Season After Pentecost / Ordinary Time, Yr C, 2022: Old Testament Passage – “Facing” your fears

“Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life like the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” (I Kings 19:1 – 2)

Elijah had good reason to be afraid. Jezebel as much as said that Elijah would be dead just like the prophets he had killed. Now, I have to wonder why a servant of the Lord God would be afraid. He had taken on the prophets of Baal, and won showing that the Lord God was on his side. Yet he was afraid of a shrieking woman ranting about how she was going to destroy Elijah?!

“Then he was afraid; he got up and fled for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongs to Judah; he left his servant there. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” (Verses 3 – 4)

I think if Elijah can show fear like that, surely it must be alright for me to weep and wail about the tough times in my life. Am I correct?

“Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, “Get up and eat.” He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and lay down again. The angel of the LORD came a second time, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you.” (Verses 5 – 7)

No, beloved reader, I am not correct. The Divine calls us to journey on despite our fears and concerns; tough times notwithstanding, we are to continue moving in the direction that the Divine has pointed out. I could have told Elijah that, if I was there. Instead Elijah told me that when I first read this scripture passage years ago. There is heart ache in me now, but I know I must journey on. For what I also know is that if the Divine tells me to journey on, the strength and nourishment that I need to do that will also be provided.

“He got up, and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God. At that place he came to a cave, and spent the night there. Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He answered, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.” (Verses 8 – 10)

Now this is the very interesting part. Elijah is invited to vent and plead his case to his Lord God. Whether it was a whine or a strong declaration, the scripture does not say. I suspect though his first recitation was like a young frightened child who was faced with the stark reality of a serious situation. Likened to a small defenseless child calling out to a Parent. Elijah’s Heavenly Parent said,

“He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence.” (Verses 11 – 12)

My take away is that the Lord God is not in the things we fear. The Lord God does not bring us fear and hard times. The Lord God is in the quiet and peace; and we should seek that out.

“When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He answered, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.”(Verses 13 – 14)

This time I think Elijah was stating the case to show that he is standing up to what has befallen him. Taking pride that he has survived. And maybe marveling at what the strength of the Divine in him has enable him to do.

We are coming into Ordinary Time. But the times will be far from ordinary. Each day I hear or read something that causes me to fear for humanity; or in the instance that is on my heart and mind today, fearing for one member of humanity (no, beloved reader, not me). The Lord God hears our fears and hears our prayers. The Lord God shows us in whichever way seems right for the time that the Divine is not undone by the issues and fears in this world. And that we should not be either. The Lord God does not cause any of the turmoil that we have in our world. The Lord God creates the peace, and is the Peace that comes into our hearts. And with the Divine wrapped around our being like a protective mantle, we can take on anything.

“Then the LORD said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus.” (Verse 15a)

Shalom & Selah!

Sundays After Pentecost, Yr B, 2021: Psalm Passage – Joining with others in scripture during Ordinary Times

“The LORD answer you in the day of trouble! The name of the God of Jacob protect you!”

If you are expecting “Preacher & Seeker”, you will have to be disappointed. I gave them the day off. I wanted to speak to this passage directly. Some years ago I found a calendar that had monthly bible quotes from the bible. Not long verses but just phrases from scripture and colorful designs in the background. Not pictures, just color splashes. It was exactly what I needed for that year – it was a hard year.

“May he send you help from the sanctuary, and give you support from Zion.”

I hung it up at work and found comfort from reading the scripture portion that was complimented by the colorful background. I realized a few years down the road that I missed that calendar, so re-used it by printing out a sheet of paper that had the the proper numbering of the days of the month, and taped it on to that calendar.

“May he remember all your offerings, and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices. Selah”

Then I took pictures of each month’s scripture portion and used it as background wallpaper on my phone. I would meditate on the scripture portion each time it came into my view – at work, at home, or on my cell phone. I think that, at the heart of all things, is what scripture is supposed to do. Seep into your life and under gird it. Imbue your life, weaving its way through it. Infuse your life so that God’s Word is all around you.

