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.
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.
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.
Watch and Listen to the story of Jesus’ final days in Mark 14-16.
This post offers visual resources for the Revised Common Lectionary and the Narrative Lectionary for Palm Sunday on March 24, 2024 and for Holy Week. This is the year of Mark for both Lectionaries, so we can share a lot of resources for this intense week of readings and services.