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Psalm 2  New English Translation

Why do the nations rebel?
Why are the countries devising plots that will fail?
The kings of the earth form a united front;
the rulers collaborate
against the Lord and his anointed king.
They say, “Let’s tear off the shackles they’ve put on us.
Let’s free ourselves from their ropes.”
The one enthroned in heaven laughs in disgust;
the Lord taunts them.
Then he angrily speaks to them
and terrifies them in his rage, saying,
“I myself have installed my king
on Zion, my holy hill.”
The king says, “I will announce the Lord’s decree. He said to me:
‘You are my son. This very day I have become your father.
Ask me,
and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,
the ends of the earth as your personal property.
You will break them with an iron scepter;
you will smash them like a potter’s jar.’”
So now, you kings, do what is wise;
you rulers of the earth, submit to correction.
Serve the Lord in fear.
Repent in terror.
Give sincere homage.
Otherwise he will be angry,
and you will die because of your behavior,
when his anger quickly ignites.
How blessed are all who take shelter in him!

Reflection

Creator: prill | Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Copyright: Achim Prill

     It isn't my favorite Psalm, but there are some good things to consider. First of all, reading the Bible is not meant to be a recipe book of truths to find. I recently heard a Rabbi describe on social media that we read the Hebrew Bible to discover meaning. There are a great deal of moments and sections that have tensions and unexpected outcomes that are meant to give us pause, wonder, and mystery.

     So, even though this Psalm is pushing the national pride of being God's people, that isn't the only discovery. When I re-read with a bit more patience I noticed the obvious connection to "God's Son" -- the title given to the Davidic King and to King Jesus. I recognized that as the likely tie to the upcoming Festival of the Transfiguration. I blitzed right past that to the concept of "taking shelter" in God. This is an idiom for seeking God's protection. This in turn means a sense of trust in the Lord. The act of seeking shelter provided by God is a demonstration of loyalty. Once again, even though the nations may feel provoked by the pride of this Psalm, all are welcome to seek shelter. God sends rain and sunshine on the wicked and the good, inviting all to seek shelter in God and to return from that shelter to bask in the goodness and providence. Another meaning I noticed in this discovery is, "Where is God's shelter, where is God's presence?" These are questions to wonder about with another Bible text.

Great and Gracious God,

We love you and we turn to you. You are the porch, the awning, the storm shelter unmoved. Guide us to become more aware of your protecting ways. Lord, we lift up those that in need of your care and help,... be with all those that are sick or suffering in any way. We praise you for the goodness that you show to us. Continue to teach us what it means to love our enemies and what it means to trust deeply in you. In the Name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Put One Foot Out in Front of The Other

Psalm 119:1-8  
א (Alef)

How blessed are those whose actions are blameless,
who obey the law of the Lord.
How blessed are those who observe God's rules,
and seek God with all their heart,
who, moreover, do no wrong,
but walk in God's ways.
You demand that your precepts
be carefully kept.
If only I were predisposed
to keep your statutes.
Then I would not be ashamed,
if I were focused on all your commands.
I will give you sincere thanks,
when I learn your just regulations.
I will keep your statutes.
Do not completely abandon me.

Reflection

     When I read this, I was reminded again that in the Hebrew Bible, "walking" is a preferred metaphor or symbol for a daily faith life. Walking is certainly something that people in biblical times did frequently. So, I have always been just a little surprised that it was chosen as a way to describe the special and spiritual connection with living out a trust in God. Sure, it is super relatable. We all know what walking looks or feels like. Even those with mobility restrictions can appropriately walk with God in their spiritual life as a hope and reality in the Great Beyond. Those who can't move here can wonderfully envision walking with God in Heaven. Yet, there is a lot more to this. Walking is good for us. Walking is considered by many experts to be the one of the best forms of exercise. There is also something about it that helps you to clear your head and think or just be yourself. Step by step, little by little, you get there. For me, this is the most significant. I think our spiritual life is a long sequence of small works to get closer to God and farther from our selfishness. We make a series of improvements that might seem almost invisible in a close up, but from a distance a good shift has occurred. 

     Even more, what if we not just imagine, but in faith see that in all aspects of life that God is turned back to us slightly with a hand out inviting us, "Walk with me." We who often chose to try to find the closest parking spot so that we walk less or any other of the long list of choices of going in the wrong direction, we are invited to walk with God. Maybe walking is such a good symbol because even when we are lost, confused, or feeling like a failure we can still put one foot out in front of the other.

Great God,

You walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. May your resurrected glory walk with us today and in the days ahead. Wherever we go, guide us to turn and return toward you and your path for our life and for your goodness. Be with all those whose movement is difficult this day... Strengthen those who feel unable to take one more movement. Lift us all in your foot path of peace. In your Name, we pray. Amen.

