Hello Everyone,
With Labor Day now past and all of our children back at school summer is unofficially over. The official end of summer happens on Saturday, September 22 when the hours of daylight equal the hours of nighttime. Oh where, Oh where has the summer gone?
We just had our one week in the Song of Solomon and now we move to three weeks of Proverbs. How can you go wrong when at least 2 verses in Proverbs extoll the virtues of having gray hair: Proverbs 16:31 and 20:29. 16:31 says, “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” Judging from all my gray hair I must be really, really righteous. Anyway, our verses this week are:
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 – The theme of these six verses seems to be that the Lord looks favorably upon the poor, week, and disenfranchised of our world. Whom does the world favor? Most of us reading this should see ourselves not as one of the poor but as one of the rich and we need to ask ourselves if we are despoiling others (verse 23)? One of the remedies should be an attitude of giving for in giving we will be blessed (verse 9). Where do we fit into these words of wisdom?
Psalm 125 – I am fairly certain that the Lectionary Committee chose the Psalms to fit with the Old Testament reading. This is why during Pentecost when we have a choice of Old Testament readings we also have two Psalms readings. I am not totally sure how this Psalm fits with the Proverbs reading except to say that the Lord is with and blesses those who do good (no wrong) and who are righteous. Our definition of those who do good and are righteous can then be found in our Proverbs reading.
Isaiah 35:4-7a – I would recommend reading the entire chapter as Isaiah proclaims a time when the exiled people of Judah (Israel) shall return. The people who shall be returned to Zion will be the least, lost, and last of Israel: the blind, lame, speechless, sick, etc. The way home will be wide, easy, and safe with everything a traveler needs.
Psalm 146 – I think I commented on this Psalm last week, but I know I was wrong. My eyes looked at the wrong week and we should have had Psalm 15 to go along with our Deuteronomy reading. So, without writing anything new, I will simply copy and paste what I wrote last week. “This Psalm reflects many of the laws given by Moses in Deuteronomy and also reflects Isaiah and other prophets’ call for justice. Not only is God the creator of all that is but God cares for those in need: justice for the oppressed, food for the hungry, freedom for prisoners, support to the broken, love for the righteous, care for the strangers, orphans, and widows. If God is concerned for all these people why does the United States of America, the greatest and richest nation, have oppressed people (inequality), hungry children and adults, overcrowded prisons, broken families in poverty, and no love for immigrants? I’m just asking.” (This Psalm fits better with Isaiah then with the Deuteronomy reading!)
James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17 – This reading feels as if it were three readings: 1-7, 8-13, and 14-17. The first section is a warning about showing preference to the rich and powerful and ignoring the poor and powerless. The second is about loving your neighbor (the second greatest commandment) and how that love fulfills the Law. If, however, we try to live by the Law (and without love is implied) if we fail at one law we fail them all. For instance, check out Leviticus 20:10. Do we EVER uphold this law? If not, then we have broken the whole Law. The third section is about faith and works. If you have one, you have the other. Verse 18 say that our faith is shown by our works. If there are no works then there is no faith, at least this is implied. I can tell you I have faith until I am blue in the face, yet if I don’t love my neighbor by what I do for him or her then I am simply a liar (and breaking one of those pesky commandments).
Mark 7:24-37 – This reading contains two vignettes: the encounter with a gentile woman and healing a deaf person. In the first story, I have always claimed that Jesus learned something God’s love for all people but many disagree with me. In the insistence of the women to claim the healing power of Jesus for her daughter, Jesus learns that his mission is not just for the chosen people of God, the Jews, but for all people. Others claim that Jesus’ rudeness is simply his testing her faith, but I don’t recall Jesus testing anyone else’s faith. In this regard, look at the second story. Jesus does not test the deaf man’s faith, he simply heals him. What is the response to a healing? Telling everyone we know, which is what the formerly deaf man and his family does. What is our response to God’s healing salvation?
Have a great week reading God’s Word. Serve the Lord and your neighbor in all you do in love.
