The readings for the Revised Common Lectionary for July 14 take us to a wide variety of texts. In 2 Samuel we see David returning the ark of the covenant in a parade of worship. We begin a series on the letter to the Ephesians (stay tuned for my video on that later this week). The Gospel reading tells the story of how Herod executed John the Baptist in order to save face during a drunken party.
Who Needs a Healing Touch Today?
The Gospel reading this week tells a touching story. It is both emotional, and a story about Jesus touching two people to bring healing and restoration.
One person was the daughter of the synagogue ruler. She was at the center of the community. She was sick and died before Jesus could reach her.
The other person was a woman whose bleeding disorder had rendered her “unclean” and untouchable for twelve years. She was on the margins.
This story shows us how Jesus did not discriminate. He touched both women and restored them to right relationships to themselves, to community, and to God.
Who needs a healing touch in your world today?
The readings for this week bring us to two epic stories of overcoming the odds. Young David defeats the mighty Goliath with only a sling and a stone…and faith in God. Jesus speaks to a mighty storm on the sea of Galilee and it becomes still.
Download visual resources to help you preach, teach, and study the Revised Common Lectionary and the Narrative Lectionary for June 16, 2024.
Samuel Anoints David in 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13.
Ezekiel Has A Vision of a Low Branch Made Tall in Ezekiel 17:22-24.
Confidence in Weakness in 2 Corinthians 5:6-10
Parables of Seeds and Growth in Mark 4:26-34
The Lord’s Prayer Resources for the Narrative Lectionary series.
So. Much. Good. Stuff.
Following Jesus can be difficult.
He often calls us to swim against the current of culture. When society tells us to draw boundaries around ourselves and build up walls between groups, Jesus calls us to tear them down and reach out. That can sometimes make the people closest to us very uncomfortable. You may even be rejected by your biological family.
The Gospel reading this week shows how Jesus found his family group with those who followed his difficult path. Even though the larger culture accused him of being demon possessed, he stayed true to God’s call and gathered those around him who sought the same.
May you find strength and encouragement this week as you seek to follow Jesus, even into difficult places where you might feel all alone. Remember, you are not alone.
I invite you to join me on a journey of prayer and sabbath rest this month. View your Visual Resources for the texts this week.