"Give it to them Jesus!"

Luke 6:17-26  New English Translation

Then he came down with them and stood on a level place. And a large number of his disciples had gathered along with a vast multitude from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon. They came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases, and those who suffered from unclean spirits were cured. The whole crowd was trying to touch him, because power was coming out from him and healing them all.

Then he looked up at his disciples and said:
“Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God belongs to you.
“Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.
“Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
“Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you and reject you as evil on account of the Son of Humanity! Rejoice in that day, and jump for joy, because your reward is great in heaven. For their ancestors did the same things to the prophets.
“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your comfort already.
“Woe to you who are well satisfied with food now, for you will be hungry.
“Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.
“Woe to you when all people speak well of you, for their ancestors did the same things to the false prophets.

Reflection

     The Beatitudes either deeply inspiring or troubling. It does seem to follow the old adage of

comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable. This is very clear in today's reading from Luke. (The very observant worshiper might notice that this is the Lucan version following this past Sunday's reading from Matthew.) I wonder if most readers feel the same way that I do--liking all the parts that are easy and provide blessing, but struggling with all of the woes and judgments for lack of ethical living. We like it when "those..." get their comeuppance. We "mmm huh" and say, "Give it to them Jesus!" This is the great reversal. We are totally fine with it if we feel like we wind up a winner. For most of the world, this will be true. Particularly those who wealth and power has left behind. Part of the good news is that we are invited into the reversal. If we have resources, we can share them and give them. We can give comfort or a listening ear. We can...do many things in the Way of Christ. Jesus means to not only comfort us, but also to spur us into action. This sermon also makes clear that the "disciples" are not a closed group, but includes all who like working in the weakness of love (which actually overpowers).

Almighty God, you make the sun to shine on the evil and the good. Your wisdom is far beyond ours. Your ways shame the powerful and strong. Guide us to live in your truth and to share it in all ways with the world. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

No Second Shake

Deuteronomy 24:17-25:4   New English Translation

You must not pervert justice due a resident foreigner or an orphan, or take a widow’s garment as security for a loan. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God redeemed you from there; therefore I am commanding you to do all this. Whenever you reap your harvest in your field and leave some unraked grain there, you must not return to get it; it should go to the resident foreigner, orphan, and widow so that the Lord your God may bless all the work you do. When you beat your olive tree you must not repeat the procedure; the remaining olives belong to the resident foreigner, orphan, and widow. When you gather the grapes of your vineyard you must not do so a second time; they should go to the resident foreigner, orphan, and widow. Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt; therefore, I am commanding you to do all this.

If controversy arises between people, they should go to court for judgment. When the judges hear the case, they shall exonerate the innocent but condemn the guilty. Then, if the guilty person is sentenced to a beating, the judge shall force him to lie down and be beaten in his presence with the number of blows his wicked behavior deserves. The judge may sentence him to forty blows, but no more. If he is struck with more than these, you might view your fellow Israelite with contempt.

You must not muzzle your ox when it is treading grain.

Reflection

     I don't find myself quoting Deuteronomy very often, but I might start. The last line sounds antiquated, a bit funny to the modern ear, but it speaks volumes towards our current situation of ethical and Creation care needs. It is at once, self evident--allow the ox to eat some of grain while it is working. I honestly don't know precisely what that would look like, but I would imagine that it would slow down a bit and literally eat into the profits. That's the point in it, isn't it. Almost all of our current problems are directly related to muzzled oxen, figuratively speaking. It turns out that pushing for maximum profit has its long term problems--income inequality, hopeless poverty,...and lack of nurturing for the very Creation that is providing something tasty and delicious. God's good Law has a purpose beyond our short scope. 

     I also notice that there is a great deal of grace proscribed in these Laws. These are the good things that we are supposed to be. For God's chosen people (to which we have been grafted in, thank you Jesus), this is what we do. It isn't listed as optional, or "if you really want to be a good Christian..." 

     We need to pay attention to the reality that God is concerned with the leftovers and the left outs. God cares about all of Creation (including all humans). It is interesting to me that the tactics are simple and do-able. We are just not supposed to make the extra effort to do the second shake of the tree. In an age when we invent and engineer machines to eek out as much efficiency as possible, God asks us to just let it remain, let it be. Of course the challenge is that we have engineered our societies to be far from simple gleanings. We have to find ways to reverse engineer kindness and generosity into our communities and food systems. Advocacy and careful purchasing with companies that give back is important (look for certified B and 1% give back to the planet).

Gracious God, continue to prepare our hearts for your lightness of life. We tend to weigh things down and make them so complicated. Today, let us rest in you and help others to do the same. Guide us to share appropriately and abundantly with respect and dignity. In the Way of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen. 

