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June 20, 2018

The Best and Worst in Us

Bradford Bosworth   |   Read Psalm 9:9-20

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Lectionary Week
June 18–24, 2018
Scripture Overview

As children of God, we will face opposition; but God will ultimately give us victory. The psalmist cries out to God asking for deliverance from oppression at the hands of his enemies and concludes the psalm with the assurance that God will do so. Tradition credits this psalm to David, who as a boy had risked his life against Goliath based on that same assurance. Goliath mocked the Israelites and their God, but God gave the victory. Paul recounts his sufferings for the gospel, yet he is not overcome or in despair, for he trusts in God. Jesus calms a storm and is disappointed that the disciples show so little faith. Why do they not believe in God’s deliverance? And what about us? Do we still believe in God’s deliverance?

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read 1 Samuel 17:1a, 4-11, 19-23, 32-49. How do you stay grounded in the knowledge that you are part of the people of God? How does that knowledge sustain you in trying times?
• Read Psalm 9:9-20. When have you been provoked to cry out, “Rise up, O Lord?” On whose behalf did you cry?
• Read 2 Corinthians 6:1-13. When have you allowed your discipleship to become lax? Can you sense Paul’s urgency in his appeal: “Now is the acceptable time” (emphasis added)?
• Read Mark 4:35-41. How do you find the quiet center when the storms of life rage around you?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 9:9-20

9 The LORD is a safe place for the oppressed a safe place in difficult times. 10 Those who know your name trust you because you have not abandoned any who seek you, LORD. 11 Sing praises to the LORD, who lives in Zion! Proclaim his mighty acts among all people! 12 Because the one who avenges bloodshed remembers those who suffer; the LORD hasn’t forgotten their cries for help. 13 Have mercy on me, LORD! Just look how I suffer because of those who hate me. But you are the one who brings me back from the very gates of death 14 so I can declare all your praises, so I can rejoice in your salvation in the gates of Daughter Zion. 15 The nations have fallen into the hole they themselves made! Their feet are caught in the very net they themselves hid! 16 The LORD is famous for the justice he has done; it’s his own doing that the wicked are trapped. Higgayon. Selah 17 Let the wicked go straight to the grave, the same for every nation that forgets God. 18 Because the poor won’t be forgotten forever, the hope of those who suffer won’t be lost for all time. 19 Get up, LORD! Don’t let people prevail! Let the nations be judged before you. 20 Strike them with fear, LORD. Let the nations know they are only human. Selah

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

Today’s scripture provides a striking contrast in tone. We are lifted up with affirmative praise and reminded of the reward for those who seek God (vv. 9-12). Then just as quickly and abruptly the tone changes to an admonishing lament (vv. 12-17). When we contrast the hardened young man who...

Yahweh, when we are oppressed, be our stronghold. May we rejoice in your deliverance. Amen.


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