“May he grant you your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your plans. “May we shout for joy over your victory, and in the name of our God set up our banners. May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.”

In the years that followed, I bought other calendars that had scripture passages. I took monthly pictures of those, I used them as wallpaper on my phone. It grounded me, and reminded my that I am never alone. Imagine, beloved reader, how often you use your cell phone each day. Imagine each time you pick up and unlock your cell phone, you are reminded of a monthly scripture passage. What might that you do for you over a years time?

“Now I know that the LORD will help his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with mighty victories by his right hand.”

This year, 2021, I could not find a calendar with scripture that spoke to me. Actually, I could not find any calendar that spoke to me. So, I went back to the first scripture calendar I had, and am using it again. But I have dropped the pretense that it is to help me keep track of the days. It is the scripture and colored design that I am craving.

“Some take pride in chariots, and some in horses, but our pride is in the name of the LORD our God. They will collapse and fall, but we shall rise and stand upright.”

I am very dependent on scripture, beloved reader. Since 2014 my blogs focus on the Revised Common Lectionary. As far as I can discern, I think that means that I have “pondered” my way through three cycles of the RCL three year cycle. And yes, there was a lot of repetition, and a feeling that I had read and talked about scripture passages before. There was, and is, a comfort though in the familiarity of the verses. Like my calendars and my cell phone wall papers – a reminder that I am not alone. And that I am in good company when I consider and ponder the same scripture passages as other believers.

“Give victory to the king, O LORD; answer us when we call.” (Psalm 20)

May you, beloved reader, find comfort and inspiration in scripture; and may your praises and the praise of other believers be lifted up to the Divine! Shalom & Selah!

Sundays After Pentecost, Yr B, 2021: Old Testament Passage – Leaders are to behalf themselves during Ordinary Time

“Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house in Gibeah of Saul.” (I Samuel 15:34)

I was raised in a faith that did not condone violence and did not seek the harm or death of anyone. I was taught that Jesus was the Lord of love, and extended compassion and care to everyone. I was taught we were to follow Jesus’ example and that the Lord God was of the same mind and intent of Jesus the Messiah, so the Lord God desired peace and harmony for all of humanity and creation. While humanity may not succeed in living their entire lives in that way, the Divine did through all entirety. What I was NOT taught was how to reconcile the Lord God Yahweh and the Lord God Jesus Christ.

Samuel and Saul had parted company after Samuel was persuaded by Saul to worship together to the Lord God. Saul had disobeyed the Lord God, and it takes some reading of the passage before these verses to understand why. Saul was to spare nothing in his battle with the Amalekites. Anyone or things that survived the battle was to be killed/destroyed after the battle and the Amalekites defeat was accomplished. Everything! Saul did not do so. Not, I read and understand, because he had compassion. But because he and those who fought with him wished to retain some of the wealth and property that the Amalekites had. So, I guess, I can and need to set aside my questioning why the Divine would command this. And no, I am not got to “ask” the commentators. Let us move on then.

“Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the LORD was sorry that he had made Saul king over Israel.
The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the LORD said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.” (Verse 35, & Chapter 16 verses 1 – 3)

Was Saul just an interim king? Someone to hold the spot open until David was ready to walk into that role? It seems that Saul was just all wrong for kingship. Saul was a man looking out for his own self, and not (As David was said to be) a man after God’s heart. I find it interesting too that Samuel is afraid to be seen as opposing Saul. In the passage quoted above Samuel expresses his fears, but earlier in this passage, before the RCL has us start to read there is another interesting verse. I want to share it with you. “Then Saul said, “I have sinned; yet honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, so that I may worship the Lord your God.” (I Samuel 15:30) Saul says, “your God” – not Saul’s God but Samuel’s God. Interesting.