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Gary Taylor
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
Readings for September 2, 2012
Hello Everyone, Grace and Peace to You,
Every once in a while I add someone to this email list whom I think will receive and make use of our readings in the Bible. If you do not wish to receive this weekly mailing please reply and ask me to remove you from my list. I will promptly comply with your wish.
Please note that worship times revert to our regular schedule starting this Sunday: Grey Eagle UMC at 9:00 AM and Peace United at 10:30 AM.
A question came up yesterday about why there are so many more readings listed here then I list in the bulletins. This happens primarily during the season of Pentecost which runs from the end of May or the beginning of June through the end of November. The other seasons of the church (Can you name them all? Answers below.) have only four readings: Old Testament (or Acts), Psalm (which is related to the OT reading), Epistle, and Gospel. During Pentecost there are two tracks of OT readings, a continuous reading (such as the story of Abraham and his descendants or the Kings of Israel) with a related Psalm or an OT selection that is related to the Gospel lesson and its related Psalm. Lutherans tend to follow the second option and most others follow the continuous readings as I do.
This week we beginning two new tracks and returning to another. The Old Testament readings for the rest of Pentecost will not be so continuous as we hit Song of Solomon (once), Proverbs (three times), Esther (once), Job (four times), and Ruth (twice). For the Epistles we will have five weeks of James and seven weeks of Hebrews. We also return to our readings in the Gospel of Mark.
Song of Solomon 2:8-13 – One commentator I read some time ago (I was preparing for a wedding in which the bride chose some passages from this book) said that more young boys would be reading their Bibles with a flashlight under their bed covers if they only knew about Song of Solomon. Another commentator said that between the matter-of-fact downer of Ecclesiastes and the the harsh words of Isaiah lies this book of soaring beauty and celebration of love. This is the only time in the 3 year lectionary cycle that we have a reading from Song of Solomon, also known as Song of Songs. This (too) short reading celebrates the coming of Spring and the return of the woman’s lover. As you venture into the Song please read whatever notes you have about this collection of love poems and the various speakers, mostly the man and the woman.
Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 – The Psalmist celebrates the King who is anointed by God and who has good looks (verse 2), fine clothes (verse 8a), luxurious living quarters (8b), and beautiful women (9). Nice job if you can get it.
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 – This OT reading and the Psalm listed below are chosen by the lectionary committee to go along with our Gospel reading. If you remember from our other readings from Deuteronomy, this last book of the Torah is essentially a final address of Moses to the people of Israel before his death. The basic message in this reading is Moses’ exhortation to the Israelites to “NOT FORGET” what they have seen in their wanderings and what they are about to hear from Moses. By remembering and living the law other nations will know the goodness and greatness of God.
Psalm 146 – This Psalm reflect many of the laws given by Moses in Deuteronomy and also reflect Isaiah and other prophets’ call for justice. Not only is God the creator of all that is but God cares for those in need: justice for the oppressed, food for the hungry, freedom for prisoners, support to the broken, love for the righteous, care for the strangers, orphans, and widows. If God is concerned for all these people why does the United States of America, the greatest and richest nation, have oppressed people (inequality), hungry children and adults, overcrowded prisons, broken families in poverty, and no love for immigrants? I’m just asking.
James 1:17-27 – Many have characterized James as a book of works while thinking of Paul’s letters as being only about faith. Wrong on both counts. Paul calls us to faith but then reminds us that faith must be lived in the things we say and do. James is no different though we tend to focus on what James calls us to do. In verse 17 James reminds us that every good we do, every act of giving, is not just us but comes from God. This passage then proceeds to let us know what some of our behaviors should look like as faithful followers: listen more, speak less, be angry even less, live cleanly, and be doers of the word. These are some of the themes that James will return to. Finally, what is James definition of “pure, undefiled religion”?
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 – Please read the entire passage, 1-23. The scribes and Pharisee’s complain to Jesus that his disciples do not wash before they eat (Parents, can you hear yourselves with your children?) and therefore break Moses’ commandments (see the Deuteronomy passage above). How many times do we hear Christians complaining about other Christians breaking God’s law? Jesus turns their argument back on them by pointing out that some of them break the law by not caring for their parents. I can picture those other Christians using the same argument with the complaining Christians. What does Jesus say about washing hands in verse 15? [Note – most modern translations omit verse 16. Check the notes in your version.] Why do you think that Mark calls the words of Jesus in 14 and 15 and “parable” in verse 17? If food, even unwashed food, does not defile us, what does? Do you hear echoes of this in our James reading?
