On the day I called, you answered me,
you increased my strength of soul.
(Psalm 138:3)
1 Kings 22:1-53
When King Ahab of Israel asks King Jehoshaphat of Judah agrees to assist Israel in its resistance to Aram, he replies "My people are your people, my horses are your horses. But, Jehoshaphat requires that both kings first ask the prophets what the Lord wants them to do. When 400 prophets agree to the battle, Jehoshaphat asks if there is another prophet they can consult.
The king knew of one more, Micaiah, but warned that he always prophesied disaster. When summoned, Micaiah said that the Lord had put a lying spirit in the mouths of the other prophets and that Israel was going to have a disaster. They put him in prison and went to battle.
Ahab tells the king of Israel that he wants to disguise himself and go into battle with the army and that Jehoshaphat should wear the royal attire and be the leader of the army. The king of Aram told his army to fight only against Israel. They attacked Jehoshaphat thinking he was Ahab but turned back when they realized he wasn't. Ironically, King Ahab is killed by an archer who didn't know his true identity.
As Elijah had prophesied, the dogs licked up his blood. His son Ahaziah succeeded him as king of Israel and, like his father and mother, did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.
Acts 13:16-41
Psalm 138:1-8
In times of comfort, remember what God has already done. Be grateful. In times of danger or despair, remember what God has already done and what God can do.
Proverbs 17:17-18
A friend loves at all times,
and kinsfolk are born to share adversity.
It is senseless to give a pledge,
to become surety for a neighbor.
Prayer for Today: Pray Psalm 138.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Reflection on the readings for June 19
We give thanks to you, O God
for your steadfast love endures forever.
You alone do great wonders,
for your steadfast love endures forever.
(adapted from Psalm 136:2-4)
1 Kings 20:1-21:29
King Ahab wants the farm that belongs to Naboth. Naboth refuses to sell. Ahab's wife, Queen Jezebel, is determined to get the land for her husband.
The original distribution of land (see Numbers 34) was intended to make sure that each and every person got a fair share, a fair chance to prosper in the new land. Even if somebody had to give up the land because of financial problems, they would get it back (see Leviticus 25:23-34).
Jezebel doesn't get the fairness part. What's important to her is that her family gets what her family wants--after all, she is married to the king.
Following her instruction, the ruling authorities in the city accuse Naboth of cursing God and the king. Naboth is found guilty and is stoned to death.
Sad irony. Naboth is accused of cursing God. By finding him guilty of this false accusation, they themselves by their action have violated the wishes of God. They, rather than Naboth, have cursed God.
Ahab would have been familiar with the requirements about ancestral inheritance. Yet, he really wanted that particular piece of land. He really wanted it, and his wife made sure that he got it.
He would have known what he was supposed to do and what he was supposed not to do. But his knowing didn't stop what happened to Naboth.
The Lord acted to give Ahab a reminder of what he should have already known. The Lord sent the prophet Elijah to go to the king. Tell him "I will bring disaster on you."
God's commands had been directed to ensure fairness and well-being for everyone. By violating the rights of Naboth, they have violated the commands of God. In their Preaching the Old Testament, Allen & Williamson ask "Is there ever any limit to how much of the world's riches the wealthy can commandeer for themselves while others live on the street?"
Harming the weak is violating the commands of God, then and now.
Acts 12:24-13:15
Psalm 137:1-9
In exile, all they can do when we think about their loss is sit and cry. They couldn't forget what they had lost, and they didn't want to.
We may not be facing a Babylonian army coming in and destroying city and temple and taking us away. But, many of us have faced severely disruptive losses in the last few years of economic turmoil. For several years, investment accounts were devastated and many home values dropped below the mortgage balance. The economy may be recovering, but many of us may be facing other kinds of losses, deaths of loved ones, divorces, physical dislocations.
And, in our losses, we may find it difficult to adapt to the new life required by our changing situation. I'm trying to imagine how much worse a bad situation would be if I had to face tormentors like the ones in Psalm 137.
Yet, this psalm although not ignoring pain, also expresses a refusal to forget that what is lost.
Here's how Walter Brueggemann, in Theology of the Old Testament/Testimony, Dispute, Advocacy, describes the practice of grief:
Why should fools have a price in hand to buy wisdom, when they have no mind to learn?
Prayer for Today: God, as we listen to assertions and complaints, help us to discern the truth. Strengthen us against the fear of the powerful and the popular. O Lord, open our ears to hear your word for us today. Strengthen our courage to follow your will. Amen.
for your steadfast love endures forever.
You alone do great wonders,
for your steadfast love endures forever.
(adapted from Psalm 136:2-4)
1 Kings 20:1-21:29
King Ahab wants the farm that belongs to Naboth. Naboth refuses to sell. Ahab's wife, Queen Jezebel, is determined to get the land for her husband.
The original distribution of land (see Numbers 34) was intended to make sure that each and every person got a fair share, a fair chance to prosper in the new land. Even if somebody had to give up the land because of financial problems, they would get it back (see Leviticus 25:23-34).
Jezebel doesn't get the fairness part. What's important to her is that her family gets what her family wants--after all, she is married to the king.
Following her instruction, the ruling authorities in the city accuse Naboth of cursing God and the king. Naboth is found guilty and is stoned to death.
Sad irony. Naboth is accused of cursing God. By finding him guilty of this false accusation, they themselves by their action have violated the wishes of God. They, rather than Naboth, have cursed God.
Ahab would have been familiar with the requirements about ancestral inheritance. Yet, he really wanted that particular piece of land. He really wanted it, and his wife made sure that he got it.
He would have known what he was supposed to do and what he was supposed not to do. But his knowing didn't stop what happened to Naboth.
The Lord acted to give Ahab a reminder of what he should have already known. The Lord sent the prophet Elijah to go to the king. Tell him "I will bring disaster on you."
God's commands had been directed to ensure fairness and well-being for everyone. By violating the rights of Naboth, they have violated the commands of God. In their Preaching the Old Testament, Allen & Williamson ask "Is there ever any limit to how much of the world's riches the wealthy can commandeer for themselves while others live on the street?"
Harming the weak is violating the commands of God, then and now.
Acts 12:24-13:15
Psalm 137:1-9
In exile, all they can do when we think about their loss is sit and cry. They couldn't forget what they had lost, and they didn't want to.
We may not be facing a Babylonian army coming in and destroying city and temple and taking us away. But, many of us have faced severely disruptive losses in the last few years of economic turmoil. For several years, investment accounts were devastated and many home values dropped below the mortgage balance. The economy may be recovering, but many of us may be facing other kinds of losses, deaths of loved ones, divorces, physical dislocations.
And, in our losses, we may find it difficult to adapt to the new life required by our changing situation. I'm trying to imagine how much worse a bad situation would be if I had to face tormentors like the ones in Psalm 137.
Yet, this psalm although not ignoring pain, also expresses a refusal to forget that what is lost.
Here's how Walter Brueggemann, in Theology of the Old Testament/Testimony, Dispute, Advocacy, describes the practice of grief:
In the meantime, Israel is not to grow silent about its deserved plight. Israel in exile is a community that grieves and protests. Indeed, in exile the ancient social practice of lament and complaint becomes a crucial theological activity for Israel. The practice of grief is an exercise in truth-telling. It is, as evidence in Psalm 137 and Lamentations, an exercise in massive sadness that acknowledges, with no denial or deception, where and how Israel is. But the grief is not resignation, for in the end, Israel is incapable of resignation.Proverbs 17:16
As in many laments, Psalm 137 includes a desire for vengeance. Yet, the psalmist is not swearing to repay the predator. Rather, he is trusting the Lord to take care of it. Or, I can accept the notes in the Jewish Study Bible that says the rocks in verses 8-9 should be read as a pun on Petra, the Rock, a fortress city--that is, the fortress protecting Edom becomes what will punish Edom.
