Psalm 14 is a lament, a passionate expression of deep and heartfelt emotion. The psalmist says their feelings out loud. There is something special about that. It is not sugar-coated or polished; it is dramatic and emotional. The Common English Bible translation of verse 4 is especially coarse: “Are they...

God of our anger, God of our irritation, God of our sadness and sorrow, help us to know that we can bring our whole selves to you. No thought or feeling is too raw or disturbing for you to bear. It is in our honesty and vulnerability that we realize a bounteous life is possible with you. Amen.


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Lectionary Week
July 22–28, 2024
Scripture Overview

The Bible is filled with the stories of imperfect people. David is a classic case. In Second Samuel he uses his power to have sex with another man’s wife, tries to cover it up, and then plots the murder of her husband. 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 an imperfect 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 to point them to his identity as the Son of God.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read 2 Samuel 11:1-15. Where in today’s world do you see the selfishness of powerful people bringing tragedy for people with less power?
Read Psalm 14. Do you number yourself among the wise who “seek after God”? Why or why not?
Read Ephesians 3:14-21. How does “being rooted and grounded in love” manifest itself in your life?
Read John 6:1-21. Where do you see yourself in this story?

Respond by posting a prayer.