Lectionary Readings for August 15, 2021
Reading One: Proverbs 9:1-6 (NRSV)
Song: Growing (lyrics here)
Reflection
For the past few weeks, as we have been sitting with images of manna and the “Bread of Life,” we have focused mostly on the theme of “provision.” But in our readings this week, I believe there is common language that would have us think of another word: “invitation.”
Each of the Lectionary readings this week has a sense of invitation in it. That’s very appropriate, especially when we consider the most common image that comes to mind with Jesus’ teaching on the Bread of Life—the image of a communion table. As we finish our time with this theme it seems good to think about the varied invitations in these texts and how they relate to Christ’s invitation to share his body and blood in a celebration of the Lord’s Supper.
Our Proverbs text has the very obvious invitational language in verse 5, inviting the reader to eat bread and drink wine that has been laid before us. But being Proverbs, the bread and wine represents a very specific gift: the gift of wisdom. In the very next verse there is another invitation that makes this clear: “Lay aside immaturity, and live, and walk in the way of insight.” (v. 6)
“Lay aside immaturity and live.” These aren’t necessarily words we associate with a celebration of communion, but I think they’re very appropriate. The Lord’s Table represents many deep truths captured in simple images—bread and wine invite us to think about Christ’s sacrifice and Christ’s indwelling presence. As Jesus says in our gospel text, “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them.” (John 6:56) This is not an elementary teaching by any means. True, the invitation is to all, and contrary to what some part of church history seemed to insist, participation in the Lord’s Supper is not dependent on study and learned preparation. But, still…it is an invitation to go deeper into the mysteries of our life in Christ. To learn more about what it means to abide in him, and he in us.
As Wayne Watson reflects in this song, the journey of maturity is not an easy one. In fact, we often find that growing in our knowledge and experience of Jesus means knowing brokenness in deeper and deeper ways as we are weaned of any sense of self-sufficiency. Perhaps this is why the Apostle Paul said, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” (Phil. 3:10-11) If we are going to “lay aside immaturity and live,” it will not always be easy. But it will always be worth it.
As you think of your own journey of growing in Christ, can you think of times you have been reluctant to go deeper in your walk of faith? What fears or desires drove that reluctance? How has God shown grace and patience with you, and how might you respond with greater trust as he seeks to take you even deeper?
Reading Two: Psalm 34:9-14 (NRSV)
Song: I’m Listening (lyrics here)
Reflection
In this passage a very specific and clear invitation stands out to me: “Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.” (v. 11) Like the voice of Wisdom in Proverbs, we are again invited to taste of the deeper things of God as we learn that “those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” (v. 10)
There are so many voices that clamor for our attention these days. So many of them lead to empty and meaningless pursuits. Some of them even claim to be godly voices, but invite us into ungodly ways of thinking and being. If we ever needed to stop and listen to the voice of the one, true God, that time is now.
As a pastor, I’ve been amazed (but not really surprised) by how many times people have shared with me how God spoke a specific word to them during a service of communion. I do believe something unique and powerful happens at the Lord’s Table, but I also think that it is an act which fosters receptivity to what God might be saying and doing. God is able to speak to us anywhere at any time, and when they come to us his words are certainly bread for our soul.
Chris McClarney’s song “I’m Listening” captures so many truths about the voice of God when it speaks into our life, reminding us that his voice:
—clears away confusion
—drives away fear
—sets us free
—gives us hope
—gives us life
—soothes sorrows and trouble
—brings peace
—keeps us safe
As you look at that list, which of those speaks most to what you need today? Do any of them echo the testimony of your life and remind you of a time God’s voice intervened in your life? How do you approach the idea of “listening to God?” Is is a comforting thought? A troubling thought? A frustrating thought? Spend some time in prayer asking God to open your heart more and more to the things he would speak to you, and spend some time sitting in silence as you listen.
Reading Three: Ephesians 5:15-20 (NRSV)
Song: Come Holy Spirit (Uthando) (lyrics here)
Reflection
This passage from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians includes many invitations, but one stands out above all: “Be filled with the Spirit.” (v. 18)
The ministry of the Spirit is something we often take for granted, but the Spirit is always at work. One way we think of the Holy Spirit is the “presence of Christ,” which is language we sometimes find in services of communion. What the bread and cup symbolize, the Spirit imparts to us in ways that are powerful and palpable.
For this particular reflection, you’re invited to read the verses below that speak to the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Which of these speaks to you in a powerful way? Do any provoke you and indicate a need for a conversation with God? How do these verses invite you into a deeper experience of the Spirit in your life today?
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.—Romans 8:26
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.—Acts 1:8
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you.—John 16:13-14
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.—Galatians 5:22-23
Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.—Romans 5:5
If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you.—Romans 8:11
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.—Romans 15:13
Reading Four: John 6:51-58 (NRSV)
Song: We Hunger and Thirst (lyrics here)
Reflection
These teachings of Jesus in John 6, as the reaction of the crowd reflects, are difficult to fully understand. And to be honest, the experience of the Lord’s Table for me is sometimes diminished when I try to think too deeply about what is happening (or why, or how).
Sometimes I just need to express my hunger and my thirst. Sometimes I just need to come to the table as one who is desperately in need of Jesus. That’s not a time for theological reflection, it’s a time for confessing my need and falling on my face.
That’s what I would invite you to do as these reflections draw to a close. The words of “We Hunger and Thirst” are a wonderful prayer. Spend some time reflecting on them, praying with them, and sitting in the presence of the one who invites you to find in him alone what truly satisfies.
Exalted Son of glory humbly came down
Wounded for the broken, bore the sinner’s crown
Through the willing death You died
You became our bread of life
Jesus, we hunger and thirst for You, Lord
As we remember Your sacrifice
We see the wounds from Your hands and pierced side
Extravagant love! Oh how great the price
Now our lives are Yours
The priceless blood of Jesus, this gracious cup
A life spring overflowing, poured out for us
He has conquered every sin
For the ones who trust in Him
The cup we drink, the bread we eat
Reminds us You are all we need
And makes us long for Your wedding feast