Why should fools have a price in hand to buy wisdom, when they have no mind to learn?
Prayer for Today: God, as we listen to assertions and complaints, help us to discern the truth. Strengthen us against the fear of the powerful and the popular. O Lord, open our ears to hear your word for us today. Strengthen our courage to follow your will. Amen.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Reflection on readings for June 18
O give thanks to the Lord.
You are good.
Your steadfast love endures forever.
(adapted from Psalm 136:1)
1 Kings 19:1-21
Elijah has performed great acts and, as a consequence, has angered the queen. She has issued a death sentence. He's fleeing for his life.
And he gives up. He prays to the Lord, "I've had enough. I'm ready to die," and he lies down ready for his prayer to be answered.
Instead, the Lord sends a messenger to him who provides him with food and also encouragement.
The Lord gives him more work to do: Anoint a king to replace Ahab. Anoint a prophet to continue your work.
Elijah continues his journey. He finds Elisha, the one the Lord has designated to be his successor.
Elisha is at work plowing when Elijah approaches him. He's ready to go but wants to say goodbye to his parents first. Commentators disagree on whether the text tells us that Elijah let him do this or not. In either case, Elisha slaughtered the oxen providing a meal to feed the people. Then he set out with Elijah.
Acts 12:1-23
Some of the religious authorities found the new church to be so threatening that King Herod resorted to violence. When that seemed to please his supporters, he then had Peter put in prison. The Lord sent an angel to release Peter who then left Judea and went to Caesarea. Herod was very angry but soon died.
Psalm 136:1-20
Proverbs 17:14-15
The beginning of strife is like letting out water;
so stop before the quarrel breaks out.
One who justifies the wicked and
one who condemns the righteous
are both alike an abomination to the Lord.
Prayer for Today: O Lord, keep us mindful that your steadfast love endures forever. In times of despair, send us encouragement. In times when others are in despair, send us to show your steadfast love to them. Amen.
You are good.
Your steadfast love endures forever.
(adapted from Psalm 136:1)
1 Kings 19:1-21
Elijah has performed great acts and, as a consequence, has angered the queen. She has issued a death sentence. He's fleeing for his life.
And he gives up. He prays to the Lord, "I've had enough. I'm ready to die," and he lies down ready for his prayer to be answered.
Instead, the Lord sends a messenger to him who provides him with food and also encouragement.
The Lord gives him more work to do: Anoint a king to replace Ahab. Anoint a prophet to continue your work.
Elijah continues his journey. He finds Elisha, the one the Lord has designated to be his successor.
Elisha is at work plowing when Elijah approaches him. He's ready to go but wants to say goodbye to his parents first. Commentators disagree on whether the text tells us that Elijah let him do this or not. In either case, Elisha slaughtered the oxen providing a meal to feed the people. Then he set out with Elijah.
Acts 12:1-23
Some of the religious authorities found the new church to be so threatening that King Herod resorted to violence. When that seemed to please his supporters, he then had Peter put in prison. The Lord sent an angel to release Peter who then left Judea and went to Caesarea. Herod was very angry but soon died.
Psalm 136:1-20
Proverbs 17:14-15
The beginning of strife is like letting out water;
so stop before the quarrel breaks out.
One who justifies the wicked and
one who condemns the righteous
are both alike an abomination to the Lord.
Prayer for Today: O Lord, keep us mindful that your steadfast love endures forever. In times of despair, send us encouragement. In times when others are in despair, send us to show your steadfast love to them. Amen.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Reflection on readings for June 17
Praise the Lord!
Praise the name of the Lord;
give praise, O servants of the Lord
(Psalm 135:1)
1 Kings 18:1-46
Ahab is king. After marrying Jezebel, he worshipped Baal (the rain god), built an altar in the house of Baal he built and also a sacred pole." Ahab did more to provoke the anger of the Lord, the God of Israel, than had all the kings of Israel who were before him" (1 Kings 16:29-34).
The prophet Elijah, whose name means Yahweh is God, tells Ahab what he has been told by the Lord, that a drought is coming (17:1-7).
Where does power lie? King Ahab lives in royal court, and has control over an army.
Elijah, a prophet, was first fed by ravens then stayed in the home of a widow who was so poor that she had only a handful of meal and a little oil in a jug. The Lord saw to it that she wouldn't run out of food. When her son became very ill, Elijah prayed to the Lord who listened, and the son revived (1 Kings 17:8-24).
After three years of drought, the Lord tells Elijah to go to Ahab. Risky because Jezebel has been killing the prophets of the Lord.
Elijah sets up a test to prove that the Lord is God, not Baal. 450 prophets will call on the storm god to provide lightning to set fire to their sacrifice. They call on their god all morning and all afternoon. They hear no voice, no answer.
Who are we more likely to trust in times of danger, deprivation? Where do we turn for help? When we don't get an immediate positive solution, what do we do next?
The followers of Baal had been unable to evoke a miracle. Yet, when Elijah prayed to the Lord to do something to impress the people, the Lord responded with a fire that "consumed the offering, the wood, the stones, the dust, and even licked up the water that was in the trench."
Israel has been convinced.
Allen and Williamson in their Preaching the Old Testament point out that far more than a miracle story, our text raises questions of how we think and speak of God. Baal provides no voice and no answer. God is companion, vulnerable, affected by prayer, interacts with God's people and God's world.
But what do we think when our droughts continue? When someone else gets all the rain they need?
Acts 11:1-30
The more things change ....
From the time of their founding father Abraham, men who were going to be part of the congregation just had to be circumcised. Circumcision was a minimum requirement. Yet, now, some groups were letting in Gentiles--letting in people who did not fit the profile, people who weren't the kind that religious people were used to letting be part of the congregation.
When the church authorities in Jerusalem heard that Peter, Peter!, had been associated with these people who had made different life choices, they were critical of him.
Peter defended his actions by explaining that he was doing what God had told him to do.
Congregations today are still wrestling with the question of what constitutes a deal-breaker for membership.
Carl Holladay in Preaching through the Christian Year C offers this list for us to consider:
Background: Peter and his questioners would have been quite aware of how the Lord came to their forbearers in visions. For example, Abraham (Genesis 15), Jacob (Genesis 46), Samuel (1 Samuel 3), Nathan (2 Samuel 7), Isaiah (1; 21), Jeremiah (14), Ezekiel (1; 7).
In the vision, a large sheet came down from heaven. In it were animals, reptiles, and birds. A voice told Peter to kill and eat them. Of course, he refused. He knew what was required of him. These were considered unclean, and he would not eat anything unclean ever. He never had, and he never would.
The voice from heaven spoke again: What God has made clean, you must not call profane.
A distinction that had been important, essential even, was now gone.
Peter had a vision--the Lord told him no longer was there a distinction in food between clean and unclean. We could argue why religious people could not eat shellfish (I myself am very grateful that I was permitted to eat crawfish etouffe).
At the moment he heard the voice from heaven tell him that "What God has made clean, you must not call profane," three men from Caesarea appeared. With the help of the Spirit, Peter then translated the revelation about menus to extend to men.
