerusalem. But, we are moving in our lives surrounded by calls to give allegiances to worldly pleasures and protections. As we go through each day, we may be confronted by, interrupted by, irritations or even threats of actual danger.
May we in our journeys, real and metaphorical, as we face our adversaries, in situations due to our own transgressions or not, have the assurances offered to those ancient pilgrims that are still offered to us:
God will protect us from stumbling, night or day, now and always.
Book recommendation: Openings, a Daybook of Saints, Psalms, and Prayer by Larry James Peacock, published by Upper Room Books.
In his discussion of Psalm 121, Peacock points out that in encompassing day and night, near and far, present and future, all of life rests under the protection of the Lord.
The Lord is always awake. The Lord is always with us. The Lord protects us in all our comings and goings, now and forever.
Can I have the confidence in the Lord that the psalmist expresses? Do I usually look for help from the Lord, or am I more likely to try something else first?
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Prayer for Today: Choose a prayer from Joan Stott's website The Timeless Psalms.
from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
(Psalm 121:1-2)
2 Samuel 20:14-21:22
The ten tribes of Israel and the two tribes of Judah haven't gotten over their resentment of each other. David's kingship is again threatened. Through the help of a wise woman, the leader of the rebellion is eliminated. When the Gibeonites reminded David of the sufferings caused them by Saul, he agreed to execute almost all of Saul's sons. The actions of the grieving Rizbah, one of Saul's concubines, inspired David to give the remains of Saul and Jonathan a proper burial.
More war with the Philistines. David's men told him it was time for him to retire from army leading. Then another giant is killed, this time not by David but by his nephew.
Acts 1:1-26
He was a man who taught and worked and died. He appeared to travelers and disciples. We don't experience him in the way that they did. Yet, we continue to experience him. In the Christian calendar, we mark the 40th day after Easter as the day of the Ascension of the Lord (May 29 this year).
They had listened to his teaching. They had asked him when things would be the way they wanted them to be.
He told them that the Holy Spirit would visit them and bestow power upon them.
2 Samuel 20:14-21:22
The ten tribes of Israel and the two tribes of Judah haven't gotten over their resentment of each other. David's kingship is again threatened. Through the help of a wise woman, the leader of the rebellion is eliminated. When the Gibeonites reminded David of the sufferings caused them by Saul, he agreed to execute almost all of Saul's sons. The actions of the grieving Rizbah, one of Saul's concubines, inspired David to give the remains of Saul and Jonathan a proper burial.
More war with the Philistines. David's men told him it was time for him to retire from army leading. Then another giant is killed, this time not by David but by his nephew.
Acts 1:1-26
He was a man who taught and worked and died. He appeared to travelers and disciples. We don't experience him in the way that they did. Yet, we continue to experience him. In the Christian calendar, we mark the 40th day after Easter as the day of the Ascension of the Lord (May 29 this year).
They had listened to his teaching. They had asked him when things would be the way they wanted them to be.
He told them that the Holy Spirit would visit them and bestow power upon them.
He vanished from their sight.
But not from their lives.
In order for the church (yes, I realize that it wasn't called that yet) to continue, they are going to have to tell what Jesus had done and they're going to have to do the work he was doing.
Witnesses are essential to knowing what has happened and then telling about it--telling that the church continues to live, continues to do the work that it was created to do. The question that the Ethiopian convert asked Peter remains a good question, "How can I understand what the scripture says unless someone is willing to explain it." I would add, "or live by its teachings right in front of me."
Matthias is chosen to replace Judas. The team is complete, again.
Yet, I am troubled that we never hear any more about Matthias. We're left to wonder whether he did a good job preaching and healing and teaching or not. Or, maybe, I should be reassured by the omission of Matthias' success or lack of it. After all, the job did get done even if we don't know all the details of who did what work or how well.
Psalm 121:1-8
Commentaries tell me that this psalm was used by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem to celebrate various festivals. The goal was important, desirable, worthy, but the trip to get there was often uncomfortable, even dangerous.
We moderns can benefit from the words of this psalm. We are also on journeys. We're not traveling through geographic Israel toward the physical Mount Zion to visit the site of the temple in Jerusalem. But, we are moving in our lives surrounded by calls to give allegiances to worldly pleasures and protections. As we go through each day, we may be confronted by, interrupted by, irritations or even threats of actual danger.
