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June 8, 2018

Who Are We Really?

Melissa Earley   |   Read Psalm 138:1-8

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Lectionary Week
June 4–10, 2018
Scripture Overview

We sometimes struggle to believe in the power of a God we cannot see. The psalmist declares that God is greater than any earthly king and will preserve us in the face of our enemies. However, in the time of Samuel, the Israelites demanded a human king to lead them into battle, as other nations had. God was not enough for them. Paul admonishes the Corinthians not to repeat this mistake. We should not think that what we can see is the ultimate reality. What we see is temporary; what cannot be seen is eternal. Perhaps Jesus is teaching a similar idea in this somewhat troubling passage in Mark. Jesus is not against family, but he is emphasizing that human families are temporary; spiritual family is eternal.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read 1 Samuel 8:4-20. How influenced by culture and neigh-
bors are you? How do you attempt to keep your priorities aligned with God’s reign?
• Read Psalm 138. How do you evaluate the “gods” in your life? How do you recognize when those gods have gained control of your life?
• Read 2 Corinthians 4:13–5:1. When life’s circumstances over-
whelm you, how do you avoid losing heart?
• Read Mark 3:20-35. Who is your spiritual family? Whom do you identify as your brothers, sisters, mother and father?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 138:1-8

1 I give thanks to you with all my heart, LORD. I sing your praise before all other gods. 2 I bow toward your holy temple and thank your name for your loyal love and faithfulness because you have made your name and word greater than everything else. 3 On the day I cried out, you answered me. You encouraged me with inner strength. 4 Let all the earth’s rulers give thanks to you, LORD, when they hear what you say. 5 Let them sing about the LORD’s ways because the LORD’s glory is so great! 6 Even though the LORD is high, he can still see the lowly, but God keeps his distance from the arrogant. 7 Whenever I am in deep trouble, you make me live again; you send your power against my enemies’ wrath; you save me with your strong hand. 8 The LORD will do all this for my sake. Your faithful love lasts forever, LORD! Don’t let go of what your hands have made.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

I was tired. Tired of the apathy an affluent community felt for religion. Tired of cajoling people with packed schedules to make room for worship. Tired of begging people to give a little more money to the church instead of a coffee shop. The joy had gone out of ministry, and...

Merciful God, thank you for saving us in so many ways. Amen.


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