He could not only now eat shellfish, he could eat them with the uncircumcised.
On direction from the Spirit, Peter traveled to the home of Cornelius, a Gentile. There, Peter witnessed the Holy Spirit falling on those in Cornelius' household. Peter saw that the Holy Spirit that had inspired his own people was including these others that Peter had been taught to avoid.
Peter's response to this revelation is one that we might consider, "If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?"
Christian churches still ponder the question of what minimum entrance requirements the church should make.
Psalm 135:1-21
Proverbs 17:12-13
Better to meet a she-bear robbed of its cubs
than to confront a fool immersed in folly.
Evil will not depart from the house
of one who returns evil for good.
Prayer for Today: O Lord, continue to expand our recognition of your presence. Remind us of the help we receive from strangers. Encourage us to befriend strangers. Amen.
Praise the name of the Lord;
give praise, O servants of the Lord
(Psalm 135:1)
1 Kings 18:1-46
Ahab is king. After marrying Jezebel, he worshipped Baal (the rain god), built an altar in the house of Baal he built and also a sacred pole." Ahab did more to provoke the anger of the Lord, the God of Israel, than had all the kings of Israel who were before him" (1 Kings 16:29-34).
The prophet Elijah, whose name means Yahweh is God, tells Ahab what he has been told by the Lord, that a drought is coming (17:1-7).
Where does power lie? King Ahab lives in royal court, and has control over an army.
Elijah, a prophet, was first fed by ravens then stayed in the home of a widow who was so poor that she had only a handful of meal and a little oil in a jug. The Lord saw to it that she wouldn't run out of food. When her son became very ill, Elijah prayed to the Lord who listened, and the son revived (1 Kings 17:8-24).
After three years of drought, the Lord tells Elijah to go to Ahab. Risky because Jezebel has been killing the prophets of the Lord.
Elijah sets up a test to prove that the Lord is God, not Baal. 450 prophets will call on the storm god to provide lightning to set fire to their sacrifice. They call on their god all morning and all afternoon. They hear no voice, no answer.
Who are we more likely to trust in times of danger, deprivation? Where do we turn for help? When we don't get an immediate positive solution, what do we do next?
The followers of Baal had been unable to evoke a miracle. Yet, when Elijah prayed to the Lord to do something to impress the people, the Lord responded with a fire that "consumed the offering, the wood, the stones, the dust, and even licked up the water that was in the trench."
Israel has been convinced.
Allen and Williamson in their Preaching the Old Testament point out that far more than a miracle story, our text raises questions of how we think and speak of God. Baal provides no voice and no answer. God is companion, vulnerable, affected by prayer, interacts with God's people and God's world.
But what do we think when our droughts continue? When someone else gets all the rain they need?
Acts 11:1-30
The more things change ....
From the time of their founding father Abraham, men who were going to be part of the congregation just had to be circumcised. Circumcision was a minimum requirement. Yet, now, some groups were letting in Gentiles--letting in people who did not fit the profile, people who weren't the kind that religious people were used to letting be part of the congregation.
When the church authorities in Jerusalem heard that Peter, Peter!, had been associated with these people who had made different life choices, they were critical of him.
Peter defended his actions by explaining that he was doing what God had told him to do.
Congregations today are still wrestling with the question of what constitutes a deal-breaker for membership.
Carl Holladay in Preaching through the Christian Year C offers this list for us to consider:
Who should be included within the circle of the people of God?Peter explained his unorthodox behavior by telling the of the vision he had seen.
Are the traditional boundary markers still to be observed?
If traditions prevents Jews and Gentiles from associating with each other, what happens when the old social distinctions no longer exist?
How are they to relate to each other within a newly configured people of God?
Background: Peter and his questioners would have been quite aware of how the Lord came to their forbearers in visions. For example, Abraham (Genesis 15), Jacob (Genesis 46), Samuel (1 Samuel 3), Nathan (2 Samuel 7), Isaiah (1; 21), Jeremiah (14), Ezekiel (1; 7).
In the vision, a large sheet came down from heaven. In it were animals, reptiles, and birds. A voice told Peter to kill and eat them. Of course, he refused. He knew what was required of him. These were considered unclean, and he would not eat anything unclean ever. He never had, and he never would.
The voice from heaven spoke again: What God has made clean, you must not call profane.
A distinction that had been important, essential even, was now gone.
Peter had a vision--the Lord told him no longer was there a distinction in food between clean and unclean. We could argue why religious people could not eat shellfish (I myself am very grateful that I was permitted to eat crawfish etouffe).
At the moment he heard the voice from heaven tell him that "What God has made clean, you must not call profane," three men from Caesarea appeared. With the help of the Spirit, Peter then translated the revelation about menus to extend to men.
He could not only now eat shellfish, he could eat them with the uncircumcised.
On direction from the Spirit, Peter traveled to the home of Cornelius, a Gentile. There, Peter witnessed the Holy Spirit falling on those in Cornelius' household. Peter saw that the Holy Spirit that had inspired his own people was including these others that Peter had been taught to avoid.
Peter's response to this revelation is one that we might consider, "If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?"
Christian churches still ponder the question of what minimum entrance requirements the church should make.
Psalm 135:1-21
Proverbs 17:12-13
Better to meet a she-bear robbed of its cubs
than to confront a fool immersed in folly.
Evil will not depart from the house
of one who returns evil for good.
Prayer for Today: O Lord, continue to expand our recognition of your presence. Remind us of the help we receive from strangers. Encourage us to befriend strangers. Amen.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Reflection on readings for June 16
May the Lord,
maker of heaven and earth,
bless you from Zion.
(Psalm 134:3)
1 Kings 15:25-17:24
Elijah was a prophet of God at a time when the king of Israel, Ahab, married Jezebel, a worshipper of Baal. God was angry with Ahab. Elijah said so. The Lord told him "Go hide by the Wadi Cherith. It has plenty of water, and I'll see you get food." Elijah did what he was told, and things worked out for a while. Then the wadi ran dry (16:29-17:7).
The Lord told Elijah where to go for food.
I'm thinking about how unlikely the choice might have seemed to Elijah. The place was at the center of Baal worship. The person he was supposed to get help from was a woman. He, a stranger, was supposed to approach a woman. Moreover, she was a widow; that is, she wouldn't be expected to have much in the way of financial resources.
But, the Lord had included the assurance, "I have commanded her to feed you."
Elijah trusted the Lord enough to comply with the instruction.
When he got to the widow's place and asked her for some food, she told him, "As sure as the Lord your God lives, I have only enough for me and my son to have one small meal and then we'll die."
Apparently although she lives in Sidon, she knows about the God that Elijah worships--and obeys.
Elijah responds to her, "Do not be afraid. Go ahead and fix the meal for you and your son, but, first, make me a little cake. The Lord God of Israel will provide you with all the food you need for as long as you need."
She did. And the Lord did.
She trusted God's word that came to her through a prophet, a foreigner.
From whom can we expect help when we are in trouble?
In this story Elijah is fleeing for his life from the threats of the powerful king and queen of his nation. He turns to a widow who is trying to support herself and her son in a time of drought.
He is able to reassure her that God will provide for her needs if she will take care of his.
Her son died.
In her grief, she turned on Elijah, blaming him.
Elijah took her son and prayed to the Lord to let the child live.
The Lord heard Elijah's plea; the boy revived.
When Elijah brought her son back to her, the mother responded, "Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord is truly in your mouth."
