Scripture Introductions

Epiphany 2 January 15, 2012 Scripture Introductions by Stewart Clarke
(Surely, we honour the Bible, by reading and trying to understand it. When we share a passage aloud, as in worship, we honour it as well as we learn and discuss it. In whatever setting, I believe in introductions. Introductions can help our congregations appreciate the depth of meaning, and to be more open to understanding. So I offer the following, with the invitation to edit, correct or replace, as you see fit. There are comments in brackets that you may want to skip, since they may indulge in more bits and pieces than are needed. May you have a wonderful study and preparation, and a great Sunday.) Our readings seem to be about call and being in relationship, especially with God, and, in the Gospel, with Jesus. Relationship is expressed in the word "know." In terms of things or ideas, "know" is intellectual and factual. In terms of human beings, as husband and wife or human and God, much more is implied. So the text tells us that Samuel, as a lad, had not yet "met" God. In the Psalm, we may hear of God with us anywhere and everywhere. In the Epistle, the same linkage may be heard. And, in the Gospel, Nathanael becomes one of Jesus' believers.
The Tanakh, or Older Testament reading specifically mentions "the word of the Lord," (or "Adonai," which represents the personal name of the God of the Hebrews, too holy to pronounce). We often speak of the Bible as the Word of God, as a way in which God speaks to us; but the Samuel reading means direct speech ("viva voce!") . Here, God calls Samuel, ("Name of God") and calls him by name. Samuel replies, but he runs to poor old Eli, whose loss of sight parallels the loss of vision among the people. Eli responds groggily, then perhaps grumpily, as the lad, Samuel, bounces to him in obedient response. Gradually, Eli becomes aware. (The verses that follow the chosen reading tell us that Eli has also been blind to his son's behaviour! There is also a verse about Samuel's maturing that is close to Luke's, (2:52: "and Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." "Dan to Beersheba," btw, was a normal way of referring to the whole country, from north to south. ) Let's listen to this intricately woven account in 1 Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20) [You may wish to reserve your acclaim to follow the Gospel reading, or use traditional language, or say something like, "May we be alert to God's call. Amen ."]
Again, in the Psalm, the word "know" may have different levels of meaning, as one knows and is known by the head, and/or by the heart. Let us listen to Psalm 139 1-6, 13-18 (VU p. 861-862).
In the Epistle passage, we hear Paul writing forcefully to the church in Corinth. He begins by quoting something someone had said about everything being lawful because they are new people. He does not dispute this, but raises the discussion to another level, with another, specifically Christian, point of view. (In some ways, it may be like the distinction between "legal," and "moral." Paul, thoroughly educated, may be well aware that, while human laws define the minimum standard we may require, God's law gives a standard to which we may aspire. Incidentally, the reference to "one" echoes Gen. 2:24.) Let us listen as Paul challenges them in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. (After the reading:) May we be guided by our vision of Christ. Amen.
In the Gospel reading, we find Jesus recruiting followers. In Galilee, he calls Philip, whose Greek name stands out in the Jewish context. Philip ( from Beth-Saida, "House of fishers," ) promptly invites Nathanael ("God has given"), and announces that the discovery of the One mentioned in their Bible, ("Tanakh," the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings, as they would know them). This begins a teasing exchange. Nathanael jokes about Nazareth, never mentioned in Tanakh or commentary. Jesus, in turn, remarks about Nathanael as a true and guileless Israelite, perhaps in contrast to the treachery of Jacob, who becomes the first "Israel." And Nathanael believes. (Some have thought that he may be the disciple Bartholomew.) Let us rise to honour and be open to the Good News for us in: (Or: Let us listen attentively for the Good News for us in John 1:43-51) May we respond to Jesus and his call. Amen. It is appropriate to follow the readings with thanks and praise.
Footnotes:
  1. With thanks to CAM and EMC.(retrospectively).
  2. Martin Buber, as I remember, made the distinction between "I/It" and "I/Thou."
  3. T stands for Torah, N for Nevi'im or Prophets, and K for Kethuvim or Writings. In Jewish thought, the Torah is most important, and the Writings the least.
  4. In the Hebrew Bible, the books of Samuel are among the "prophets," reminding us that God speaks also through events.
(Comments to Stew at stewclarke@eastlink.ca.) Lawrencetown, NS. B2Z 1E4