Have a great week exploring the wonderful Word of God.
Every once in a while I add someone to this email list whom I think will receive and make use of our readings in the Bible. If you do not wish to receive this weekly mailing please reply and ask me to remove you from my list. I will promptly comply with your wish.
Please note that worship times revert to our regular schedule starting this Sunday: Grey Eagle UMC at 9:00 AM and Peace United at 10:30 AM.
A question came up yesterday about why there are so many more readings listed here then I list in the bulletins. This happens primarily during the season of Pentecost which runs from the end of May or the beginning of June through the end of November. The other seasons of the church (Can you name them all? Answers below.) have only four readings: Old Testament (or Acts), Psalm (which is related to the OT reading), Epistle, and Gospel. During Pentecost there are two tracks of OT readings, a continuous reading (such as the story of Abraham and his descendants or the Kings of Israel) with a related Psalm or an OT selection that is related to the Gospel lesson and its related Psalm. Lutherans tend to follow the second option and most others follow the continuous readings as I do.
This week we beginning two new tracks and returning to another. The Old Testament readings for the rest of Pentecost will not be so continuous as we hit Song of Solomon (once), Proverbs (three times), Esther (once), Job (four times), and Ruth (twice). For the Epistles we will have five weeks of James and seven weeks of Hebrews. We also return to our readings in the Gospel of Mark.
Song of Solomon 2:8-13 – One commentator I read some time ago (I was preparing for a wedding in which the bride chose some passages from this book) said that more young boys would be reading their Bibles with a flashlight under their bed covers if they only knew about Song of Solomon. Another commentator said that between the matter-of-fact downer of Ecclesiastes and the the harsh words of Isaiah lies this book of soaring beauty and celebration of love. This is the only time in the 3 year lectionary cycle that we have a reading from Song of Solomon, also known as Song of Songs. This (too) short reading celebrates the coming of Spring and the return of the woman’s lover. As you venture into the Song please read whatever notes you have about this collection of love poems and the various speakers, mostly the man and the woman.
Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 – The Psalmist celebrates the King who is anointed by God and who has good looks (verse 2), fine clothes (verse 8a), luxurious living quarters (8b), and beautiful women (9). Nice job if you can get it.
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 – This OT reading and the Psalm listed below are chosen by the lectionary committee to go along with our Gospel reading. If you remember from our other readings from Deuteronomy, this last book of the Torah is essentially a final address of Moses to the people of Israel before his death. The basic message in this reading is Moses’ exhortation to the Israelites to “NOT FORGET” what they have seen in their wanderings and what they are about to hear from Moses. By remembering and living the law other nations will know the goodness and greatness of God.
Psalm 146 – This Psalm reflect many of the laws given by Moses in Deuteronomy and also reflect Isaiah and other prophets’ call for justice. Not only is God the creator of all that is but God cares for those in need: justice for the oppressed, food for the hungry, freedom for prisoners, support to the broken, love for the righteous, care for the strangers, orphans, and widows. If God is concerned for all these people why does the United States of America, the greatest and richest nation, have oppressed people (inequality), hungry children and adults, overcrowded prisons, broken families in poverty, and no love for immigrants? I’m just asking.
James 1:17-27 – Many have characterized James as a book of works while thinking of Paul’s letters as being only about faith. Wrong on both counts. Paul calls us to faith but then reminds us that faith must be lived in the things we say and do. James is no different though we tend to focus on what James calls us to do. In verse 17 James reminds us that every good we do, every act of giving, is not just us but comes from God. This passage then proceeds to let us know what some of our behaviors should look like as faithful followers: listen more, speak less, be angry even less, live cleanly, and be doers of the word. These are some of the themes that James will return to. Finally, what is James definition of “pure, undefiled religion”?