Lessons in this lesson:
Acts 10:24-48
In Acts 8, Philip learned that Gentiles could be Christians. In Acts 9, Paul learned that Jews could be Christians. In Acts 10, Peter, too, learned that Gentiles could be Christians. A messenger from God came to Cornelius, a Roman centurion. A Gentile, an enforcer of the occupation of Israel. Prompted by the Spirit, Peter was willing to break the law and eat with him. From menu to men.
In today's passage, Peter's sermon to Gentiles is interrupted. We are told that the Holy Spirit fell on all who were listening to him.
All. The ones who had already belonged. And the ones who had not. The old-timers were astounded that the newbies would be included.
How does your congregation react to the notion that the Holy Spirit may be reaching out to people who were raised with different beliefs from yours? Or, how would they react to the notion that the Holy Spirit speaks?
In Acts 2, The Holy Spirit fell on Jews from all lands. In Acts 8, the Holy Spirit fell on Samaritans (not-quite insiders but not completely different, either).
In Acts 10, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The insiders were astounded that outsiders were recipients.
Questions: Wouldn't the Holy Spirit fallen on them whether they had heard the word or not? Or, is hearing the word necessary for someone to be able to recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit? How did the believers know that the Holy Spirit had been poured out on them--that is, was proof necessary?
In this passage from Acts, baptism is preceded by the receiving of the Holy Spirit. But, in Acts 8:14-24, the Samaritans were baptized before receiving the Holy Spirit.
I don't think that which came first is as important to Luke as that they both do, and, even more important, that they both come to people that the rest of us might not have thought likely or even worthy.
Psalm 134:1-3
Proverbs 17:9-11
One who forgives an affront
fosters friendship,
but one who dwells on dispute
will alienate a friend.
A rebuke strikes deeper into
a discerning person
than a hundred blows
into a fool.
Evil people seek only rebellion,
but a cruel messenger will be sent against them.
Prayer for Today: O Lord our God, open us to recognize the presence of your Holy Spirit. Stir us to follow your will. Increase our willingness to be generous. Amen.
maker of heaven and earth,
bless you from Zion.
(Psalm 134:3)
1 Kings 15:25-17:24
Elijah was a prophet of God at a time when the king of Israel, Ahab, married Jezebel, a worshipper of Baal. God was angry with Ahab. Elijah said so. The Lord told him "Go hide by the Wadi Cherith. It has plenty of water, and I'll see you get food." Elijah did what he was told, and things worked out for a while. Then the wadi ran dry (16:29-17:7).
The Lord told Elijah where to go for food.
I'm thinking about how unlikely the choice might have seemed to Elijah. The place was at the center of Baal worship. The person he was supposed to get help from was a woman. He, a stranger, was supposed to approach a woman. Moreover, she was a widow; that is, she wouldn't be expected to have much in the way of financial resources.
But, the Lord had included the assurance, "I have commanded her to feed you."
Elijah trusted the Lord enough to comply with the instruction.
When he got to the widow's place and asked her for some food, she told him, "As sure as the Lord your God lives, I have only enough for me and my son to have one small meal and then we'll die."
Apparently although she lives in Sidon, she knows about the God that Elijah worships--and obeys.
Elijah responds to her, "Do not be afraid. Go ahead and fix the meal for you and your son, but, first, make me a little cake. The Lord God of Israel will provide you with all the food you need for as long as you need."
She did. And the Lord did.
She trusted God's word that came to her through a prophet, a foreigner.
From whom can we expect help when we are in trouble?
In this story Elijah is fleeing for his life from the threats of the powerful king and queen of his nation. He turns to a widow who is trying to support herself and her son in a time of drought.
He is able to reassure her that God will provide for her needs if she will take care of his.
Her son died.
In her grief, she turned on Elijah, blaming him.
Elijah took her son and prayed to the Lord to let the child live.
The Lord heard Elijah's plea; the boy revived.
When Elijah brought her son back to her, the mother responded, "Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord is truly in your mouth."
Lessons in this lesson:
People who know God turn to God in time of need.In 2012, NPR did a story about the geography of charitable giving.
God cares for people who aren't necessarily very important to the world.
Recipients of God's care can react with gratitude.
Ever wonder how charitable the people are who live in your state or community? It turns out that lower-income people tend to donate a much bigger share of their discretionary incomes than wealthier people do. And rich people are more generous when they live among those who aren't so rich.
They compared the states according to whose typical households give the biggest--and--smallest percentage of discretionary income to charity:
1 Utah 10.6%
2 District of Columbia 7.7%
3 Mississippi 7.2%
....
48 Maine 2.8%
48 Vermont 2.8%
51 New Hampshire 2.5%
Acts 10:24-48
In Acts 8, Philip learned that Gentiles could be Christians. In Acts 9, Paul learned that Jews could be Christians. In Acts 10, Peter, too, learned that Gentiles could be Christians. A messenger from God came to Cornelius, a Roman centurion. A Gentile, an enforcer of the occupation of Israel. Prompted by the Spirit, Peter was willing to break the law and eat with him. From menu to men.
In today's passage, Peter's sermon to Gentiles is interrupted. We are told that the Holy Spirit fell on all who were listening to him.
All. The ones who had already belonged. And the ones who had not. The old-timers were astounded that the newbies would be included.
How does your congregation react to the notion that the Holy Spirit may be reaching out to people who were raised with different beliefs from yours? Or, how would they react to the notion that the Holy Spirit speaks?
In Acts 2, The Holy Spirit fell on Jews from all lands. In Acts 8, the Holy Spirit fell on Samaritans (not-quite insiders but not completely different, either).
In Acts 10, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The insiders were astounded that outsiders were recipients.
Questions: Wouldn't the Holy Spirit fallen on them whether they had heard the word or not? Or, is hearing the word necessary for someone to be able to recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit? How did the believers know that the Holy Spirit had been poured out on them--that is, was proof necessary?
In this passage from Acts, baptism is preceded by the receiving of the Holy Spirit. But, in Acts 8:14-24, the Samaritans were baptized before receiving the Holy Spirit.
I don't think that which came first is as important to Luke as that they both do, and, even more important, that they both come to people that the rest of us might not have thought likely or even worthy.
Psalm 134:1-3
Proverbs 17:9-11
One who forgives an affront
fosters friendship,
but one who dwells on dispute
will alienate a friend.
A rebuke strikes deeper into
a discerning person
than a hundred blows
into a fool.
Evil people seek only rebellion,
but a cruel messenger will be sent against them.
Prayer for Today: O Lord our God, open us to recognize the presence of your Holy Spirit. Stir us to follow your will. Increase our willingness to be generous. Amen.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Reflection on readings for June 15
Lift up your hands to the holy place,
and bless the Lord.
(Psalm 134:2)
1 Kings 14:1-15:24
The prophet who had said that Jeroboam should be king of Israel now says that now because of his sinfulness, he will lose everything and that Israel will be destroyed. Judah under King Rehoboam committed many, many sins as well. War between Israel and Judah continued.
Acts 10:1-23
A messenger from heaven came to the hungry Peter and offered him a meal--all kinds of four footed creatures and reptiles and birds. Peter, of course, refused the gift because the animals were ones that were considered unsuitable for the people of God to eat. He knew the rules and intended to keep them--even if he was very hungry. The voice from heaven spoke to Peter again, "If I say something is clean, it is."
Peter was puzzled about how to interpret this message.
Psalm 133:1-3
Let's read this psalm as extolling harmony in a family as applying literally to a biological family but not restrict our reading to that application. Let us consider what benefits derive from unity in each organization we humans are part of.
