Abundance in the shadow of tyranny. That is the theme I see in the readings this week.
- Genesis 32:22-31
- Isaiah 55:1-5
- Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21
- Romans 9:1-5
- Matthew 14:13-21
It is anchored in the Gospel reading. Jesus learns that John the Baptist has been beheaded by Herod. This is an act of pure tyranny and corruption. Herod was trapped by Herodius to deliver John’s head to her on a platter. Jesus is mortified by this news. He goes out on a boat to be alone and to grieve. When he returns he finds a massive crowd of hungry people, like lost sheep roaming the countryside.
We see it in the Genesis text. Jacob was the trickster. He stole the birthright and the blessing from his twin brother Esau. That is nothing less than treachery.
Jacob the trickster. Herod the tyrant. Where is the promise that God made to Abraham that his family would be a blessing to the nations? They don’t seem to be doing well.
Paul reminds his readers in Romans that “they are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises…”
Jacob, the trickster, wrestles all night with a messenger from God. He prevails. He is given a permanent limp. And his name is changed to Israel, which means “wrestles with God.”
I think we are all Israel. At least I know I am. I wrestle with God on a regular basis. Why did this happen? Who do I think I am, I’m not worthy. How long oh, Lord?
The whining is perpetual.
The tyranny and treachery in leadership abounds.
and yet…
The Isaiah reading is an invitation to all the Israels of the world. That means you, me, the Jacobs, the Herods, all the leaders who have misused their power and abandoned the sheep, to all the sheep who have been abandoned.
The invitation is to come to the feast of abundance. God’s love and mercy are new every morning. There is a feast of forgiveness, grace, and restoration. We hear the words of Exodus 34 again in Psalm 145, “God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”
Jesus looks through his tear-stained eyes at the crowd on the shore and has compassion on them. He pours out the abundance of God and takes what seems to be nothing, and inspires generosity and multiplication to the point that everyone was fed and there was some left over.
No matter how difficult things may seem for you today, remember this. God loves you. The feast is always there. Come to the waters. Eat and rest in God’s love today.
Every week I compile all the visual resources on cartoonistbible.com for the lectionary readings on both the Revised Common Lectionary and the Narrative Lectionary. Get them in your inbox every Monday morning.
