Paul’s first visit was a year and a half, and his later visit was three months.
Old Corinth was hundreds of years old when the city defied the Roman Empire and was destroyed utterly. By 51 CE, the new Corinth was five times the size of Athens, an important trade stop, and home to new business people who were interested in prosperity, not tradition. There were temples but no dominant religion.
“I know a person”- Paul is speaking of himself.
This passage was written about 55 AD so this revelation was about 41 AD.
The third heaven is heaven, the first heaven is the atmosphere, and the second heaven is the stars.
“No mortal is permitted to repeat” Greek mystery cult teachings for insiders only.
“than what is seen in me or heard from me” – The only evidence for Christian life is behavior or speech.
Paul’s infirmity might have been physical, perhaps stuttering, perhaps another chronic illness.
The lessons from this passage are:
Paul uses his humble station but immense faith for his Christian walk.
For other Christians to question him because he has not done miracles or had revelations is wrong.
His weakness is his strength.
It is part of Church life to resolve differences and personal issues through faithful discussion.
Mark
“This place”…Some say Nazareth and some say Caperneum.
“Carpenter” could be mason – lower class and illiterate.
“Son of Mary” could be a put down rather than using son of Joseph.
Scandal , skandalon had become a technical term for the effect of Christ’s death on Israel.
All of this is in the tradition of the “prophets”, whose message is rejected by their own folks.
“unbelief”: By the time this was written, apistia had come to symbolize the disbelief of Israel
This dramatic and tragic end of Jesus’ Galilean ministry foreshadows the greater rejection of Israel.
The apostles start to share Jesus’ ministry of healing, preaching, power over evil forces, and humble peace and compassion.
“tunics” are a chiton: a short-sleeved inner garment of knee length, held in at the waist by a girdle.
Traveling missionaries depended on local hospitality. Local communities would need to put them up, so it was necessary to be frugal.
Olive oil was regularly used as a remedy in the ancient world. In Luke 10:34, it is used in treating the wounds of the man who fell among bandits.
The emphasis in this passage is the rejection of Jesus, both in his own temple and through his apostles’ travels.
Jesus does not mince words, those who refuse to consider him, or who refuse to give him authority in their lives are doomed. Those who preach from the Bible need to remind their listeners of the consequences of hearing God’s word and denying it.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
2 Corinthians 12:2-10
2I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. 3And I know that such a person—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows— 4was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. 5On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. 6But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, 7even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep* me from being too elated, a thorn was given to me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated.* 8Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, 9but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power* is made perfect in weakness.’ So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
2I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. 3And I know that such a person—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows— 4was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. 5On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. 6But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, 7even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep* me from being too elated, a thorn was given to me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated.* 8Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, 9but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power* is made perfect in weakness.’ So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
Mark 6:1-13
The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth
6He left that place and came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. 2On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, ‘Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! 3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary* and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence* at him. 4Then Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honour, except in their home town, and among their own kin, and in their own house.’ 5And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. 6And he was amazed at their unbelief.
The Mission of the Twelve
Then he went about among the villages teaching. 7He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. 10He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.’ 12So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. 13They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them
The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth
6He left that place and came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. 2On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, ‘Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! 3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary* and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence* at him. 4Then Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honour, except in their home town, and among their own kin, and in their own house.’ 5And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. 6And he was amazed at their unbelief.
The Mission of the Twelve
Then he went about among the villages teaching. 7He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. 10He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.’ 12So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. 13They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them
Saturday, June 27, 2009
A title for this passage from second Corinthians might be. "Don't be cheap; here's why"
Paul is suggesting to the Corinthians that a key part of Christian theology is charity and relief. As mentioned previously in Acts 11.
Paul also takes the occasion of this letter to recommend Titus and friends.
Paul holds up the Macedonians as a good example for their charitable giving.
Paul asks not only for enthusiasm for generosity, but also for completion and accomplishment of charitable giving.
Paul emphasizes how our generosity can be parallel to the selflessness of Jesus Christ in his sacrifice four our sins.
Paul mentions that there may be questions about how he has managed the money, but suggests that the Corinthians would see that Paul was honest.
The point to take away from this lesson is that in Bible days, the church had to request for financial help from others, it was done with a theological basis, and done and gladness. It some things have not changed since that time.