When we (family, church congregation, neighborhood) are at peace with each other, blessings are available and possible. When we don't have to use resources for peace-keeping, they are then available for enjoyment. Those blessings extend great distances--both literally and metaphorically. And they support our life.
"How very good and pleasant is it when kindred live in unity!"
Good and pleasant and necessary.
As necessary as for life as water--Mount Hermon was the source of the Jordan River. As good and necessary as their goal--Zion, the place that God had blessed, the place where blessings were bestowed. (with thanks to John H. Hayes' contribution to Preaching through the Christian Year, Trinity Press International.)
Proverbs 17:7-8
Fine speech is not becoming to a fool;
still less is false speech to a ruler.
A bribe is like a magic stone
in the eyes of those who give it.
Prayer for today: Choose a prayer from Joan Stott's website The Timeless Psalms.
and bless the Lord.
(Psalm 134:2)
1 Kings 14:1-15:24
The prophet who had said that Jeroboam should be king of Israel now says that now because of his sinfulness, he will lose everything and that Israel will be destroyed. Judah under King Rehoboam committed many, many sins as well. War between Israel and Judah continued.
Acts 10:1-23
A messenger from heaven came to the hungry Peter and offered him a meal--all kinds of four footed creatures and reptiles and birds. Peter, of course, refused the gift because the animals were ones that were considered unsuitable for the people of God to eat. He knew the rules and intended to keep them--even if he was very hungry. The voice from heaven spoke to Peter again, "If I say something is clean, it is."
Peter was puzzled about how to interpret this message.
Psalm 133:1-3
Let's read this psalm as extolling harmony in a family as applying literally to a biological family but not restrict our reading to that application. Let us consider what benefits derive from unity in each organization we humans are part of.
When we (family, church congregation, neighborhood) are at peace with each other, blessings are available and possible. When we don't have to use resources for peace-keeping, they are then available for enjoyment. Those blessings extend great distances--both literally and metaphorically. And they support our life.
"How very good and pleasant is it when kindred live in unity!"
Good and pleasant and necessary.
As necessary as for life as water--Mount Hermon was the source of the Jordan River. As good and necessary as their goal--Zion, the place that God had blessed, the place where blessings were bestowed. (with thanks to John H. Hayes' contribution to Preaching through the Christian Year, Trinity Press International.)
Proverbs 17:7-8
Fine speech is not becoming to a fool;
still less is false speech to a ruler.
A bribe is like a magic stone
in the eyes of those who give it.
Prayer for today: Choose a prayer from Joan Stott's website The Timeless Psalms.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Reflection on readings for June 14
Come, bless the Lord,
all you servants of the Lord,
who stand by night in the house
of the Lord.
(Psalm 134:1)
1 Kings 12:20-13:34
Acts 9:26-43
When Saul came to Jerusalem and tried to join the disciples, they resisted at first because they were afraid of him, not able to believe that he had changed. Once allowed into their group, he had to leave Jerusalem because his interpretations upset some of the regulars. However, the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria grew.Today's Christians still don't agree on everything. Disagreement doesn't always equate division or decline.
Meanwhile, Peter went to Lydda (Lod). In a time and place with no social security, no medicare or medicaid, people who had lost the breadwinner in the family were in real trouble. Yet, faithful Christians stepped in to help.
One of the care givers was Tabitha, a widow. A widow in that time was thought of as someone who wouldn't have had the means to support herself. Yet, this widow was devoted to good works and acts of charity. Luke calls her a disciple, a reminder for us that not all disciples have as their main job preaching.
She died. The other widows were distraught.
Peter, the former fisherman who preaches and heals openly, prayed, then commanded her to get up. She did.
The Christian church of today is still charged with performing acts of charity. We still have faithful disciples who show the love of Christ to those in need.
And we still find ourselves in despair when we lose someone who has been doing most of the work. And God still can fill the need.
Psalm 132:1-18
Psalm 132 begins by asking the Lord to remember David favorably--in this case, for wanting to build an appropriate place for the Lord to dwell and also appropriate for the people to come to worship.
We can read this reminder as referring specifically to David's establishment of Jerusalem as the capital and the worship center for all the tribes. And we can also read it metaphorically--Israel welcomed being chosen by the Lord and responded in a way that we could call hospitable and respectful.
This psalm then asks the Lord to remember the promise of the covenant with the house of David. Note that the Bible has several references to the covenant's being eternal, here it is described in more conditional terms--"If your sons keep my covenant and my decrees ... their sons also, forevermore, shall sit on your throne."
We who are Christians can remember the promises made to David and we can appropriate many of them for ourselves.
We also can appropriate many of the pledges that David made. We do desire to find a place for the Lord in our lives, a place that may be for us a physical church building, but it is also that place within the hearts of all of us in community.
And we certainly can appropriate the verses praying that our clerics be clothed in righteousness and all of us faithful, clergy and lay, be joyful in the presence of the Lord.
The place that the Lord has chosen to dwell is a place that will receive many blessings.
The first is to feed the poor.
Others include granting salvation to the priests, providing prosperity for David's decendants, and heaping disgrace on his enemies.
Back to the first--feeding the poor.
If we were to assess whether our congregation is providing an appropriate dwelling place for the Lord, should we use as a criteria whether we are feeding the poor?
Proverbs 17:6
Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,
and the glory of children is their parents.
Prayer for Today: Choose a prayer from Joan Stott's website The Timeless Psalms.
all you servants of the Lord,
who stand by night in the house
of the Lord.
(Psalm 134:1)
1 Kings 12:20-13:34
Acts 9:26-43
When Saul came to Jerusalem and tried to join the disciples, they resisted at first because they were afraid of him, not able to believe that he had changed. Once allowed into their group, he had to leave Jerusalem because his interpretations upset some of the regulars. However, the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria grew.Today's Christians still don't agree on everything. Disagreement doesn't always equate division or decline.
Meanwhile, Peter went to Lydda (Lod). In a time and place with no social security, no medicare or medicaid, people who had lost the breadwinner in the family were in real trouble. Yet, faithful Christians stepped in to help.
One of the care givers was Tabitha, a widow. A widow in that time was thought of as someone who wouldn't have had the means to support herself. Yet, this widow was devoted to good works and acts of charity. Luke calls her a disciple, a reminder for us that not all disciples have as their main job preaching.
She died. The other widows were distraught.
Peter, the former fisherman who preaches and heals openly, prayed, then commanded her to get up. She did.
The Christian church of today is still charged with performing acts of charity. We still have faithful disciples who show the love of Christ to those in need.
And we still find ourselves in despair when we lose someone who has been doing most of the work. And God still can fill the need.
Psalm 132:1-18
Psalm 132 begins by asking the Lord to remember David favorably--in this case, for wanting to build an appropriate place for the Lord to dwell and also appropriate for the people to come to worship.
We can read this reminder as referring specifically to David's establishment of Jerusalem as the capital and the worship center for all the tribes. And we can also read it metaphorically--Israel welcomed being chosen by the Lord and responded in a way that we could call hospitable and respectful.
This psalm then asks the Lord to remember the promise of the covenant with the house of David. Note that the Bible has several references to the covenant's being eternal, here it is described in more conditional terms--"If your sons keep my covenant and my decrees ... their sons also, forevermore, shall sit on your throne."
We who are Christians can remember the promises made to David and we can appropriate many of them for ourselves.