“Samuel did what the LORD commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come peaceably?” He said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the LORD.” But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.” Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.” Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.” (Verses 4 – 10)

It must have become pretty clear to Jesse that Samuel was not just here for “peaceful” worship. And I have to wonder, was this an outcome of Saul’s kingship that men of standing could not meet peacefully for mutual benefit? Why was the presence of Yahweh’s prophet and messenger a possible harbinger of ill fate?

“Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.” (Verses 11 – 13)

I was also raised in a faith that did not set faith leaders above and apart from the rest of the faith circle. Our leaders arose out of the group, and when it was clear that they were worthy of leadership, we looked to them for instruction and guidance. But they were one of us, and lived in community with us. Over time such leaders were given special training so that they might develop skills of leadership. But it was the presence of the Divine in their lives that set them apart as potential leaders. They were to be as accountable to the guidelines of our faith as those who made up the fellowship. Ruddiness, beautiful eyes, and handsomeness not required. Interestingly Saul was also said to be good looking, head & shoulders taller than anyone around him. I reminded that it is said humanity looks at the outside of a person, but the Lord God looks to the inner soul. Another development in the bible that I am not sure why was not established from the first.

In ordinary time, people are tested. The day to day activities of life tend to show how a person deals with large obligations and long days. May you, beloved reader, look to those around you for guidance and instruction; but may the Lord God give you eyes and insight to understand what you see. Shalom & Selah!

Sundays After Pentecost, Yr B, 2021: Gospel Passage – Confusion and Misunderstandings during Ordinary Time

“. . . and the crowd came together again, so that they could not even eat.” (Mark 3:20)

To give some context and background – Jesus has just called together his disciples, and sent them out to declare the message of Jesus. He also did some healing, and basically set the template for what his mission would be about.

“When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, “He has gone out of his mind.” And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons.” And he called them to him, and spoke to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but his end has come. But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered. “Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”– for they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.” (Verses 21 – 30)

We do not know a great deal about Jesus’ growing up years, nor about his adoptive nuclear family. Maybe there was something about him that his family felt was out of the norm for the times they lived in. I would like to think they went to “restrain” him out of care and compassion. And not out of embarrassment. I also think some of the “feel” & “nature” of this passage is attributable to Mark (or the recorder of the gospel of Mark), whose account is narrative and is a recounting of the stories told rather than an accurate chronology of what Jesus did and said.

“Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.” And he replied, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” (Verses 31 – 35)

It is said earlier in this passage that Jesus was talking in parables. I think this commentary on family that Jesus gave was also parable. Some of the parables that Jesus used had the people in them acting in unusual ways to prove a point. I am sure, beloved reader, you can think of some. Parables are not always easy to understand; Jesus had to on several occasions explain to his disciples what the parables he used meant, and what the symbolism was in the parables. I would like to think in the fullness of time Jesus expressed to his family the closeness and support he felt to them. But we also need to remember that Jesus started down a path that would end in his death. And, there is also the matter of belonging to the family of God which overrides blood and marriage lines. It would be so much easier, beloved reader, if things were plainly spoken and stated rather than cloaked in metaphor and innuendo. May the Holy Presence guide your thinking, beloved reader, during Ordinary Time so that you may understand the mysteries that are part of the Christian faith. Shalom & Selah!

Season After Pentecost, 2019 Year C : The Psalm Passage – The blessings of a life changed

“Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble, in whom is all my delight.” (Psalm 16:1 – 3)

I am weary, beloved reader, but it is a good weary. I have been doing a lot of “kitchening” which what I call being in the kitchen preparing food and cleaning up after my food preparations and others who have been in the kitchen. I did some preparatory work for supper tomorrow night and made a large bowl of pasta salad which will feed both of my daughters for several days.

What, you may ask, does that have to do with this passage from Psalm? It occurred to me (as I gratefully sat down) it is easy to praise the Lord when you have done good work for yourself and your family with the provisions that you have been able to get. I do not want to say that the Lord God has “blessed” me/us in that way . . . . because it makes it sound as if we have deserved special privilege that others have not. It is more accurate to say happenstance has conformed itself in a way “pleasing” to our existence. All people are deserving and worthy of what we have been able to afford. But not everyone is able to. I feel it is wrong to assume that it is me/my family’s due. And that is not the basis that I bless the Lord God. It is that I have been able to make the preparations and make plans for my family. I praise the Lord God because my strength, endurance, and skill in the kitchen has made it possible. Yes I am tired, but it is a good tired that was gained on behalf of my family.