Paul is suggesting to the Corinthians that a key part of Christian theology is charity and relief. As mentioned previously in Acts 11.
Paul also takes the occasion of this letter to recommend Titus and friends.
Paul holds up the Macedonians as a good example for their charitable giving.
Paul asks not only for enthusiasm for generosity, but also for completion and accomplishment of charitable giving.
Paul emphasizes how our generosity can be parallel to the selflessness of Jesus Christ in his sacrifice four our sins.
Paul mentions that there may be questions about how he has managed the money, but suggests that the Corinthians would see that Paul was honest.
The point to take away from this lesson is that in Bible days, the church had to request for financial help from others, it was done with a theological basis, and done and gladness. It some things have not changed since that time.
The lesson in Mark today has details concerning the healing of two women, both of whom are sick, and both of whom are healed.
One of the women is the daughter of Jairus, an important local official. The other woman is a chronic sufferer from done a lot gynecological problems, including issue of blood.
The woman who was sick would have also been an untouchable. If anyone in the crowd had brushed her, they would have had to miss Temple for a week. It is possible that the community might have stoned this woman. She has spent all her money trying to get better so she is now poor.
In both cases, Jesus points to the faith and confidence of each of the women in their healing. The sick woman comes in fear and trembling, perhaps expecting punishment for her unrighteousness.
Mark notes that the woman is sick for 12 years and the little girl was herself only 12 years old. Folks in Israel would have understood the choice of that number as representing the 12 tribes of Israel.
The commotion of people wailing outside Jairus’ house has been suggested as a group of professional mourners. That they laughed at Jesus’ claim that the child was only sleeping indicates this may be so. It certainly indicates little faith.
Jesus wants to keep the nature of his feelings secret for a while yet, so he asks for secrecy.
He suggests that the daughter get something to eat, most likely to establish that she really is alive.
Jesus is surprised at his first healing. It seems like an odd combination of his godlike nature to provide healing and his human nature to be unaware of it, perhaps not entirely in control of the healing process.
The main lesson of this story is that miracles can happen to folks from all parts of a community, as long as they have faith. Miracles happened in Jesus’ time. With faith, they can happen now.
One of the women is the daughter of Jairus, an important local official. The other woman is a chronic sufferer from done a lot gynecological problems, including issue of blood.
The woman who was sick would have also been an untouchable. If anyone in the crowd had brushed her, they would have had to miss Temple for a week. It is possible that the community might have stoned this woman. She has spent all her money trying to get better so she is now poor.
In both cases, Jesus points to the faith and confidence of each of the women in their healing. The sick woman comes in fear and trembling, perhaps expecting punishment for her unrighteousness.
Mark notes that the woman is sick for 12 years and the little girl was herself only 12 years old. Folks in Israel would have understood the choice of that number as representing the 12 tribes of Israel.
The commotion of people wailing outside Jairus’ house has been suggested as a group of professional mourners. That they laughed at Jesus’ claim that the child was only sleeping indicates this may be so. It certainly indicates little faith.
Jesus wants to keep the nature of his feelings secret for a while yet, so he asks for secrecy.
He suggests that the daughter get something to eat, most likely to establish that she really is alive.
Jesus is surprised at his first healing. It seems like an odd combination of his godlike nature to provide healing and his human nature to be unaware of it, perhaps not entirely in control of the healing process.
The main lesson of this story is that miracles can happen to folks from all parts of a community, as long as they have faith. Miracles happened in Jesus’ time. With faith, they can happen now.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The following are the readings for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, June 28,(Proper 8, ECUSA; Proper 13, RCL & Roman Catholic) according to the Revised Common (RCL), Episcopal (ECUSA), Roman Catholic, Church of England, and Canadian (BAS) Lectionaries. All readings are taken from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible. Unless noted otherwise, the lectionaries of ECUSA, Canada and England are identical to the RCL this Sunday.
OLD TEASTAMENT: 2 Samuel 1: 1, 17 - 27 (RCL)
2Sam 1:1 (NRSV) After the death of Saul, when David had returned from defeating the Amal'ekites, David remained two days in Zik'lag.
17 David intoned this lamentation over Saul and his son Jonathan. 18 (He ordered that The Song of the Bow be taught to the people of Judah; it is written in the Book of Jash'ar.) He said:
19 Your glory, O Israel, lies slain upon your high places!
How the mighty have fallen!
