July 9, 2018

Connecting with God

Gordon A. R. Edwards | Read 2 Samuel 6:1-5

(Image: Pixabay)

In chapter 5 we learn David has covenanted with all the tribes of Israel to be their king and has made Jerusalem the capital of Israel. David’s relationship with God sustains him and proves to be a critical asset at those pivotal moments in David’s life and the life of ancient Israel.
After defeating the Philistines, David reaches into Israel’s past to reconnect with God. David goes with thirty thousand Israelites to retrieve the ark from the house of Abinadab, where it has been residing. David resolves to take the ark of God to Jerusalem, a move that solidifies his political power with spiritual power. The ark of God symbolizes God’s constant presence. And so David and the entourage process with the ark to Jerusalem accompanied by music and dancing.
As human beings, we tend to keep moving forward without consulting God, giving little thought to how the past informs the present. We may not raise the question: “Where is God leading me?” In the midst of life’s busyness we may forget who has brought us this far along our way.
David’s behavior advocates a different posture toward God and our personal and collective history. We can ask ourselves questions David may have asked: What are the symbols of God’s presence in my life? What role does my past play in reconnecting me with God? How do I carry God and history with me as I move forward?

Lord God, help me remember that I did not get this far on my own. Use the symbols of your presence to remind me of our life together. Amen.

Pray the Scriptures Using Audio Lectio
Read Mark 6:14-29

Mark 6:14-29

¹⁴ Herod the king heard about these things, because the name of Jesus had become well-known. Some were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and this is why miraculous powers are at work through him.” ¹⁵ Others were saying, “He is Elijah.” Still others were saying, “He is a prophet like one of the ancient prophets.” ¹⁶ But when Herod heard these rumors, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised to life.” ¹⁷ He said this because Herod himself had arranged to have John arrested and put in prison because of Herodias, the wife of Herod’s brother Philip. Herod had married her, ¹⁸ but John told Herod, “It’s against the law for you to marry your brother’s wife!” ¹⁹ So Herodias had it in for John. She wanted to kill him, but she couldn’t. ²⁰ This was because Herod respected John. He regarded him as a righteous and holy person, so he protected him. John’s words greatly confused Herod, yet he enjoyed listening to him. ²¹ Finally, the time was right. It was on one of Herod’s birthdays, when he had prepared a feast for his high-ranking officials and military officers and Galilee’s leading residents. ²² Herod’s daughter Herodias came in and danced, thrilling Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the young woman, “Ask me whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” ²³ Then he swore to her, “Whatever you ask I will give to you, even as much as half of my kingdom.” ²⁴ She left the banquet hall and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” “John the Baptist’s head,” Herodias replied. ²⁵ Hurrying back to the ruler, she made her request: “I want you to give me John the Baptist’s head on a plate, right this minute.” ²⁶ Although the king was upset, because of his solemn pledge and his guests, he didn’t want to refuse her. ²⁷ So he ordered a guard to bring John’s head. The guard went to the prison, cut off John’s head, ²⁸ brought his head on a plate, and gave it to the young woman, and she gave it to her mother. ²⁹ When John’s disciples heard what had happened, they came and took his dead body and laid it in a tomb.

3 Comments

Lectionary Week

July 9–15, 2018

Scripture Overview

Two readings this week focus on welcoming God’s presence. David does this by bringing the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem. As the ark arrives, David dances with all his might, worshiping God with reckless abandon. In Psalm 24, the author poetically calls a city to open its gates and welcome the great king. These passages invite us to consider how willingly we receive God into our lives. The reading from Ephesians speaks of God’s eternal plan. While circumstances may seem chaotic from our perspective, God holds an eternal perspective and has sealed us with the Holy Spirit. Mark tells us the sad story of the execution of John the Baptist, yet another example of a righteous person experiencing persecution.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19. How do you bless others in your daily life?
• Read Psalm 24. How do you evidence your willingness to be a steward of God’s creation?
• Read Ephesians 1:3-14. When have you experienced a “hiccup” on your journey and found God ready and willing to assist? How did that help come?
• Read Mark 6:14-29. When have you experienced a guilty conscience? What triggered it?

Respond by posting a prayer.

I join many of those who will pray for you as you seek to discern what you are called to be at this moment. May God grant you the courage to fulfill that calling. May we all open our eyes and see the misery, open our ears and hear the cries of God’s people, and, like God through the Lord Jesus Christ, be incarnate amongst them.”

View a growing list of resources for the spiritual work of overcoming racism.

—Rev. Sidwell Mokgothu, Limpopo Synod Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa and board member for Africa Upper Room Ministries

Connecting with God

Transformed Imaginations

Find Related Resources

Connecting with God

2 Samuel 6:1-5

Mark 6:14-29

Transformed Imaginations

Find Related Resources

Log In to Upper Room