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.