20 Tell it not in Gath,
proclaim it not in the streets of Ash'kelon;
or the daughters of the Philis'tines will rejoice,
the daughters of the uncircumcised will exult.
21 You mountains of Gilbo'a,
let there be no dew or rain upon you,
nor bounteous fields!
For there the shield of the mighty was defiled,
the shield of Saul, anointed with oil no more.
22 From the blood of the slain,
from the fat of the mighty,
the bow of Jonathan did not turn back,
nor the sword of Saul return empty.
23 Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely!
In life and in death they were not divided;
they were swifter than eagles,
they were stronger than lions.
24 O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,
who clothed you with crimson, in luxury,
who put ornaments of gold on your apparel.
25 How the mighty have fallen
in the midst of the battle!
Jonathan lies slain upon your high places.
26 I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan;
greatly beloved were you to me;
your love to me was wonderful,
passing the love of women.
27 How the mighty have fallen,
and the weapons of war perished!
Wisdom 1: 13 - 15, 2: 23 - 24 (Roman Catholic, alt. for RCL)
Wisdom 1:13 (NRSV) because God did not make death,
and he does not delight in the death of the living.
14 For he created all things so that they might exist;
the generative forces of the world are wholesome,
and there is no destructive poison in them,
and the dominion of Hades is not on earth.
15 For righteousness is immortal.
2:23 for God created us for incorruption,
and made us in the image of his own eternity,
24 but through the devil's envy death entered the world,
and those who belong to his company experience it.
2 Samuel 6: 1 - 15 (Can. BAS)
2Sam 6:1 (NRSV) David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. 2 David and all the people with him set out and went from Baale-judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the LORD of hosts who is enthroned on the cherubim. 3 They carried the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cart 4 with the ark of God; and Ahio went in front of the ark. 5 David and all the house of Israel were dancing before the LORD with all their might, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals.
6 When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen shook it. 7 The anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God struck him there because he reached out his hand to the ark; and he died there beside the ark of God. 8 David was angry because the LORD had burst forth with an outburst upon Uzzah; so that place is called Perez-uzzah, to this day. 9 David was afraid of the LORD that day; he said, "How can the ark of the LORD come into my care?" 10 So David was unwilling to take the ark of the LORD into his care in the city of David; instead David took it to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 11 The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months; and the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household.
12 It was told King David, "The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God." So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing; 13 and when those who bore the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling. 14 David danced before the LORD with all his might; David was girded with a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
PSALM 130 (RCL)
Psal 130:1 (NRSV) Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD.
2 Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my supplications!
3 If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities,
Lord, who could stand?
4 But there is forgiveness with you,
so that you may be revered.
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
6 my soul waits for the Lord
more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning.
7 O Israel, hope in the LORD!
For with the LORD there is steadfast love,
and with him is great power to redeem.
8 It is he who will redeem Israel
from all its iniquities.
130 De profundis (ECUSA BCP)
1 Out of the depths have I called to you, O LORD;
LORD, hear my voice; *
let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.
2 If you, LORD, were to note what is done amiss, *
O LORD, who could stand?
3 For there is forgiveness with you; *
therefore you shall be feared.
4 I wait for the LORD; my soul waits for him; *
in his word is my hope.
5 My soul waits for the LORD,
more than watchmen for the morning, *
more than watchmen for the morning.
6 O Israel, wait for the LORD, *
for with the LORD there is mercy;
7 With him there is plenteous redemption, *
and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.
Psalm 30: 1, 3 - 5, 10 - 11a, 12b (Roman Catholic)
Psalm 30 (alt. for RCL)
Psal 30:1 (NRSV) I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up,
and did not let my foes rejoice over me.
2 O LORD my God, I cried to you for help,
and you have healed me.
3 O LORD, you brought up my soul from Sheol,
restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit.
4 Sing praises to the LORD, O you his faithful ones,
and give thanks to his holy name.
5 For his anger is but for a moment;
his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may linger for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
6 As for me, I said in my prosperity,
""I shall never be moved."
7 By your favor, O LORD,
you had established me as a strong mountain;
you hid your face;
I was dismayed.
8 To you, O LORD, I cried,
and to the LORD I made supplication:
9 "What profit is there in my death,
if I go down to the Pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it tell of your faithfulness?
