Scripture Introductions
Proper 14
August 12. 2012
Scripture Introductions
by Stewart Clarke
The first reading leads us toward the closing of the story of David.
Absalom, Davids third son, was strong, handsome and very popular. He was
sure that he should rule, and sold himself to the people that way. He
gained enough following to start a civil war against his father. So David
was under siege from his own son, but he retains a love for him that sounds
to me like the Prodigal Father in Jesus parable.
(Could this story have been in Jesus mind when he told the parable? The
Father acts counter to all expectations. Davids attitude was so far from
expectation that his general couldnt follow the request, and is the first
to strike the helpless Absalom. Then he orders a trumpet call to stop the
battle. Now they have a problem. David must be told of the victory, but
who will tell him of his beloved sons death? Finally, they send a
slave..)
(Davids reaction to the news of Absaloms death gets repeated by parents
and loved ones, even today. )
(Absalom means Father is peace. Joab was Commander-in-chief; he was so
powerful that David felt he would be a threat to Solomons rule! Abishai
and Ittai were among Davids mighty men and his companions in battle. )
Lets listen to the climax of the story as it is told in 2 Samuel 18: 5 9, 15, 31-33
(You may wish to reserve your acclaim until after the Gospel, or use
traditional words, or say something like: May we hear the value of love,
even in times of conflict. Amen.)
The Psalm speaks from grief and despair such as David knew, with an
assurance of Gods grace, and a message of hope. As a Song of Ascents, it
would be sung by pilgrims on their way to the holy city.
Let us
. .
Ps. 130, VU 852-3
Or:
The first reading takes us into the conflict between the worship of YHWH,(
Adhonai, the Lord), and the Baalim, with Elijah as champion, of YHWH (The
Lord) against Jezebel, wife of Ahab. She was a princess of Tyre, and her
marriage to King Ahab would have been with a guarantee of free worship (of
Baal!). In one episode, Elijah arranges a contest in which The Lords side
wins handily, and Elijah commands the slaughter of the prophets of Baal.
Ahab has to be the one to tell his queen. She vows revenge on Elijah, who
flees for his life, all the way from Israel, in the north, to Bathsheba, the
largest city in the south, sometimes called the Capital of the Negeb, the
southern desert. He reaches Mount Horeb. According to one tradition, this
is where God gave Moses the Commandments! (The story shows Elijah as a very
human hero, and deserves to be read to the call of Elisha. RSC)
I Kings 19: 4 8
May we be attentive when God speaks. Amen.
The Psalm sings faith and hope. It is traditionally of David, from the
time of his hiding from Saul.
Ps. 34: 1 8
The Epistle reading is full of good advice, recognizing our human
tendencies but wanting them channelled or under control. The advice leads
to a reminder of Gods love in Christ, with a hint of Gods perfection being
Grace, beyond mere unconditional love.
Lets listen closely, as the author cautions and encourages us in:
Ephesians 4: 25 5:2
May we be helped to live and grow in love, for Jesus sake. Amen.
In the Gospel reading, John pictures Jesus speaking of himself as
nourishment for his followers. {I am can be seen as part of the personal
name of God, YHWH, I am who I am. (NRSV). Its use is a powerful summary
of Johns faith in Jesus Christ. The exchange with the Jewish leaders
highlights Johns view: manna was short-lived food, but Jesus is eternal. }
Let us rise to honour and be open to the Good News for us in:
(Or: Let us listen closely for the Good News for us in:)
John 6: 35, 41-51.
May we be nourished, and give God thanks, service and praise. Amen.
It is appropriate to follow the readings with thanks and praise.
(Comments to Stew at stewclarke@eastlink.ca.)