For more about olive harvest check out
this link to Crete.

Spotlight

Galatians 2:1-10  New English Translation

Then after fourteen years I went up to Jerusalem again with Barnabas, taking Titus along too. I went there because of a revelation and presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did so only in a private meeting with the influential people, to make sure that I was not running—or had not run—in vain. Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, although he was a Greek. Now this matter arose because of the false brothers with false pretenses who slipped in unnoticed to spy on our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, to make us slaves. But we did not surrender to them even for a moment, in order that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.

But from those who were influential (whatever they were makes no difference to me; God shows no favoritism between people)—those influential leaders added nothing to my message. On the contrary, when they saw that I was entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised just as Peter was entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised (for he who empowered Peter for his apostleship to the circumcised also empowered me for my apostleship to the Gentiles) and when James, Cephas, and John, who had a reputation as pillars, recognized the grace that had been given to me, they gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, agreeing that we would go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. They requested only that we remember the poor, the very thing I also was eager to do.

Reflection

     I know I am not alone in enjoying Paul's writing in the letter to the church in Galatia. It isn't just that he has his grumpy pants on. Although, it is certainly entertaining. No, it is much more than that. Paul isn't just having a bad moment, these are serious issues about central matters in the Gospel. Yet, it is still enjoyable to read Paul issue a "whatever..." about the influencers. It is the second part of that additional comment, "God shows no favoritism between people," that packs a punch. Buried deep within that phrase is the answer to a great many of life's questions. Power, prestige, influence, and all the things that gain great weight in human circles find no place among God's Reigning Way. We artificially make many boundaries, lines, and barriers that God does not honor or utilize. Even more, God's mission and invitation to participation greatly broadened through Christ Jesus. The spotlight on the chosen people to get the job done has been widened and expanded. The light shines on all of us and each of us. The job, by the way, clearly includes the poor!

Dear Lord,

Sometimes we lose our focus and get distracted by so many things that don't really matter to you. We pray your guidance for our attention and our efforts, that they would be in accord and aligned with your plan and path. In your unifying Name, we pray. Amen.

Strong Words for the Days Ahead

Galatians 1:6-12
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition


I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are confusing you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should proclaim to you a gospel contrary to what we proclaimed to you, let that one be accursed! As we have said before, so now I repeat, if anyone proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let that one be accursed!

Am I now seeking human approval or God’s approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin, for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

Image: Illustration by Jeffrey Kam

Reflection

     Paul gives some very strong words to the new believers in Galatia. He is angry, and most of the letter shows his emotions about their missteps in practicing the faith. Even still, to say that if Paul, his ministry companions, or even if an angel were to try to proclaim a different gospel, they should be considered cursed--wow! What really comes across is that Paul is sure about what he has proclaimed to them. It isn't made up or guessed at, it is the legitimate story of faith. The source is unquestionable. The source is an actual revelation from God. This is not theatrics or an exaggeration, but a critical distinction. The Gospel does not come from humans. The Good News comes from God. (Maybe this is why regular news can be depressing--it often isn't good!)

     If we focus on the things of God, the good things of this life, we are certainly able to share this. Don't approach sharing your faith with fear and feelings of inadequacy. Just talk about good things in your life and add a simple "Thanks Be to God!" or "God be Praised!" or "I wouldn't have made it without God." Attaching the Name as the source shows that we understand, believe and trust in where all the good comes from!

Generous God,

You give you freely and abundantly, teach us to show our thanks, appreciation and honor for all the good that you do in our lives. Guide our feet to follow all the good and positive paths, turning us away from distractions and problems. Open our lips to declare your praise! Now and forever. Amen. 

Sing OUT

 Psalm 98  New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

O sing to the Lord a new song,
    for he has done marvelous things.
His right hand and his holy arm
    have gotten him victory.
The Lord has made known his victory;
    he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
    to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
    the victory of our God.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
    break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
    with the lyre and the sound of melody.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
    make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.

Let the sea roar and all that fills it,
    the world and those who live in it.
Let the floods clap their hands;
    let the hills sing together for joy
at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming
    to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness
    and the peoples with equity.

Reflection

     "Make a joyful noise!" Many of us have heard this as a theological encouragement to sing out in praise and rejoicing to God. This good news broadens to include all those who may not sing with perfect pitch. Some of you may have not heard this encouragement, but were told to sing more quietly or not at all. I say to you, as a worship leader who appreciates quality music, that you should sing OUT. Let your heart sing to God. God knows what it should sound like coming through your pipes! Don't hold back!

Dear Holy Advocate, give us encouragement when we are feeling timid and insecure in our abilities. Guide us to know that all of us can give you praise! Build us up as we lift you up! In your wonderful Name, we pray. Amen.