Category: SSCSJ
Paragraphs from SSCSJ
Psalm 23
One final exegetical insight that could also enhance the depth of this psalm is how people today tend to envision a “shepherd”, namely as always a male. This predominant image is encouraged by the connection between Ps 23 and David made in the psalm’s superscription. Even though modern biblical scholarship understands that the phrase “le’david” is not a by-line, or even a claim that David wrote this psalm, still the presence of his name immediately evokes the stories about David’s being a shepherd. Thus, the reader/hearer of Ps 23 envisions a man as the author of this psalm as well as a male deity. However, a close read of some other stories in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in Genesis and Exodus, reveal that females (specifically: Rachel in Gen 29 and Zipporah in Exod 2) also tended flocks, making them shepherds as well. The Divine Shepherd in Ps 23 could just as easily be female as well. Preaching on Ps 23 provides a great opportunity to refurbish an old image of God.
2 Samuel 7:1-14a
This dream continued and strengthened during the Roman period as well. Some within the Jewish community were praying for God’s anointed one to come and overthrow the Romans and reclaim the throne. It was this idea that lies behind some of the gospels (i.e., Matthew and Luke), as the writers go to great lengths to show how Jesus was of the “house of David”. Of course, Jesus had no political aspirations and died under Roman rule. Like the DH, the gospels and epistles were written to explain another disappointment and to find meaning within the life and teachings of the prophet from Nazareth. Thus, the Davidic Covenant still remained unfulfilled; however, rather than taking the political propaganda created by the DH writers as literal, we can see that this covenant, along with all the others God makes with humans throughout the bible, is more about relationship and Divine presence than about Divine favoritism or guarantees of rewards for faithfulness. Inherent in all of creation, and especially within humans (the only part of creation to be made in God’s image), is a Divine promise to be with us in good and bad times, when we are faithful and when we are not, even until the last breath we take and beyond. God keeps covenants, and that is one of the core themes of the 1st Testament (and of the whole canon).
Ephesians 2:11-22
It can be imagined that hearing this text read aloud in a home in Ephesus might sound like an argument stating that the ways of Jesus are different from that of the Roman Empire.4 The peace created and offered through Christ Jesus is different from what the Roman Empire offers through conquest and assimilation into the Roman worldview.5 Similar struggles for identity, loyalties, and unity exist in secular and religious life today.
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
One way to translate this text for children would be to think about a child’s day and the importance of a structured “nap.” Too long a nap makes children restless for their usual bedtime and too short does not help them continue with their day. Where the disciples excited, but tired and cranky? Could they talk about anything other than themselves and their success? Somewhere along the way of growing up, we’ve lost the importance of “napping” for our physical and mental well being. Many persons use the internet or other distractions as “mindless” napping, but continue the stimulation of being awake. Hobbies are another way of thinking about “come away and rest” time. We can drive children or ourselves into such confined routines or sports that we may not develop fully other gifts or skills needed to navigate life.
Paragraphs from SSCSJ
A few paragraphs from SSCSJ for the Lectionary texts for July 8, 2012.
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
This part of David’s ascent to the throne is not a pretty picture. It makes the very clear point that all of the 12 tribes of Israel did not welcome David with open arms. It was not a smooth transition of power. The new king gains the throne only after the death of the rightful heir, Saul’s son. David secures the stronghold of Jerusalem by violence, a move that foreshadows a characteristic of this king (and others) – he takes whatever he wants by force, without consideration of the harm he will cause others. Yes, there’s no denying that the DH portrays David has having God’s favor, but even with its ideological “spin”, we are shown the faults of this man who will be remembered as the “greatest king of Israel”. Like any human ruler, David is imperfect; he falls prey to the greed that often comes with the acquisition of absolute power. Like too many human rulers, David often puts his own desires and interests ahead of the needs of the people who made him king and for whose well-being he is ultimately responsible.2 Corinthians 12:2-10
In this week’s reading, Paul, speaking in third person, describes a mystical experience that many scholars argue is Paul talking about his own experience, while trying not to “boast.” The Lectionary leaves out 12:1, “It is necessary to boast; nothing is to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.” Verses 2-4 are not explicitly identified as his Damascus road experience, but it is a plausible explanation for Paul’s “14 years ago” reference to the time when Saul became Paul. You probably reference your baptism, or some other moment on your faith-map, as a “turning point” or marker in your journey.Is Paul trying to create a parable in vv. 5-9? These words seem like a reversal story. There is strength in weakness? Can you imagine “boasting” about your weaknesses in a job interview or in a support group? What personal weakness would you put on a billboard in town or be willing to share with a Sunday school as a badge of honor?
Mark 6:1-13
Jesus turns his attention to the disciples, the twelve he would send on behalf of the good news of God to speak and heal in the name of God. Unlike other traveling evangelists, philosophers, or healers of their time, they only take shoes and a walking staff, nothing else, and the emissaries of Jesus don’t stay in one place too long. Is it a stretch to consider that Jesus is doing two things here? First, he is making a case for “relational” ministry. Second, he is preparing the disciples for the variety of responses they will receive by carrying the good news of God that is countercultural.What kind of social dislocation today challenges religious and secular power structures? Taking the good news of God seriously, as practiced and modeled by Jesus, has something to do with the purpose of ministry. Suggesting an alternative way of being community will bring scrutiny to the voice, or voices, offering that alternative.