May we in our journeys, real and metaphorical, as we face our adversaries, in situations due to our own transgressions or not, have the assurances offered to those ancient pilgrims that are still offered to us:
God will protect us from stumbling, night or day, now and always.
Book recommendation: Openings, a Daybook of Saints, Psalms, and Prayer by Larry James Peacock, published by Upper Room Books.
In his discussion of Psalm 121, Peacock points out that in encompassing day and night, near and far, present and future, all of life rests under the protection of the Lord.
The Lord is always awake. The Lord is always with us. The Lord protects us in all our comings and goings, now and forever.
Can I have the confidence in the Lord that the psalmist expresses? Do I usually look for help from the Lord, or am I more likely to try something else first?
Witnesses are essential to knowing what has happened and then telling about it--telling that the church continues to live, continues to do the work that it was created to do. The question that the Ethiopian convert asked Peter remains a good question, "How can I understand what the scripture says unless someone is willing to explain it." I would add, "or live by its teachings right in front of me."
Matthias is chosen to replace Judas. The team is complete, again.
Yet, I am troubled that we never hear any more about Matthias. We're left to wonder whether he did a good job preaching and healing and teaching or not. Or, maybe, I should be reassured by the omission of Matthias' success or lack of it. After all, the job did get done even if we don't know all the details of who did what work or how well.
Psalm 121:1-8
Commentaries tell me that this psalm was used by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem to celebrate various festivals. The goal was important, desirable, worthy, but the trip to get there was often uncomfortable, even dangerous.
We moderns can benefit from the words of this psalm. We are also on journeys. We're not traveling through geographic Israel toward the physical Mount Zion to visit the site of the temple in Jerusalem. But, we are moving in our lives surrounded by calls to give allegiances to worldly pleasures and protections. As we go through each day, we may be confronted by, interrupted by, irritations or even threats of actual danger.
May we in our journeys, real and metaphorical, as we face our adversaries, in situations due to our own transgressions or not, have the assurances offered to those ancient pilgrims that are still offered to us:
God will protect us from stumbling, night or day, now and always.
Book recommendation: Openings, a Daybook of Saints, Psalms, and Prayer by Larry James Peacock, published by Upper Room Books.
In his discussion of Psalm 121, Peacock points out that in encompassing day and night, near and far, present and future, all of life rests under the protection of the Lord.
The Lord is always awake. The Lord is always with us. The Lord protects us in all our comings and goings, now and forever.
Can I have the confidence in the Lord that the psalmist expresses? Do I usually look for help from the Lord, or am I more likely to try something else first?
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Prayer for Today: Choose a prayer from Joan Stott's website The Timeless Psalms.
Monday, June 2, 2014
Reflection on readings for June 2
In my distress I cry to the Lord,
"Deliver me, O Lord."
(adapted from Psalm 120:1)
2 Samuel 19:11-20:13
After mourning the death of his son Absalom, David wants to make sure that the people recognize that he is still king. And he is. Thousands rush to meet him as he crosses over the Jordan. David grants amnesty to an opponent and shows kindness to Saul's grandson.
All is not harmonious. The people of Israel and Judah speak resentful words about each other, then Israel decides to follow a different leader. David sent Joab to take care of that. He did.
John 21:1-25
The disciples believed--they had seen the risen Jesus for themselves.
How does belief change people?
These disciples, among the closest to Jesus, go back to their regular lives. They had been fishermen, and now they are fishing again.
We heard the resurrection story on Easter Sunday. We heard it read from the Bible, spoken from the pulpit, and sung by the choir.
What was the Monday after Easter Sunday like for us? How does our belief change us? Certainly we go back to whatever is our fishing. But, has something changed for us? Have we changed in some way?
Even after Jesus speaks to them, they don't know it's him. Yet, they do what he says to do. I'm not sure what John intended for us to get out of that.
In any case, when they do what Jesus tells them to do, things work out well for them. Let's me careful about using this juxtaposition to prove that the prosperity gospel is true after all. Yet, as many commentators point out, it is a good story for us to remember during Eastertide. They had no hope. Jesus appeared. They listened to him. Abundance.
