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July 2, 2018

The Everyday and the Holy

Lynne M. Baab   |   Read 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10

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Lectionary Week
July 2–8, 2018
Scripture Overview

The readings from the Hebrew scriptures this week celebrate the city of Jerusalem. This was the capital of the great King David, who united the ancient Israelites and built up the city. The psalmist praises Jerusalem using the image of Zion. Zion is a name used for earthly Jerusalem, but it is also a gesture toward a future day when God’s people will abide in a heavenly city. In Second Corinthians, Paul explains that even though he is an apostle, he still struggles like everyone else. Wild speculation surrounds the “thorn” that plagued Paul, but his point is that when he is weakest, God is strongest. In Mark we see God’s power working through Jesus, who sent out others to expand God’s healing work.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10. The king of Israel exhibited the qualities of a shepherd. How do those qualities square with your experience with those in power?
• Read Psalm 48. Bring to mind a place where you experience God’s presence. Do you find yourself drawn there? Why?
• Read 2 Corinthians 12:2-10. When have you experienced a weakness becoming a source of power?
• Read Mark 6:1-13. When have you limited God’s power through your disbelief?

Respond by posting a prayer .

2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10

1 All the Israelite tribes came to David at Hebron and said, “Listen: We are your very own flesh and bone. 2 In the past, when Saul ruled over us, you were the one who led Israel out to war and back. What’s more, the LORD told you, You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will be Israel’s leader. 3 So all the Israelite elders came to the king at Hebron. King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel. 4 David was 30 years old when he became king, and he ruled for forty years. 5 He ruled over Judah for seven and a half years in Hebron. He ruled thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah in Jerusalem. 9 David occupied the fortress, so it was renamed David’s City. David built a city around it from the earthen terraces inward. 10 David grew increasingly powerful, and the LORD of heavenly forces was with him.

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

In David’s time, shepherding was an everyday task. Even children were charged with tending sheep and goats, and David himself had been a shepherd as a child. When the leaders of the tribes of Israel call David to be their king, they say that God called David to be the...

Shepherd God, thank you that David’s greatness came from your presence with him. May I live that way too. Amen.


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