10 Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me!
O LORD, be my helper!"
11 You have turned my mourning into dancing;
you have taken off my sackcloth
and clothed me with joy,
12 so that my soul may praise you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever.
Note: Verse numbering in Roman Catholic bibles is one greater than the above.
30 Exaltabo te, Domine (ECUSA BCP)
1 I will exalt you, O LORD,
because you have lifted me up *
and have not let my enemies triumph over me.
2 O LORD my God, I cried out to you, *
and you restored me to health.
3 You brought me up, O LORD, from the dead; *
you restored my life as I was going down to the grave.
4 Sing to the LORD, you servants of his; *
give thanks for the remembrance of his holiness.
5 For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, *
his favor for a lifetime.
6 Weeping may spend the night, *
but joy comes in the morning.
7 While I felt secure, I said,
“I shall never be disturbed. *
You, LORD, with your favor, made me as strong as
the mountains.”
8 Then you hid your face, *
and I was filled with fear.
9 I cried to you, O LORD; *
I pleaded with the Lord, saying,
10 “What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit? *
will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness?
11 Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me; *
O LORD, be my helper."
12 You have turned my wailing into dancing; *
you have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy.
13 Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing; *
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks for ever.
Lamentations 3: 23 - 33 (alt. for RCL)
Lame 3:23 (NRSV) they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 "The LORD is my portion," says my soul,
""therefore I will hope in him."
25 The LORD is good to those who wait for him,
to the soul that seeks him.
26 It is good that one should wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
27 It is good for one to bear
the yoke in youth,
28 to sit alone in silence
when the Lord has imposed it,
29 to put one's mouth to the dust
(there may yet be hope),
30 to give one's cheek to the smiter,
and be filled with insults.
31 For the Lord will not
reject forever.
32 Although he causes grief, he will have compassion
according to the abundance of his steadfast love;
33 for he does not willingly afflict
or grieve anyone.
Note: This is an alternative for Psalm 30 in the RCL
24 Domini est terra (Can. BAS)
1 The earth is the LORD’S and all that is in it, *
the world and all who dwell therein.
2 For it is he who founded it upon the seas *
and made it firm upon the rivers of the deep.
3 “Who can ascend the hill of the LORD? *
and who can stand in his holy place?”
4 "Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, *
who have not pledged themselves to falsehood,
nor sworn by what is a fraud.
5 They shall receive a blessing from the Lord *
and a just reward from the God of their salvation."
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, *
of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
7 Lift up your heads, O gates;
lift them high, O everlasting doors; *
and the King of glory shall come in.
8 “Who is this King of glory?” *
“The LORD, strong and mighty,
the LORD, mighty in battle.”
9 Lift up your heads, O gates;
lift them high, O everlasting doors; *
and the King of glory shall come in.
10 “Who is he, this King of glory?” *
“The LORD of hosts,
he is the King of glory.”
NEW TESTAMENT: 2 Corinthians 8: 7 - 15 (RCL)
2 Corinthians 8: 7, 9, 13 - 15 (Roman Catholic)
2Cor 8:7 (NRSV) Now as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you --so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking.
8 I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. 10 And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something-- 11 now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means. 12 For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has--not according to what one does not have. 13 I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between 14 your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your need, in order that there may be a fair balance. 15 As it is written,
"The one who had much did not have too much,
and the one who had little did not have too little."
GOSPEL: Mark 5: 21 - 43 (RCL)
Mark 5: 21 - 24 (25 - 34) 35 - 43 (Roman Catholic)
Mark 5:21 (NRSV) When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. 22 Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jai'rus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet 23 and begged him repeatedly, "My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live." 24 So he went with him.
And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. 25 Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. 26 She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. 27 She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 for she said, "If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well." 29 Immediately her hemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30 Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, "Who touched my clothes?" 31 And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, "Who touched me?'" 32 He looked all around to see who had done it. 33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease."
35 While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader's house to say, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?" 36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." 37 He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. 38 When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 39 When he had entered, he said to them, "Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping." 40 And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside, and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, "Tal'itha cum," which means, "Little girl, get up!" 42 And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. 43 He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.
OLD TEASTAMENT: 2 Samuel 1: 1, 17 - 27 (RCL)
2Sam 1:1 (NRSV) After the death of Saul, when David had returned from defeating the Amal'ekites, David remained two days in Zik'lag.
