Lectionary Readings for July 18, 2021
Reading One: Jeremiah 23:1-6 (NRSV)
Song: I Will Bring You Home (lyrics here)
Reflection
When you get in the habit of reading Scripture according to the lectionary, you can become very adept at making the links between the various texts offered each week. For example, this week’s readings carry a clear theme of shepherding and righteousness. Jeremiahs speaks of the false shepherds of Israel who have led the people to ruin and exile, and he offers the hopeful picture of a coming time when the shepherds of Israel will guide and protect Israel the way that God intends. And, of course, Jeremiah paints a picture of a greater shepherd, the “Righteous Branch” of David who will rule with righteousness and justice.
But when you read the lectionary texts meditatively, you sometimes find yourself drawn to words, phrases, and images that may not be central, but are no less powerful. For me, while reading this text from Jeremiah, it was the imagery of verse 3: “Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply.” It is a reminder that the season of exile is exactly that: a season. A time will come when the scattered flock of Israel will be led home (see Nehemiah for the fulfillment of this prophecy).
That imagery of being led home is a powerful one. We all feel lost at times, maybe even exiled. Or maybe it is someone we love who has wandered and is far from home. Whatever the instance, it is a reality we all know at some point or another. And while Jeremiah’s words were for the people of Israel, they provide comfort for us as well because they remind us that God has not forgotten his sons and daughters, whoever and wherever they might be.
Spend some time sitting with God with your own story of exile, or with the story of someone close to your heart. As you offer those stories, be in prayer for all who wander, that God would even now begin the work of drawing them homeward.
Reading Two: Psalm 23 (NRSV)
Song: Psalm 23 (lyrics here)
Reflection
Psalm 23 is certainly one of the most well-known passages in all of Scripture, if not the most well-known of all. And there is little question as to why—it is a beautiful image of a God who provides rest, sanctuary, and sustenance for his people. Green pastures and still waters are a gift we all need, and the guidance of being on “right paths” is a cry for all who would follow God.
But sometimes we lose sight of the fact that Psalm 23 is not all sunshine and tranquility. At verse 4 the psalm shifts and addresses the harsh truth that sometimes we walk very difficult paths. “Death,” “evil,” and “enemies” now join the peaceful imagery from the beginning of the psalm, but the theme of God’s goodness never changes. In fact, our understanding of that goodness now expands: our God not only provides, he protects. As we are reminded of God’s “goodness and mercy” that follows us all life long, the words of Paul in Romans 8 come to mind:
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
—Romans 8:38-39 (NRSV)
As you sit with the words of Psalm 23, spend some time before God in gratitude for the way he has both provided for you and protected you. Look back, and then look forward. What paths might you be walking, even in the near future, where his words of goodness and mercy can sustain and comfort you? Where in your life do you need to claim right now the promise that nothing can separate you from his love?
Reading Three: Ephesians 2:11-22 (NRSV)
Song: Make Us One (lyrics here)
Reflection
In this passage from Ephesians, Paul speaks to the new reality of the church that has come about by God’s bringing Jew and Gentile together in a powerful work of union. It’s a powerful reminder that echoes all the way back to God’s covenant with Abram:
“…all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:3b)
Two thousand years later we can’t really grasp how profound and powerful this was for the early church. The Gentiles were “unclean” and hated with a passion, and the feelings of distrust were pretty mutual. And yet the cross of Christ brought them together.
This message of unity is such an important truth of the gospel, and one that we can easily lose sight of in the 21st century church. In fact, it could easily be said that the church is fractured right now in ways that haven’t been seen in generations. It’s as if we don’t believe that the same power that brought Jew and Gentile together can do the same work today in our divided communities. And sometimes it even seems we’re not even sure we want to happen.
Spend some time today in prayer asking God to bring unity to his church in his way and according to his will. And ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart for ways he can help you grow in your desire for that unity. If someone comes to mind who makes you think, “I could never find unity with that person,” ask God to show you what can happen when we follow Jesus’ command to “pray for our enemies.” (Matt. 5:44)
If you like, use the words of Twila Paris’ song offered below)* as your prayer for the church of Jesus Christ.
Make us one, make us one
Make us one, undivided body
Make us one, make us one
For the sake of Your name make us one
Make us love, make us love
Make us love so the world will know we love You
Make us love, make us love
For the sake of Your name make us love
Make us pure, make us pure
Make us pure and righteous. make us holy
Make us pure, make us pure
For the sake of Your name make us pure
Make us one, make us one
Make us one, undivided body
Make us one, make us one
For the sake of Your name make us one
For the sake of Your name till You come
For the sake of Your name make us one
*(NOTE: I normally use studio recordings whenever possible for the songs we share here, but this video of a mother and daughter offering a beautiful song of prayer to God seemed powerful in its simplicity)
Reading Four: Mark 6:30-34, 6:53-56 (NRSV)
Song: Still (lyrics here)
Reflection
Again, it is a slightly different part of the text that catches my eye today. This lectionary passage reinforces the image of Jesus as our shepherd, and focuses primarily on his work of teaching and healing.
But an important part of being a shepherd is knowing when your flock needs rest, and in verse 31 Jesus acknowledges that need for his disciples. Unfortunately, the crowd simply refuses to let that happen. But the need is noted, nonetheless.
Let’s finish our song reflections this week by simply resting in the presence of God, basking in the love of Jesus our shepherd. The invitation is always there when we come in prayer: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
In what ways do you need rest today? In which situations do you need a fresh reminder that “he is God?” Spend time in silence, breathe deep, and receive the rest that only he can provide.