We also can appropriate many of the pledges that David made. We do desire to find a place for the Lord in our lives, a place that may be for us a physical church building, but it is also that place within the hearts of all of us in community.
And we certainly can appropriate the verses praying that our clerics be clothed in righteousness and all of us faithful, clergy and lay, be joyful in the presence of the Lord.
The place that the Lord has chosen to dwell is a place that will receive many blessings.
The first is to feed the poor.
Others include granting salvation to the priests, providing prosperity for David's decendants, and heaping disgrace on his enemies.
Back to the first--feeding the poor.
If we were to assess whether our congregation is providing an appropriate dwelling place for the Lord, should we use as a criteria whether we are feeding the poor?
Proverbs 17:6
Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,
and the glory of children is their parents.
Prayer for Today: Choose a prayer from Joan Stott's website The Timeless Psalms.
Friday, June 13, 2014
Reflection on readings for June 13
O Israel, hope in the Lord
from this time on and forevermore.
(Psalm 131:3)
1 Kings 11:1-12:19
Even though the Lord had told the Israelite men not to marry women from certain nations that worshipped other gods, Solomon followed his heart--over a thousand times. And as the Lord had warned, his heart was turned away from God.
In anger, after trying twice to get Solomon to follow his commands, the Lord told him that the kingdom would be split--but not during Solomon's lifetime. Then one of Solomon's trusted employees, Jeroboam (a supervisor of the forced laborers), was approached by a prophet who told him that God was going to split up Solomon's kingdom.
After Solomon died, his son Rehoboam accepted the kingship. When Jeroboam asked him to lighten the burden of the laborers, Rehoboam said he was making make it heaver. The northern tribes did secede.
Acts 9:1-25
Saul had witnessed the execution of Stephen in Jerusalem. Persecution of Christians in Jerusalem became so fearsome that many fled the city. Saul was part of the effort to remove what they considered to be a dangerous threat to their religion. Scaring the Christians out of Jerusalem did not silence them. They preached wherever they were. Evangelism in Samaria was so successful that Peter and John made a trip there then returned to Jerusalem. Philip obeyed a call from the Lord to go south. There he baptized and preached.
Saul, aware of the increase in adherents to Christ, set out to find them and bring them back to Jerusalem.
His journey was interrupted. He saw a light and heard a voice, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"
He asked "Who are you, Lord?" and was answered, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what to do."
Saul had thought he was persecuting heretics; now, he is struck with the realization that the Jesus that they were claiming had been resurrected was now speaking even to him. And engaging him.
Although we are accustomed to thinking of this event as the conversion of Paul, many commentators prefer to term it as the call. After all, Saul/Paul does not quit being a faithful Jew. The split between Jews who are Christians and who are not will come later.
Jesus spoke to Ananias in a vision: Go tell Saul to tell about me to both Gentiles and Jews.
Ananias was surprised at the choice of Saul because of his efforts at ridding Judaism of Christ followers. But, he expressed no surprise at the message only the messenger. After all, Jesus himself had reached out to many persons who were not faithful Jews--or any kind of Jew--for example, sinners, collaborators, and foreigners.
Jesus is still reaching out. It is ironic that he would choose Saul for the mission. Saul, who had been trying to rid the Jews of those who were adherents to Christ, is now going to be asked to go to people who aren't even Jews.
Ananias was afraid and had reason to be; yet, he does what the Lord tells him to do--approach this man who has been persecuting people like him.
He did what Jesus had told him to do. Immediately Saul's sight was restored. He got up, was baptized, ate some food, got stronger, and begin to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying "He is the Son of God."
Psalm 131:1-3
Psalm 131 begins with an assertion of humility, "O Lord, my heart is not proud nor my look haughty; I do not aspire to great things or to what is beyond me." I'm pausing here to ponder how honestly a typical modern can pray this psalm. Do we think a heart should be proud? Is it hard for us to admit that some things are beyond us? How willing are we to limit our aspirations? Or, I'm wondering if we, on the other hand, can pray this psalm quite honestly. Our humility is part of what drives us to our places of worship. Of course, we can't do everything. Of course, we don't understand why some things turn out the way they do. But, I'm still having trouble with the not-occupying myself part. I, at least, if not we, do tend to worry about a lot of things.
Back to the psalm.
The words of the psalm links the one on the way to the Temple (or on the way home from exile, or the one seeking the presence of God) to a small child with its mother. From an assertion of humility to an example of it. It's hard to come up with a relationship in which one party provides for the needs of the other--even when that other isn't behaving particularly well at all--than the mother and her child.
Proverbs 17:4-5
An evildoer listens to wicked lips;
and a liar gives heed to a mischievous tongue.
Those who mock the poor insult their maker;
those who are glad at calamity will not go unpunished.
Prayer for Today: Choose a prayer from Joan Stott's website The Timeless Psalms.
from this time on and forevermore.
(Psalm 131:3)
1 Kings 11:1-12:19
Even though the Lord had told the Israelite men not to marry women from certain nations that worshipped other gods, Solomon followed his heart--over a thousand times. And as the Lord had warned, his heart was turned away from God.
In anger, after trying twice to get Solomon to follow his commands, the Lord told him that the kingdom would be split--but not during Solomon's lifetime. Then one of Solomon's trusted employees, Jeroboam (a supervisor of the forced laborers), was approached by a prophet who told him that God was going to split up Solomon's kingdom.
After Solomon died, his son Rehoboam accepted the kingship. When Jeroboam asked him to lighten the burden of the laborers, Rehoboam said he was making make it heaver. The northern tribes did secede.
Acts 9:1-25
Saul had witnessed the execution of Stephen in Jerusalem. Persecution of Christians in Jerusalem became so fearsome that many fled the city. Saul was part of the effort to remove what they considered to be a dangerous threat to their religion. Scaring the Christians out of Jerusalem did not silence them. They preached wherever they were. Evangelism in Samaria was so successful that Peter and John made a trip there then returned to Jerusalem. Philip obeyed a call from the Lord to go south. There he baptized and preached.
Saul, aware of the increase in adherents to Christ, set out to find them and bring them back to Jerusalem.
His journey was interrupted. He saw a light and heard a voice, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"
He asked "Who are you, Lord?" and was answered, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what to do."
Saul had thought he was persecuting heretics; now, he is struck with the realization that the Jesus that they were claiming had been resurrected was now speaking even to him. And engaging him.
Although we are accustomed to thinking of this event as the conversion of Paul, many commentators prefer to term it as the call. After all, Saul/Paul does not quit being a faithful Jew. The split between Jews who are Christians and who are not will come later.
Jesus spoke to Ananias in a vision: Go tell Saul to tell about me to both Gentiles and Jews.
Ananias was surprised at the choice of Saul because of his efforts at ridding Judaism of Christ followers. But, he expressed no surprise at the message only the messenger. After all, Jesus himself had reached out to many persons who were not faithful Jews--or any kind of Jew--for example, sinners, collaborators, and foreigners.
Jesus is still reaching out. It is ironic that he would choose Saul for the mission. Saul, who had been trying to rid the Jews of those who were adherents to Christ, is now going to be asked to go to people who aren't even Jews.
Ananias was afraid and had reason to be; yet, he does what the Lord tells him to do--approach this man who has been persecuting people like him.
He did what Jesus had told him to do. Immediately Saul's sight was restored. He got up, was baptized, ate some food, got stronger, and begin to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying "He is the Son of God."