17 David intoned this lamentation over Saul and his son Jonathan. 18 (He ordered that The Song of the Bow be taught to the people of Judah; it is written in the Book of Jash'ar.) He said:
19 Your glory, O Israel, lies slain upon your high places!
How the mighty have fallen!
20 Tell it not in Gath,
proclaim it not in the streets of Ash'kelon;
or the daughters of the Philis'tines will rejoice,
the daughters of the uncircumcised will exult.
21 You mountains of Gilbo'a,
let there be no dew or rain upon you,
nor bounteous fields!
For there the shield of the mighty was defiled,
the shield of Saul, anointed with oil no more.
22 From the blood of the slain,
from the fat of the mighty,
the bow of Jonathan did not turn back,
nor the sword of Saul return empty.
23 Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely!
In life and in death they were not divided;
they were swifter than eagles,
they were stronger than lions.
24 O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,
who clothed you with crimson, in luxury,
who put ornaments of gold on your apparel.
25 How the mighty have fallen
in the midst of the battle!
Jonathan lies slain upon your high places.
26 I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan;
greatly beloved were you to me;
your love to me was wonderful,
passing the love of women.
27 How the mighty have fallen,
and the weapons of war perished!
Wisdom 1: 13 - 15, 2: 23 - 24 (Roman Catholic, alt. for RCL)
Wisdom 1:13 (NRSV) because God did not make death,
and he does not delight in the death of the living.
14 For he created all things so that they might exist;
the generative forces of the world are wholesome,
and there is no destructive poison in them,
and the dominion of Hades is not on earth.
15 For righteousness is immortal.
2:23 for God created us for incorruption,
and made us in the image of his own eternity,
24 but through the devil's envy death entered the world,
and those who belong to his company experience it.
2 Samuel 6: 1 - 15 (Can. BAS)
2Sam 6:1 (NRSV) David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. 2 David and all the people with him set out and went from Baale-judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the LORD of hosts who is enthroned on the cherubim. 3 They carried the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cart 4 with the ark of God; and Ahio went in front of the ark. 5 David and all the house of Israel were dancing before the LORD with all their might, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals.
6 When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen shook it. 7 The anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God struck him there because he reached out his hand to the ark; and he died there beside the ark of God. 8 David was angry because the LORD had burst forth with an outburst upon Uzzah; so that place is called Perez-uzzah, to this day. 9 David was afraid of the LORD that day; he said, "How can the ark of the LORD come into my care?" 10 So David was unwilling to take the ark of the LORD into his care in the city of David; instead David took it to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 11 The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months; and the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household.
12 It was told King David, "The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God." So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing; 13 and when those who bore the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling. 14 David danced before the LORD with all his might; David was girded with a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
PSALM 130 (RCL)
Psal 130:1 (NRSV) Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD.
2 Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my supplications!
3 If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities,
Lord, who could stand?
4 But there is forgiveness with you,
so that you may be revered.
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
6 my soul waits for the Lord
more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning.
7 O Israel, hope in the LORD!
For with the LORD there is steadfast love,
and with him is great power to redeem.
8 It is he who will redeem Israel
from all its iniquities.
130 De profundis (ECUSA BCP)
1 Out of the depths have I called to you, O LORD;
LORD, hear my voice; *
let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.
2 If you, LORD, were to note what is done amiss, *
O LORD, who could stand?
3 For there is forgiveness with you; *
therefore you shall be feared.
4 I wait for the LORD; my soul waits for him; *
in his word is my hope.
5 My soul waits for the LORD,
more than watchmen for the morning, *
more than watchmen for the morning.
6 O Israel, wait for the LORD, *
for with the LORD there is mercy;
7 With him there is plenteous redemption, *
and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.
Psalm 30: 1, 3 - 5, 10 - 11a, 12b (Roman Catholic)
Psalm 30 (alt. for RCL)
Psal 30:1 (NRSV) I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up,
and did not let my foes rejoice over me.
2 O LORD my God, I cried to you for help,
and you have healed me.
3 O LORD, you brought up my soul from Sheol,
restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit.
4 Sing praises to the LORD, O you his faithful ones,
and give thanks to his holy name.
