Pentecost 7
July 19. 2009

Scripture Introductions
by Stewart Clarke

(I invite you to consider the value of helping our congregations appreciate some of the context 
of the readings, and even to recognize the principle of text and context.    
You may wish to skip some of what follows, to adapt it to your situation, 
or to skip it completely - in which case, I hope that you do your own 
and that yours are better and more appropriate than mine.)

David is building his kingdom, and becoming more and more a traditional eastern monarch. 
He has united the nation, taken the city of Jerusalem as his capital, installed the Ark 
of the Covenant, built a palace, and even married wives and accumulated concubines.  
But there is no commanding Temple.  So he determines to build one, but, of course, 
consults his favourite prophet, Nathan.

Let's listen as the drama unfolds, in:

2 Samuel 7:1-14a

You may wish to hold your acclaim until after the Gospel, or use traditional words here, 
or say something like: May we listen to and heed our modern day prophets. Amen.



The Psalm begins with acclaim for David, and God's steadfast love for him. It goes on to speak 
of God's covenant with David's continuing family, in words that may remind 
Christians of Jesus, the Christ.

Let us..

Psalm 89:20-37



In the letter to the Ephesians, the writer is consciously writing to Gentiles, 
once sharply divided from Jews, but now united with Jewish Christians in one body, 
one family, in Jesus Christ.  Whereas David, in our first reading, wanted a Temple, 
Christians have become a Temple, not of "bricks and sticks," but of faith and in Spirit.

Let's listen to the promise and assurance of the author in:

Ephesians 2:11-22

May we be all be joined together in the Body of Christ, Amen



In the Gospel, we see Jesus welcoming the apostles back from their first apostolic venture, 
and hearing their reports.  He had sent them out, two by two, 
and they had acted faithfully and effectively.  Now it is time for them to rest.

But people won't leave them in peace and quiet.  They crowd around. 
Finally, Jesus goes off alone, but word of his healing power precedes him 
and the crowds gather round him, no matter where he is.

Let's rise to honour and be open to the Good News for us in:

(Or: Let's listen closely for the Good News for us in: )

Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

May we reach out to Jesus for healing, and to God be the glory. Amen.

(Comments to Stew at stewclarke@eastlink.ca.)