They had not recognized Jesus when they saw him or when he spoke. But, now with their net overflowing with fish, they are able finally to know that he is with them.
Allen & Williamson, in their Preaching the Gospel, point out that:
Appearance of Jesus. Then abundance.
They share a meal.
When they finish this meal, Jesus asks Peter the question that Christians continue to face, "Do you love me more than these?"
[Tangent--is he asking if Peter loves him more than the others do or is he asking if Peter loves him more than he loves the others? I'm going with the second reading--I suppose because that seems to be the way most commentators do & my Greek is no longer up to connotations.]
Earlier in John's gospel, Peter had denied two times even knowing Jesus (18:15-17, 25-27; but John did include the saying by Jesus that Peter would deny him three times (13:36-38). Now, Peter affirms his love three times.
When Jesus foretold his denial, Peter had insisted that he would lay down his life for Jesus. Now that Peter has a much clearer idea of what following Jesus could entail he once again declares his allegiance. He was confident at first. Then he wavered. Now he once again is certain.
What Jesus asks of Peter is to feed his sheep. Peter is not the last follower to be asked to do this.
Psalm 120:1-7
Proverbs 16:16-17
How much better to get wisdom than gold!
To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
The highway of the upright avoids evil;
those who guard their way preserve their lives.
Prayer for Today: O Lord, strengthen our faith and our willingness to do what faith demands. Amen.
"Deliver me, O Lord."
(adapted from Psalm 120:1)
2 Samuel 19:11-20:13
After mourning the death of his son Absalom, David wants to make sure that the people recognize that he is still king. And he is. Thousands rush to meet him as he crosses over the Jordan. David grants amnesty to an opponent and shows kindness to Saul's grandson.
All is not harmonious. The people of Israel and Judah speak resentful words about each other, then Israel decides to follow a different leader. David sent Joab to take care of that. He did.
John 21:1-25
The disciples believed--they had seen the risen Jesus for themselves.
How does belief change people?
These disciples, among the closest to Jesus, go back to their regular lives. They had been fishermen, and now they are fishing again.
We heard the resurrection story on Easter Sunday. We heard it read from the Bible, spoken from the pulpit, and sung by the choir.
What was the Monday after Easter Sunday like for us? How does our belief change us? Certainly we go back to whatever is our fishing. But, has something changed for us? Have we changed in some way?
Even after Jesus speaks to them, they don't know it's him. Yet, they do what he says to do. I'm not sure what John intended for us to get out of that.
In any case, when they do what Jesus tells them to do, things work out well for them. Let's me careful about using this juxtaposition to prove that the prosperity gospel is true after all. Yet, as many commentators point out, it is a good story for us to remember during Eastertide. They had no hope. Jesus appeared. They listened to him. Abundance.
They had not recognized Jesus when they saw him or when he spoke. But, now with their net overflowing with fish, they are able finally to know that he is with them.
Allen & Williamson, in their Preaching the Gospel, point out that:
The Beloved Disciple, the important authority figure for John's community, recognizes Jesus; he who had believed without seeing Jesus (20:8), now sees Jesus, whereas Peter, who had believed because he saw Jesus, does not this time recognize him.Peter responds immediately by jumping in the sea and swimming toward Jesus who is standing on shore. Or, almost immediately--he does get dressed first. I think the fishing naked is significant, but I have no theories about why.
Appearance of Jesus. Then abundance.
They share a meal.
When they finish this meal, Jesus asks Peter the question that Christians continue to face, "Do you love me more than these?"
[Tangent--is he asking if Peter loves him more than the others do or is he asking if Peter loves him more than he loves the others? I'm going with the second reading--I suppose because that seems to be the way most commentators do & my Greek is no longer up to connotations.]
Earlier in John's gospel, Peter had denied two times even knowing Jesus (18:15-17, 25-27; but John did include the saying by Jesus that Peter would deny him three times (13:36-38). Now, Peter affirms his love three times.
When Jesus foretold his denial, Peter had insisted that he would lay down his life for Jesus. Now that Peter has a much clearer idea of what following Jesus could entail he once again declares his allegiance. He was confident at first. Then he wavered. Now he once again is certain.