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 – Please read the entire passage, 1-23. The scribes and Pharisee’s complain to Jesus that his disciples do not wash before they eat (Parents, can you hear yourselves with your children?) and therefore break Moses’ commandments (see the Deuteronomy passage above). How many times do we hear Christians complaining about other Christians breaking God’s law? Jesus turns their argument back on them by pointing out that some of them break the law by not caring for their parents. I can picture those other Christians using the same argument with the complaining Christians. What does Jesus say about washing hands in verse 15? [Note – most modern translations omit verse 16. Check the notes in your version.] Why do you think that Mark calls the words of Jesus in 14 and 15 and “parable” in verse 17? If food, even unwashed food, does not defile us, what does? Do you hear echoes of this in our James reading?
Have a great week exploring the wonderful Word of God.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Readings for Sunday, August 26, 2012
I am back from vacation although I didn’t go anywhere. I just hung around and did a bit of volunteer work with Hands of Hope Resource Center. I am pleased to announce that today the Todd County Board of Commissioners approved a lease agreement with Hands of Hope. During September Hands of Hope will be transitioning from their offices in downtown Long Prairie to the Todd County Annex. This change will not only be a place change but a change in the way Hands of Hope operates.
I apologize for not sending an email or posting to the blog site last week but it wasn’t high on my priorities. I thank Cathy Capp for filling in for me yesterday.
Last weeks lessons were:
1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14
Psalm 111
Proverbs 9:1-6
Psalm 34:9-14
Ephesians 5:15-20
John 6:51-58
This week we finish our readings about the kings of the united Israel, our readings in Ephesians, and our reading about the Bread of Life in John 6. Next week everything changes.
1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 – Solomon became king after the death of his father, David, and proceeded to consolidate power. After three years of rule he began to build the temple that David had envisioned. 1 King 6 describes the temple and its furnishings. Chapter 7 describes everything else that Solomon had built. Chapter 8 returns to the temple and its dedication as the ark of the covenant is placed within the Holy of Holies. This reading is two portions of the prayer Solomon gave to God during the dedication. The prayer is verses 23-53.
Psalm 84 – Not all Psalms can be attributed to David as traditionally understood. As noted above, David did not build the temple in Jerusalem as he wanted but his son Solomon did. This Psalm is titled in my Bible (NRSV) as “The Joy of Worship in the Temple”. All titles of Biblical passages are not original to the Hebrew or Greek but are editorial titles by the various publishers. The Jewish Tanakh has no title. Another Bible (TEV) label this Psalm “Longing for God’s House”. As you can probably deduce, this Psalm was written sometime after the building of the Temple. People visiting Jerusalem for the first time would have been awed at its splendor even though it was small by today’s standards (90 feet by 30 feet or 2700 sq. ft.). This psalm is a reflection on that awe that worshipping God in the temple would have brought.
Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 – This reading comes from one of the last things that Joshua did before his death: he gathered the people together and exhorted them to renew their covenant with God. Joshua asks the people to make a choice: God or gods. One or the other. The famous verse here is that Joshua and his family chooses God. Whom will you choose?
Psalm 34:15-22 – This portion of the Psalm celebrates that for those who choose God, God will be with them and God will bring redemption.
Ephesians 6:10-20 – I remember a game/activity I did while in youth group. If I remember correctly it was called “Sword Drills”. Everyone in the group held their Bible closed, the leader would call out a Scripture verse, and everyone quickly tried to find it. The first to locate it would read it aloud and gain a point or something. That game came out of this passage where Paul encourages the church to put on the “Whole Armor of God”. This metaphor is used in other places in Paul’s writings so he and his followers must have been fond of it. It is interesting that a war metaphor is used to proclaim a gospel of peace (verse 15). As you read this passage what does each piece of armor correspond to: Belt, Breastplate, Shoes, Shield, Helmet, and Sword?
