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August 24, 2021

Tending the Soil of Your Heart for the Fruit of Your Life

Enuma Okoro   |   Read Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9

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Lectionary Week
August 23 29, 2021
Scripture Overview

The poetry of Song of Solomon is thick with romantic imagery, and most scholars agree that these lines mean what they say on the surface; they are written from the author to the beloved. Psalm 45 echoes the refrain of admiration and desire. Such desire is not wrong if it is awakened at the proper time, as the author of Song of Solomon says elsewhere. James argues that ethical living is done not in word but in deed. True religion is not putting on a show but displaying mercy and controlling the tongue. In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus rebukes some of the religious leaders on this very account because they talk of obedience to God but do not live it out. What we say and what we do should match.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Song of Solomon 2:8-13. The narrative poetry of Song of Solomon invites us into scripture in a different way than other texts. How does God speak to you through this poetry?
Read Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9. How do your relationships honor the gift of love?
Read James 1:17-27. When do you find yourself as merely a “hearer” of the word and not a “doer”? What motivates you to act on God’s word?
Read Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23. What human traditions or rituals do you tend to make too important?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9

1 A marvelous word has stirred my heart as I mention my works to the king. My tongue is the pen of a skillful scribe. 2 You are the most handsome of men; grace has been poured out on your lips. No wonder God has blessed you forever! 6 Your divine throne is eternal and everlasting. Your royal scepter is a scepter of justice. 7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness. No wonder God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy more than all your companions! 8 All your clothes have the pleasing scent of myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. The music of stringed instruments coming from ivory palaces entertains you. 9 The royal princess is standing in your precious jewels; the queen stands at your right, dressed in the gold of Ophir.

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

Psalm 45 is a wedding song that ultimately celebrates a king and his bride. Like Song of Solomon, the king in question could be King Solomon, here preparing to marry the princess of Egypt. But again, the power of the psalm can be found in the focus of the king’s...

God, make my tongue like a ready writer. May I be thoughtful with my words, choosing to speak life and love into the world. Amen.


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