What Jesus asks of Peter is to feed his sheep. Peter is not the last follower to be asked to do this.
Psalm 120:1-7
Proverbs 16:16-17
How much better to get wisdom than gold!
To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
The highway of the upright avoids evil;
those who guard their way preserve their lives.
Prayer for Today: O Lord, strengthen our faith and our willingness to do what faith demands. Amen.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Reflection on readings for June 1
Let my cry come before you, O Lord;
give me understanding according to your word.
(Psalm 119:169)
give me understanding according to your word.
(Psalm 119:169)
2 Samuel 18:1-19:10
As David had once been close to Saul then in revolt against him while still being emotionally attached, now he is in a parallel situation with his son and heir. His heir, because Absalom has murdered his older brother Amnon out of revenge (2 Samuel 13).
Absalom after years in exile has mustered a large rebel army to overthrow David as king. Even though David had ordered mercy for his son, Absalom is killed.
As we read this terrible, tragic story of a suffering country and suffering family, we should remember how Samuel had responded initially to Israel's desire for a king (1 Samuel 8).
The compilers of our Bible wanted us to reflect on the truth of Samuel's prophecy.
And, we can read in this terrible tragic tale a reminder of the pain in families as well as in nations.
As David had once been close to Saul then in revolt against him while still being emotionally attached, now he is in a parallel situation with his son and heir. His heir, because Absalom has murdered his older brother Amnon out of revenge (2 Samuel 13).
Absalom after years in exile has mustered a large rebel army to overthrow David as king. Even though David had ordered mercy for his son, Absalom is killed.
As we read this terrible, tragic story of a suffering country and suffering family, we should remember how Samuel had responded initially to Israel's desire for a king (1 Samuel 8).
The compilers of our Bible wanted us to reflect on the truth of Samuel's prophecy.
And, we can read in this terrible tragic tale a reminder of the pain in families as well as in nations.
John 20:1-31
Mary Magdalene, one of the women who had stood near the cross (John 20:25) has come before daybreak to the tomb. When she sees that the stone has been rolled away, she runs to tell the disciples. Peter and the other disciple (we assume John) race each other to get there.
John gets there first, looks in, and see the burial wrappings left behind. Peter then goes in and also sees the wrappings and realizes that the cloth that has been on Jesus' head has been rolled up. Then John goes in, and we are told that he saw and believed.
What does he believe? What does belief do for him?
After the disciples left, Mary stayed. As she is weeping, angels come to her--to comfort? She sees Jesus but does not recognize him immediately.
She has a short conversation with him but is able to recognize him only when he speaks her name.
Jesus tells her to go tell. She obeys. She is the first witness to the resurrection.
Yet, as we read in the next verse, the disciples are so afraid that they lock themselves in. What do we believe? What does belief do for us?
Mary finally did recognize Jesus and did do what he told her. Yet, she was not immediately able to convince the disciples.
I remember a story that someone told me years ago. Although I can't remember the source, I want to repeat it anyway:
When the National Zoo in Washington D.D. moved to a spacious new area, the rhinoceros was confused. It now had a wide-open living space, but it had lived in a cage too long. Even though it now had more room, it quickly made a boundary the exact dimensions of its old cage. it wore an oval path in the grass that corresponded to the old iron bars.
The resurrected Christ can appear in our ordinary lives. We may be able to recognize his presence. Or, like the rhinoceros, we may restrict ourselves to our old path. I ask again, what does belief do for us?
Mary had told them that she has seen the risen Jesus, but they are afraid anyway.
A sermon was not enough to liberate them from their fears.
Jesus came to them, anyway.
We may still not be willing to start our lives anew. Jesus may come to us, anyway.
As God had breathed into nostrils of the man formed from the dust of the ground, making him a living creature (Genesis 2:7) Jesus breathed on the those frightened disciples who had locked themselves in.
He said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit." We remember he had promised to send them an Advocate (14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7), the Spirit of truth to abide with them and in them.
He assigned to them the authority to forgive or not to forgive. To have a church that continues to do the work of Christ, they must be at peace with each other. Yet, I am deeply troubled by the way some of our modern congregations are using this verse to expel people they find disagreeable. Yet, I can agree with the expulsion of some persons who have caused damage and would have continued to be harmful if the congregation or the denomination had not cut them out of positions of responsibility.
