Lectionary for Pentecost 6
God’s grace is sufficient for us; God’s power is made perfect in weakness. If we boast, let us boast in the Lord. 2 Corinthians 12:9; 10:17
Reading. 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10. As we consider this passage for today we might wonder at the significance of David becoming king over all Israel. The history between the 10 tribes in the north, usually named Israel and the two tribes in the south usually named Judah was often turbulent. This union marks a significant shift for now one king is ruler over all 12 tribes of God’s people. It is telling that David had such leadership and charisma to draw the tribes together. The passage then recounts that David conquered Jerusalem and made it his stronghold and the place where he built the kingdoms palace and subsequently the Temple of Solomon was built. Jerusalem was considered to be impregnable. Hence to capture Jerusalem was a feat that displayed both military might and also military wisdom. Now in just a few sentences the writer has recorded these two important national events. However there is another layer of this story that we have to consider which is predicated with the question, “Do we believe that the God of Israel can shape history not only for today but also into the future?” If we answer yes to that question then this passage takes on even deeper significance. Anointing David to the throne, God is putting in place the ruler who will bring Israel to the height of its powers and so demonstrating to the people how good it is to be under the rule of God; and what levels of prosperity and influence could be achieved. After David the kingdom of Israel would never again achieve the power and prestige among the regions nations. In the same way by making Jerusalem the nation’s capital and the site of the temple, God is preparing the way for the future that He is shaping. Jewish and Christian tradition has always understood that Jerusalem is the site of the ancient city of Salem where Melchizedek was both king and priest. (Genesis 14:18) Jerusalem will mark the site of Messiah’s return and this returning king will be none other than the Lord Jesus Christ who according to Hebrews will be “a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” Hebrews 7:14ff) Long ago David’s conquering and establishment of Jerusalem as the temple site prepared the way for the plan of God to unfold.
Prayer. Almighty God, you are the one who loves us with an everlasting love. Pour down your blessing on our lives again today. Give us the health and strength that we need to journey on to accomplish those tasks that lie before us. Forgive us when we have doubted in your constant love. Help us see your work in our lives with new eyes. We praise you that though we often doubt, you continue to love us, for your faithfulness endures forever. Hold us in your mercy until that time when we see the truth about your relationship with us. You are a great and a glorious God. We praise your name again today. Amen
Reading. Mark 6:1-13. Although Mark emphasises that Jesus was hugely popular in Galilee, in this passage he recounts the strong opposition that Jesus met in his own home town and among people who would have been his kin. In verse 3 we see that his neighbours took “offense” at him. It is a verb which suggests that they stumbled over him and kept on stumbling and therefore never understood his message or who he was. Their knowledge of him had prevented them for seeing Jesus in His true light. To acknowledge his wisdom and powers would have made Jesus their teacher and so would have forced them to re think their own faith position. Many of the prophets of old faced the strongest opposition from the people closest to them.
Today we live in a world where friendship with Jesus is often paramount. This is not necessarily a bad thing as long as it does not prevent us from seeing that Jesus is also Lord and King and as such stands as ruler over us. Immediately following this passage Mark goes on to record the sending out of the Twelve two by two. We should not miss that Jesus gave them authority to cast out demons and to heal, as well as call people to repentance. These disciples were for the most part simple fishermen with few inherent gifts of their own to call for forgiveness: It was the authority given to them which brought success to the task set for them. This authority would have had no significance unless they firstly had complete confidence in the power and authority of the one sending them out. Mark’s Gospel reminds us that being and doing are twin elements of the Christian walk and this all flows from comprehending who Jesus is and what Jesus has come to achieve. For we have become partners of Christ, if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end. “As it is said,
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” Hebrews 3:14f. NRSV
Prayer. Lord Jesus, before you all powers and dominion will be subdued; all thrones and kingdoms will give due honour. All powerful as you are, yet gracious Lord it is you who has reached down and drawn us to yourself. We thank you that through your love and care we are grafted into the family of God and by your gracious sacrifice we are transformed into the children God and inheritors of all the promises that God has made. Keep us ever in the faith and by your Spirit’s power guide us to walk always in obedience to you. As we love and serve you, may we love and serve those around us, ever mindful of your patience and understanding. To you belongs all thanks and praise and so in reverence and awe we offer our prayers of thanksgiving. Amen
Collect. Remove, O Father, the veil from our eyes, and grant us the light of the Spirit; that we may learn to recognise your glory in the humiliation of your Son, and experience in the weakness of our own human nature the surpassing power of his resurrection. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Jesus, friend and Lord, we limit you by our notions; help us to go wherever your Spirit leads, knowing that your power alone keeps us on the road of faith now and for ever. Amen.
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