July 17, 2018

Naming Our True Identity

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Enabling good health is a community restoration project. It’s really not about prescription plans, copayments, individual deductions, out-of-pocket expenses, or any other cost-benefit analysis. It’s about community. When people are sick or hurt, they usually don’t feel like getting out much and, depending on their illness or injury, they sometimes...

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour, for the facing of this hour. (UMH, no. 577)

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Lectionary Week

July 16–22, 2018

Scripture Overview

David was God’s anointed king over Israel. He believed God desired a house, a Temple worthy of God. But God wanted David to understand that only God can build things that truly last. Thus, God promised to construct a dynasty from David’s family. From this line will eventually come the ultimate King, the Messiah, who will rule God’s people forever. The Messiah will complete God’s work of uniting all people as children of God, and the author of Ephesians declares that this has happened through Christ. All God’s people—Jew and Gentile—are now part of a holy, spiritual temple. In Mark, Jesus shows that part of being a great king is showing compassion. He puts aside his own desires to help those in need of guidance and healing.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read 2 Samuel 7:1-14a. Do you prefer stability or flexibility? What are the advantages of each?
• Read Psalm 89:20-37. What has been your experience with organizations or churches that are leader-dependent?
• Read Ephesians 2:11-22. When have you found yourself employing binary thinking: black and white with no shades of gray? How has that limited your focus?
• Read Mark 6:30-34, 53-56. When have you had an experience of illness or accident that left you isolated from community? How did that increase your awareness of others in that situation as you moved to health?

Respond by posting a prayer.