The disciples who had seen Jesus believed, but Thomas hadn't been there the day Jesus had shown up. "I need to see for myself. I've got to put my finger on the spot where the nails were," he told them.
A week later, Jesus appeared to Thomas. "Touch me. Do not doubt but believe."
Thomas believed. Read the passage carefully. We are not told that Thomas, despite what he had thought earlier, had to touch Jesus in order to believe.
Keep reading. Look at verse 31. John's gospel is written so that we can believe. Thomas and the other first generation Christians saw Jesus and believed. They knew the presence of God through the seeing of Jesus. We later Christians are able to know the presence of God through their witness.
Psalm 119:153-176
Proverbs 16:14-15
A king's wrath is a messenger of death,
and whoever is wise will appease it.
In the light of a king's face there is life,
and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.
Prayer for Today: O Lord, strengthen our belief. Guide us into your way. Amen.
Mary Magdalene, one of the women who had stood near the cross (John 20:25) has come before daybreak to the tomb. When she sees that the stone has been rolled away, she runs to tell the disciples. Peter and the other disciple (we assume John) race each other to get there.
John gets there first, looks in, and see the burial wrappings left behind. Peter then goes in and also sees the wrappings and realizes that the cloth that has been on Jesus' head has been rolled up. Then John goes in, and we are told that he saw and believed.
What does he believe? What does belief do for him?
After the disciples left, Mary stayed. As she is weeping, angels come to her--to comfort? She sees Jesus but does not recognize him immediately.
She has a short conversation with him but is able to recognize him only when he speaks her name.
Jesus tells her to go tell. She obeys. She is the first witness to the resurrection.
Yet, as we read in the next verse, the disciples are so afraid that they lock themselves in. What do we believe? What does belief do for us?
Mary finally did recognize Jesus and did do what he told her. Yet, she was not immediately able to convince the disciples.
I remember a story that someone told me years ago. Although I can't remember the source, I want to repeat it anyway:
When the National Zoo in Washington D.D. moved to a spacious new area, the rhinoceros was confused. It now had a wide-open living space, but it had lived in a cage too long. Even though it now had more room, it quickly made a boundary the exact dimensions of its old cage. it wore an oval path in the grass that corresponded to the old iron bars.
The resurrected Christ can appear in our ordinary lives. We may be able to recognize his presence. Or, like the rhinoceros, we may restrict ourselves to our old path. I ask again, what does belief do for us?
Mary had told them that she has seen the risen Jesus, but they are afraid anyway.
A sermon was not enough to liberate them from their fears.
Jesus came to them, anyway.
We may still not be willing to start our lives anew. Jesus may come to us, anyway.
As God had breathed into nostrils of the man formed from the dust of the ground, making him a living creature (Genesis 2:7) Jesus breathed on the those frightened disciples who had locked themselves in.
He said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit." We remember he had promised to send them an Advocate (14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7), the Spirit of truth to abide with them and in them.
He assigned to them the authority to forgive or not to forgive. To have a church that continues to do the work of Christ, they must be at peace with each other. Yet, I am deeply troubled by the way some of our modern congregations are using this verse to expel people they find disagreeable. Yet, I can agree with the expulsion of some persons who have caused damage and would have continued to be harmful if the congregation or the denomination had not cut them out of positions of responsibility.
The disciples who had seen Jesus believed, but Thomas hadn't been there the day Jesus had shown up. "I need to see for myself. I've got to put my finger on the spot where the nails were," he told them.
A week later, Jesus appeared to Thomas. "Touch me. Do not doubt but believe."
Thomas believed. Read the passage carefully. We are not told that Thomas, despite what he had thought earlier, had to touch Jesus in order to believe.
Keep reading. Look at verse 31. John's gospel is written so that we can believe. Thomas and the other first generation Christians saw Jesus and believed. They knew the presence of God through the seeing of Jesus. We later Christians are able to know the presence of God through their witness.
Psalm 119:153-176
Proverbs 16:14-15
A king's wrath is a messenger of death,
and whoever is wise will appease it.
In the light of a king's face there is life,
and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.
Prayer for Today: O Lord, strengthen our belief. Guide us into your way. Amen.
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