Psalm 131:1-3
Psalm 131 begins with an assertion of humility, "O Lord, my heart is not proud nor my look haughty; I do not aspire to great things or to what is beyond me." I'm pausing here to ponder how honestly a typical modern can pray this psalm. Do we think a heart should be proud? Is it hard for us to admit that some things are beyond us? How willing are we to limit our aspirations? Or, I'm wondering if we, on the other hand, can pray this psalm quite honestly. Our humility is part of what drives us to our places of worship. Of course, we can't do everything. Of course, we don't understand why some things turn out the way they do. But, I'm still having trouble with the not-occupying myself part. I, at least, if not we, do tend to worry about a lot of things.
Back to the psalm.
The words of the psalm links the one on the way to the Temple (or on the way home from exile, or the one seeking the presence of God) to a small child with its mother. From an assertion of humility to an example of it. It's hard to come up with a relationship in which one party provides for the needs of the other--even when that other isn't behaving particularly well at all--than the mother and her child.
Proverbs 17:4-5
An evildoer listens to wicked lips;
and a liar gives heed to a mischievous tongue.
Those who mock the poor insult their maker;
those who are glad at calamity will not go unpunished.
Prayer for Today: Choose a prayer from Joan Stott's website The Timeless Psalms.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Reflection on readings for June 12
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits.
In your word I hope.
(adapted from Psalm 130:5)
1 Kings 9:1-10:29
The Lord told Solomon, "I'll be with you as I was with your father, but you must maintain integrity and uprightness, obey all commands, statutes, and ordinances I have given you. Otherwise, I will cut you off."
Solomon used conscripted labor to build the temple and his palace and many, many other projects. His fame spread. The queen of Sheba gave to see for herself. After observing his wisdom and his display of wealth, she pronounced her approval and gave him lavish gifts.
More wealth came to Solomon through traders, merchant, shippers, and the nations allied with him.
Wisdom and wealth, so far.
Acts 8:14-40
Through the first seven chapters of Acts, Peter and the other apostles have been preaching in Jerusalem. Successes and setbacks. Steven was condemned to death. Saul (more about him later) watched the stoning.
The persecution became so severe that the apostles scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. (Go back and read again Acts 1:8.)
Philip is preaching in Samaria where crowds are listening eagerly to him and seeing the signs that he did (8:4-8). Peter and John returned to Jerusalem. And Philip is directed by a messenger from God to go to Gaza.
He is performing signs, drawing crowds, being praised, and baptizing. Philip is in a productive mission field. And God tells him to travel the wilderness road.
On the trip, Philip came across a court official of the Ethiopian queen who was returning from a trip to Jerusalem. He had gone there to worship, and when Philip saw him, he was reading from the prophet Isaiah.
We can speculate whether he had already read the part of Isaiah where eunuchs and foreigners are included in Israel's promise (56:1-8). [Tangent: We can further speculate on whether we ourselves have spent much time with that passage and whether we talk and act as if we believed it.]
The Spirit sent Philip over to speak to this foreigner. Philip responded to this command by running over to his chariot.
He asked him if he understood what he was reading. The Ethiopian replied, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to join him.
Some points to consider:
People who don't look like or who haven't been brought up like us may be sensing the call of God. God may be talking to us, and we ought to be listening.
If someone wants to understand scripture, and we're standing right there, we need to be prepared to step up to the need.
OTOH, scripture may not be transparent even to someone who has studied a lot. We need to look at the Ethiopian as a good example of someone who knew he needed instruction and was willing to admit it.
The Ethiopian had been reading from Isaiah (53:7-8), a passage first heard by a weak nation in tribulation caused by a powerful invader, a passage about suffering.
Who is the Ethiopian talking about--himself or somebody else?
Philip responded by telling him about Jesus.
Christians continue to appropriate the stories of Israel in exile. Some of us think all the prophets were talking about Jesus. Some of us think that we can understand the meaning of Jesus better as we learn the history of God's dealing with suffering through the millenia that preceded Jesus' time on earth.
He is not like them. He's from a different place. He lives a different life. But, he asks "What is to prevent me from being baptized?"
Philip sees no reason why not.
The General Conference of the UMC in 2012 marked the entry into full communion with the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, the African Union Methodist Protestant Church and the Union American Methodist Episcopal Church. According to Rich Peck (see umc.org):
“We have a shameful history of blatant racism that led to the breakup of American Methodism into multiple denominations beginning in the late 18th century,” said the Rev. Stephen J. Sidorak Jr., staff executive of the United Methodist Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns.
Noting the existence of the Pan-Methodist Commission, Sidorak said, “There is some solace in the fact that there has been demonstrable dedication within The United Methodist Church to preserve a special relationship with the historic African-American Methodist churches.”
But not everyone is to be include in everything. The GC spent time trying to decide who should be included in decision-making roles, in the clergy, and in church weddings. The view of the Common Witness Coalition is that we did not succeed in inviting-all-to-the-table
Psalm 130:1-8
This psalm helps give us voice to our laments, for those times when we are lost in situations of despair, times when we are not in control of the outcome. It is a reminder, an affirmation, that what we are waiting for is for the Lord to take control.
We are turning to the Lord even with the admission that we don't deserve help. God forgives. God loves. God redeems.
When I am in pain, and the situation is due to my own fault, how can I expect God to help? Why would God want to step in to that situation? The answer in the psalm is that God forgives.
Outline of Psalm 130
A slave who deals wisely will rule
over a child who acts shamefully,
and will share the inheritance
as one of the family.
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,
but the Lord tests the heart.
Prayer for Today: Choose a prayer from Joan Stott's website The Timeless Psalms.
In your word I hope.
(adapted from Psalm 130:5)
1 Kings 9:1-10:29
The Lord told Solomon, "I'll be with you as I was with your father, but you must maintain integrity and uprightness, obey all commands, statutes, and ordinances I have given you. Otherwise, I will cut you off."
Solomon used conscripted labor to build the temple and his palace and many, many other projects. His fame spread. The queen of Sheba gave to see for herself. After observing his wisdom and his display of wealth, she pronounced her approval and gave him lavish gifts.
More wealth came to Solomon through traders, merchant, shippers, and the nations allied with him.
Wisdom and wealth, so far.
Acts 8:14-40
Through the first seven chapters of Acts, Peter and the other apostles have been preaching in Jerusalem. Successes and setbacks. Steven was condemned to death. Saul (more about him later) watched the stoning.
The persecution became so severe that the apostles scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. (Go back and read again Acts 1:8.)
Philip is preaching in Samaria where crowds are listening eagerly to him and seeing the signs that he did (8:4-8). Peter and John returned to Jerusalem. And Philip is directed by a messenger from God to go to Gaza.
He is performing signs, drawing crowds, being praised, and baptizing. Philip is in a productive mission field. And God tells him to travel the wilderness road.
On the trip, Philip came across a court official of the Ethiopian queen who was returning from a trip to Jerusalem. He had gone there to worship, and when Philip saw him, he was reading from the prophet Isaiah.
We can speculate whether he had already read the part of Isaiah where eunuchs and foreigners are included in Israel's promise (56:1-8). [Tangent: We can further speculate on whether we ourselves have spent much time with that passage and whether we talk and act as if we believed it.]
The Spirit sent Philip over to speak to this foreigner. Philip responded to this command by running over to his chariot.
He asked him if he understood what he was reading. The Ethiopian replied, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to join him.
Some points to consider:
People who don't look like or who haven't been brought up like us may be sensing the call of God. God may be talking to us, and we ought to be listening.
If someone wants to understand scripture, and we're standing right there, we need to be prepared to step up to the need.