5 For his anger is but for a moment;
his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may linger for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
6 As for me, I said in my prosperity,
""I shall never be moved."
7 By your favor, O LORD,
you had established me as a strong mountain;
you hid your face;
I was dismayed.
8 To you, O LORD, I cried,
and to the LORD I made supplication:
9 "What profit is there in my death,
if I go down to the Pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it tell of your faithfulness?
10 Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me!
O LORD, be my helper!"
11 You have turned my mourning into dancing;
you have taken off my sackcloth
and clothed me with joy,
12 so that my soul may praise you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever.
Note: Verse numbering in Roman Catholic bibles is one greater than the above.
30 Exaltabo te, Domine (ECUSA BCP)
1 I will exalt you, O LORD,
because you have lifted me up *
and have not let my enemies triumph over me.
2 O LORD my God, I cried out to you, *
and you restored me to health.
3 You brought me up, O LORD, from the dead; *
you restored my life as I was going down to the grave.
4 Sing to the LORD, you servants of his; *
give thanks for the remembrance of his holiness.
5 For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, *
his favor for a lifetime.
6 Weeping may spend the night, *
but joy comes in the morning.
7 While I felt secure, I said,
“I shall never be disturbed. *
You, LORD, with your favor, made me as strong as
the mountains.”
8 Then you hid your face, *
and I was filled with fear.
9 I cried to you, O LORD; *
I pleaded with the Lord, saying,
10 “What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit? *
will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness?
11 Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me; *
O LORD, be my helper."
12 You have turned my wailing into dancing; *
you have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy.
13 Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing; *
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks for ever.
Lamentations 3: 23 - 33 (alt. for RCL)
Lame 3:23 (NRSV) they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 "The LORD is my portion," says my soul,
""therefore I will hope in him."
25 The LORD is good to those who wait for him,
to the soul that seeks him.
26 It is good that one should wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
27 It is good for one to bear
the yoke in youth,
28 to sit alone in silence
when the Lord has imposed it,
29 to put one's mouth to the dust
(there may yet be hope),
30 to give one's cheek to the smiter,
and be filled with insults.
31 For the Lord will not
reject forever.
32 Although he causes grief, he will have compassion
according to the abundance of his steadfast love;
33 for he does not willingly afflict
or grieve anyone.
Note: This is an alternative for Psalm 30 in the RCL
24 Domini est terra (Can. BAS)
1 The earth is the LORD’S and all that is in it, *
the world and all who dwell therein.
2 For it is he who founded it upon the seas *
and made it firm upon the rivers of the deep.
3 “Who can ascend the hill of the LORD? *
and who can stand in his holy place?”
4 "Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, *
who have not pledged themselves to falsehood,
nor sworn by what is a fraud.
5 They shall receive a blessing from the Lord *
and a just reward from the God of their salvation."
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, *
of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob.
7 Lift up your heads, O gates;
lift them high, O everlasting doors; *
and the King of glory shall come in.
8 “Who is this King of glory?” *
“The LORD, strong and mighty,
the LORD, mighty in battle.”
9 Lift up your heads, O gates;
lift them high, O everlasting doors; *
and the King of glory shall come in.
10 “Who is he, this King of glory?” *
“The LORD of hosts,
he is the King of glory.”
NEW TESTAMENT: 2 Corinthians 8: 7 - 15 (RCL)
2 Corinthians 8: 7, 9, 13 - 15 (Roman Catholic)
2Cor 8:7 (NRSV) Now as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you --so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking.
8 I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. 10 And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something-- 11 now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means. 12 For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has--not according to what one does not have. 13 I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between 14 your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your need, in order that there may be a fair balance. 15 As it is written,
"The one who had much did not have too much,
and the one who had little did not have too little."
GOSPEL: Mark 5: 21 - 43 (RCL)
Mark 5: 21 - 24 (25 - 34) 35 - 43 (Roman Catholic)
Mark 5:21 (NRSV) When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. 22 Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jai'rus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet 23 and begged him repeatedly, "My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live." 24 So he went with him.
And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. 25 Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. 26 She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. 27 She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 for she said, "If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well." 29 Immediately her hemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30 Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, "Who touched my clothes?" 31 And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, "Who touched me?'" 32 He looked all around to see who had done it. 33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease."