John 6:56-69 – As I am writing this I am eating a meat stick called “The Sasquatch Big Stick” made by Jack Links of Minong, WI. It is quite “meaty” but it also requires a lot of chewing. I bring this up because starting in John 6:54 the writer uses a Greek word that is often translated as “eat” but can also be translated as “chew”. So verses 54-58 may read:
One of the charges against the early followers of Christ was that they were cannibals and this passage did nothing to dissuade that accusation. What does is mean to “chew” Jesus? If this is hard to understand, you are not alone. Our reading affirms that many disciples left Jesus because of these teachings. How may we “chew” on Jesus each day and receive the Words of Life?
May you put on the Whole Armor of God in your daily walk with Jesus and may you eat and drink the body and blood of Jesus to receive the Words of Life.
I apologize for not sending an email or posting to the blog site last week but it wasn’t high on my priorities. I thank Cathy Capp for filling in for me yesterday.
Last weeks lessons were:
1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14
Psalm 111
Proverbs 9:1-6
Psalm 34:9-14
Ephesians 5:15-20
John 6:51-58
This week we finish our readings about the kings of the united Israel, our readings in Ephesians, and our reading about the Bread of Life in John 6. Next week everything changes.
1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 – Solomon became king after the death of his father, David, and proceeded to consolidate power. After three years of rule he began to build the temple that David had envisioned. 1 King 6 describes the temple and its furnishings. Chapter 7 describes everything else that Solomon had built. Chapter 8 returns to the temple and its dedication as the ark of the covenant is placed within the Holy of Holies. This reading is two portions of the prayer Solomon gave to God during the dedication. The prayer is verses 23-53.
Psalm 84 – Not all Psalms can be attributed to David as traditionally understood. As noted above, David did not build the temple in Jerusalem as he wanted but his son Solomon did. This Psalm is titled in my Bible (NRSV) as “The Joy of Worship in the Temple”. All titles of Biblical passages are not original to the Hebrew or Greek but are editorial titles by the various publishers. The Jewish Tanakh has no title. Another Bible (TEV) label this Psalm “Longing for God’s House”. As you can probably deduce, this Psalm was written sometime after the building of the Temple. People visiting Jerusalem for the first time would have been awed at its splendor even though it was small by today’s standards (90 feet by 30 feet or 2700 sq. ft.). This psalm is a reflection on that awe that worshipping God in the temple would have brought.
Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 – This reading comes from one of the last things that Joshua did before his death: he gathered the people together and exhorted them to renew their covenant with God. Joshua asks the people to make a choice: God or gods. One or the other. The famous verse here is that Joshua and his family chooses God. Whom will you choose?
Psalm 34:15-22 – This portion of the Psalm celebrates that for those who choose God, God will be with them and God will bring redemption.
Ephesians 6:10-20 – I remember a game/activity I did while in youth group. If I remember correctly it was called “Sword Drills”. Everyone in the group held their Bible closed, the leader would call out a Scripture verse, and everyone quickly tried to find it. The first to locate it would read it aloud and gain a point or something. That game came out of this passage where Paul encourages the church to put on the “Whole Armor of God”. This metaphor is used in other places in Paul’s writings so he and his followers must have been fond of it. It is interesting that a war metaphor is used to proclaim a gospel of peace (verse 15). As you read this passage what does each piece of armor correspond to: Belt, Breastplate, Shoes, Shield, Helmet, and Sword?
John 6:56-69 – As I am writing this I am eating a meat stick called “The Sasquatch Big Stick” made by Jack Links of Minong, WI. It is quite “meaty” but it also requires a lot of chewing. I bring this up because starting in John 6:54 the writer uses a Greek word that is often translated as “eat” but can also be translated as “chew”. So verses 54-58 may read:
Those who chew my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true (or real) food and my blood is real (true) drink. Those who chew my flesh and drink my blood abide (live/dwell) in me and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever chews me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died,. But the one who chews this bread will live forever.
One of the charges against the early followers of Christ was that they were cannibals and this passage did nothing to dissuade that accusation. What does is mean to “chew” Jesus? If this is hard to understand, you are not alone. Our reading affirms that many disciples left Jesus because of these teachings. How may we “chew” on Jesus each day and receive the Words of Life?
May you put on the Whole Armor of God in your daily walk with Jesus and may you eat and drink the body and blood of Jesus to receive the Words of Life.
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