And I like to think that the “holy ones in the land” work on behalf of others, be it family or strangers. In fact the greater work is to work on behalf of strangers, those who you owe not apparent due or allegiance to.

“Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names upon my lips.” (Verse 4)

I do not what sort of people the psalmist had in mind when he talks of “Those who choose another god.” Typically in biblical times the “heathen” were not seen a generous or working on behalf of others who were less fortunate and/or without resources. On the other hand, many of the prophets lambaste the called and chosen people of God for not providing for the poor, orphans, widows, and strangers in the land. I would hope the psalmist includes/excludes on that basis also.

“The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.” (Verse 5)

Simple statement – anything and everything I am able and willing to do that is good and noble in my life . . . I owe to the influence and calling of the Lord God the Divine.

“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage. I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I keep the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure.” (Verses 6 – 9)

Ordinary Time. It was an ordinary day today; granted, I accomplished more than I thought it would. In several weeks from now I probably won’t remember the day as anything more than any other day. But today – in this moment – I stop and praise the Lord God for what I was able to do.

“For you do not give me up to Sheol, or let your faithful one see the Pit. You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Verses 10 – 11)

And, I praise the Lord God that there will other ordinary but worthwhile days to come! Selah!

Season After Pentecost, 2019 Year C : The Psalm Passage – When an ordinary life is anything but!

“But you, O LORD, do not be far away! O my help, come quickly to my aid!” (Psalm 22:19)

We jump into the middle of the psalm, after the psalmist talks about the people and things that have come against him. The psalmist is fearful because he is not sure, or does not feel, the presence of the Divine around him. He asks for that.

“Deliver my soul from the sword, my life from the power of the dog! Save me from the mouth of the lion! From the horns of the wild oxen you have rescued me.” (Verses 20 – 21)

We are taking this week about moving into Ordinary Time. This is the time of the church year where calm Sunday follows calm Sunday – except when it does not! The part of the church year may not have pomp or drama, but that does not mean that we will not encounter the unusual or the strange, or even the scary! And as I said yesterday, we should tell the people we meet and worship with what the Lord has done for us.

“I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him; stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! For he did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; he did not hide his face from me, but heard when I cried to him.” (Verses 22 – 24)

Often it is in the Ordinary Times that the Divine’s Mighty Hand becomes evident in our lives. Apart from what the Lord God has done in history and how the church has celebrated those events and blessings, in our ordinary day when we are hard pressed the Lord God makes those special and memorable days because of what is done for us. They may not be days that stand our in the calendar in our lives, but we remember when we felt most pressed up and oppressed that the Lord God was there.

“From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will pay before those who fear him. The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD. May your hearts live forever! All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him. For dominion belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations.” (Verses 25 – 28)

I remember periods in my life when I needed and called upon the Lord. I do not remember the exact days but I do remember calling out to the Divine and being answered. Those times and days are signposts in my life that give me comfort and courage; and I know I can call upon the Divine again. Do you, beloved reader, have memory of days and times when you called out to the Lord? Did you tell anyone about it? The psalmist seems to have no reluctance in talking about his dark times and how his God came through for him.

It is a spiritual discipline, beloved reader, to talk about one’s down times, when one was needful and the Divine came through. We like to talk about our triumphs and successes rather than our failings and shortcomings. Revealing when we have been weak shows when the Divine’s strength has come through. I would encourage you to be honest with yourself and with others when you have needed the Lord God. It is a wonderful testimony and a growing experience during Ordinary Times. Selah!

 

{I have not idea! how the posting of this got so messed up! But I am sure it was some error that I made! So sorry! Here is what I meant! Selah!!}