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June 30, 2021

We’re Marching to Zion

James A. Harnish   |   Read 2 Samuel 5:1-5

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Lectionary Week
June 28–July 4, 2021
Scripture Overview

The readings from the Hebrew scriptures this week celebrate Jerusalem, 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—a name used for earthly Jerusalem but 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 struggles like everyone else. 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. What qualities of leadership are important in this reading? 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. What is it about that place that makes you especially aware of God’s presence?
Read 2 Corinthians 12:2-10. When have you experienced weakness becoming a source of strength and power?
Read Mark 6:1-13. When have you discounted someone because of your assumptions about them?

Respond by posting a prayer .

2 Samuel 5:1-5

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.

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

While we are “marching upward to Zion,” what kind of leader can we trust to show us the way?

The first reason the Israelite tribes gave for choosing David was, “We are your very own flesh and bone.” They knew David was one of them and they were one with...

All praise to thee, for thou, O King divine, didst yield the glory that of right was thine . . . Alleluia! (UMH, no. 166).


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