OTOH, scripture may not be transparent even to someone who has studied a lot. We need to look at the Ethiopian as a good example of someone who knew he needed instruction and was willing to admit it.
The Ethiopian had been reading from Isaiah (53:7-8), a passage first heard by a weak nation in tribulation caused by a powerful invader, a passage about suffering.
Who is the Ethiopian talking about--himself or somebody else?
Philip responded by telling him about Jesus.
Christians continue to appropriate the stories of Israel in exile. Some of us think all the prophets were talking about Jesus. Some of us think that we can understand the meaning of Jesus better as we learn the history of God's dealing with suffering through the millenia that preceded Jesus' time on earth.
He is not like them. He's from a different place. He lives a different life. But, he asks "What is to prevent me from being baptized?"
Philip sees no reason why not.
The General Conference of the UMC in 2012 marked the entry into full communion with the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, the African Union Methodist Protestant Church and the Union American Methodist Episcopal Church. According to Rich Peck (see umc.org):
“We have a shameful history of blatant racism that led to the breakup of American Methodism into multiple denominations beginning in the late 18th century,” said the Rev. Stephen J. Sidorak Jr., staff executive of the United Methodist Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns.
Noting the existence of the Pan-Methodist Commission, Sidorak said, “There is some solace in the fact that there has been demonstrable dedication within The United Methodist Church to preserve a special relationship with the historic African-American Methodist churches.”
But not everyone is to be include in everything. The GC spent time trying to decide who should be included in decision-making roles, in the clergy, and in church weddings. The view of the Common Witness Coalition is that we did not succeed in inviting-all-to-the-table
Psalm 130:1-8
This psalm helps give us voice to our laments, for those times when we are lost in situations of despair, times when we are not in control of the outcome. It is a reminder, an affirmation, that what we are waiting for is for the Lord to take control.
We are turning to the Lord even with the admission that we don't deserve help. God forgives. God loves. God redeems.
When I am in pain, and the situation is due to my own fault, how can I expect God to help? Why would God want to step in to that situation? The answer in the psalm is that God forgives.
I'm not good at memorizing, but as I read Psalm 130, I think I really ought to try to be.
Despair.Proverbs 17:2-3
Pleading.
Memory of what God has already done.
Waiting. Hoping.
Preaching.
A slave who deals wisely will rule
over a child who acts shamefully,
and will share the inheritance
as one of the family.
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,
but the Lord tests the heart.
Prayer for Today: Choose a prayer from Joan Stott's website The Timeless Psalms.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Reflection on readings for June 11
Out of the depths
I cry to you, O Lord.
(Psalm 130:1)
1 Kings 8:1-66
Solomon has the ark brought into Jerusalem to be set in place in the new temple. The priests carried the ark into the holiest part of this holy place. As they came out, a cloud filled the temple--a cloud, the visible sign of the glory of the Lord.
(His ancestors had been led by the cloud through the wilderness on their journey from slavery to promised land.)
Solomon prayed before the altar in the presence of all those assembled in the temple. He praised God for the covenant that had been made with David that extended to David's descendants. And extended to people who were not David's descendants. Solomon specifically included immigrants, asking God to hear their prayers, as well.
The glory of God is visible in the temple, but God is not imprisoned there. Solomon could pray to God in the temple and expect God to hear him, but God is not confined to the temple.
In the last few years here in the US, we have become accustomed to reading about immigrants--and arguing about them. Many Americans would prefer that we not accept any new arrivals although of course we know that almost all of us are descendants of immigrants.
So, it's interesting to me to read in the OT yet one more passage about immigrants. In his dedicatory prayer in the newly built temple, Solomon includes the foreigners who have heard about God and showed up at the temple.
Now, Solomon does give a practical reason for welcoming the outsiders. The more people that know about God, the most people there will be to teach others. But, let me also point out that Solomon assumes that God hears the prayers of these outsiders and will respond favorably to them.
What would it mean for us in the US--or, for any of the rest of you, for that matter--to recognize that God listens to the prayers of people that aren't just like us?
Acts 7:51-8:13
They reacted to his severe criticisms by attacking and killing him. Saul, who we will later know as Paul, watches with approval.
As Stephen dies, he prays that they will receive forgiveness.
Severe persecution of the church in Jerusalem began. Many of the Christians scattered to other places. Philip went to Samaria where he met eager crowds to hear his message.
In the Book of Acts, some evangelists have received positive support (see Chapter 2, for example), but not all faithfulness to God's intent brings immediate success. For the "yet," here's an excerpt from Texts for Preaching, Westminster John Knox Press:
Psalm 129:1-8
Bad things do happen to good people.
Proverbs 17:1
Better is a dry morsel with quiet
than a house full of feasting with strife.
Prayer for Today: O Lord, our God, open our ears to hear your message. Open our mouths to share your message with others. Amen.
I cry to you, O Lord.
(Psalm 130:1)
1 Kings 8:1-66
Solomon has the ark brought into Jerusalem to be set in place in the new temple. The priests carried the ark into the holiest part of this holy place. As they came out, a cloud filled the temple--a cloud, the visible sign of the glory of the Lord.
(His ancestors had been led by the cloud through the wilderness on their journey from slavery to promised land.)
Solomon prayed before the altar in the presence of all those assembled in the temple. He praised God for the covenant that had been made with David that extended to David's descendants. And extended to people who were not David's descendants. Solomon specifically included immigrants, asking God to hear their prayers, as well.
The glory of God is visible in the temple, but God is not imprisoned there. Solomon could pray to God in the temple and expect God to hear him, but God is not confined to the temple.
In the last few years here in the US, we have become accustomed to reading about immigrants--and arguing about them. Many Americans would prefer that we not accept any new arrivals although of course we know that almost all of us are descendants of immigrants.
So, it's interesting to me to read in the OT yet one more passage about immigrants. In his dedicatory prayer in the newly built temple, Solomon includes the foreigners who have heard about God and showed up at the temple.
Now, Solomon does give a practical reason for welcoming the outsiders. The more people that know about God, the most people there will be to teach others. But, let me also point out that Solomon assumes that God hears the prayers of these outsiders and will respond favorably to them.
What would it mean for us in the US--or, for any of the rest of you, for that matter--to recognize that God listens to the prayers of people that aren't just like us?
Acts 7:51-8:13
They reacted to his severe criticisms by attacking and killing him. Saul, who we will later know as Paul, watches with approval.
As Stephen dies, he prays that they will receive forgiveness.
Severe persecution of the church in Jerusalem began. Many of the Christians scattered to other places. Philip went to Samaria where he met eager crowds to hear his message.
In the Book of Acts, some evangelists have received positive support (see Chapter 2, for example), but not all faithfulness to God's intent brings immediate success. For the "yet," here's an excerpt from Texts for Preaching, Westminster John Knox Press:
Yet while acknowledging the continuing reality of evil, the text makes it quite clear that those who are really dead are not Stephen, but the disciple's killers. His pain may be the most immediate, but his joy is ultimate and final, while their twisted and hate-posoned hearts show no inclination to be open to any good news of what God has done and is doing. And so the Easter victory is genuine and enduring, but in important respects it is a victory whose final consummation is still held in anticipation.
Psalm 129:1-8
Bad things do happen to good people.
Proverbs 17:1
Better is a dry morsel with quiet
than a house full of feasting with strife.
Prayer for Today: O Lord, our God, open our ears to hear your message. Open our mouths to share your message with others. Amen.
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