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July 26, 2018

Mea Culpa

Bob Sitze   |   Read Psalm 14:1-7

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Lectionary Week
July 23–29, 2018
Scripture Overview

The Bible is filled with the stories of imperfect people. David is a classic case. In Second Samuel he commits adultery, tries to cover it up, and then plots a murder. How can this be the same man who penned this week’s psalm, which decries the foolishness of people who act in a godless way? Like us, David was a fallen person who needed God’s extravagant mercy. In Ephesians we read of this same extravagance given through Christ, whose power can do what we cannot—namely redeem all of us who are also foolish and fallen. The Gospel author demonstrates the power of Jesus through what he describes as “signs,” which Jesus performed not primarily to amaze the onlookers but rather to point them to his identity as the Son of God.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read 2 Samuel 11:1-15. How often do you consider the ramifications of your decisions and actions on the wider body?
• Read Psalm 14. How frequently do you find yourself envisioning a life free of constraints? What does that life look like?
• Read Ephesians 3:14-21. How does “being rooted and grounded in love” manifest itself in your life?
• Read John 6:1-21. When have you tried to force God into a mold of your own making to serve your needs?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 14:1-7

1 Fools say in their hearts, There is no God. They are corrupt and do evil things; not one of them does anything good. 2 The LORD looks down from heaven on humans to see if anyone is wise, to see if anyone seeks God, 3 but all of them have turned bad. Everyone is corrupt. No one does good not even one person! 4 Are they dumb, all these evildoers, devouring my people like they are eating bread but never calling on the LORD? 5 Count on it: they will be in utter panic because God is with the righteous generation. 6 You evildoers may humiliate the plans of those who suffer, but the LORD is their refuge. 7 Let Israel’s salvation come out of Zion! When the LORD changes his people’s circumstances for the better, Jacob will rejoice; Israel will celebrate!

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

Since this psalm is attributed to David, we may wonder if he composed these lines before he ruined his and others’ lives with adultery and murder. Or did this psalm come from his ongoing reflection about righteous living after his ruinous behavior and later repentance? Clearly David wants to transcend...

Caring God, don’t allow me the foolishness of ignoring the poor. Refresh me with your song. Amen.


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