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:
- With thanks to CAM and EMC.(retrospectively).
- Martin Buber, as I remember, made the distinction between "I/It" and "I/Thou."
- 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.
- 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