35 While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader's house to say, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?" 36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." 37 He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. 38 When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 39 When he had entered, he said to them, "Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping." 40 And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside, and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, "Tal'itha cum," which means, "Little girl, get up!" 42 And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. 43 He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Mark 5:21 (NRSV) When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. 22 Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jai'rus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet 23 and begged him repeatedly, "My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live." 24 So he went with him. \par
And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. 25 Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. 26 She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. 27 She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 for she said, "If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well." 29 Immediately her hemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30 Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, "Who touched my clothes?" 31 And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, "Who touched me?'" 32 He looked all around to see who had done it. 33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease." \par
35 While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader's house to say, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?" 36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." 37 He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. 38 When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 39 When he had entered, he said to them, "Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping." 40 And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside, and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, "Tal'itha cum," which means, "Little girl, get up!" 42 And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. 43 He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.
And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. 25 Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. 26 She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. 27 She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 for she said, "If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well." 29 Immediately her hemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30 Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, "Who touched my clothes?" 31 And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, "Who touched me?'" 32 He looked all around to see who had done it. 33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease." \par
35 While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader's house to say, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?" 36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." 37 He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. 38 When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 39 When he had entered, he said to them, "Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping." 40 And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside, and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, "Tal'itha cum," which means, "Little girl, get up!" 42 And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. 43 He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
2 Corinthians 6:1-13
1. Paul’s first visit was a year and a half, and his later visit was three months.
2. Old Corinth was hundreds of years old when the city defied the Roman Empire and was destroyed utterly. By 51 CE, the new Corinth was five times the size of Athens, an important trade stop, and home to new business people who were interested in prosperity, not tradition. There were temples but no dominant religion.
3 “we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain” Some scholars believe this is a reference to those in Corinth who are backsliders, and have strayed from the Church, some scholars believe that these are “the seeds that have fallen on rock” and have wandered away from the church, and some believe that this is a reference to those in Corinth who do not accept Paul and are antagonistic to his ideas.(Judith Gundry-Volf (http://www.enjoyinggodministries.com/article/61-13/ )
4. “you are withholding yours from us”
This is an explicit reference to some sort of split between some folks in Corinth and Paul.
5. “I tell you, now is the time of God's favor” This is a reference to a passage in Isaiah
6. with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left
The offense sword is in right hand and the defensive shield in the left.
7. our ministry will not be discredited - (mocked)
Paul wants to make sure his ministry does not stand in the way of the Gospel.
8. As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.
Takeaway
The two questions about the passage are, who is it for and why.
The message was sent to folks who disagreed with Paul, or to folks whose Christian walk was inadequate.
Paul’s request was that everyone treat each other in a loving manner.
1.Paul emphasized speaking directly to those who had problems with scripture or with Paul
2.Churches wander, sometimes off the track.
3. It is not wrong to discuss problems with other Christians, in a polite but firm way
4. Paul’s emphasis is on his absolute humility, and service. His goal is God’s plan.
The point of the passage is, if you have a disagreement with someone else, in particular another Christian, have it with a loving heart.
1. Paul’s first visit was a year and a half, and his later visit was three months.
2. Old Corinth was hundreds of years old when the city defied the Roman Empire and was destroyed utterly. By 51 CE, the new Corinth was five times the size of Athens, an important trade stop, and home to new business people who were interested in prosperity, not tradition. There were temples but no dominant religion.
3 “we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain” Some scholars believe this is a reference to those in Corinth who are backsliders, and have strayed from the Church, some scholars believe that these are “the seeds that have fallen on rock” and have wandered away from the church, and some believe that this is a reference to those in Corinth who do not accept Paul and are antagonistic to his ideas.(Judith Gundry-Volf (http://www.enjoyinggodministries.com/article/61-13/ )
4. “you are withholding yours from us”
This is an explicit reference to some sort of split between some folks in Corinth and Paul.
5. “I tell you, now is the time of God's favor” This is a reference to a passage in Isaiah
6. with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left
The offense sword is in right hand and the defensive shield in the left.
7. our ministry will not be discredited - (mocked)
Paul wants to make sure his ministry does not stand in the way of the Gospel.
8. As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.
Takeaway
The two questions about the passage are, who is it for and why.
The message was sent to folks who disagreed with Paul, or to folks whose Christian walk was inadequate.
Paul’s request was that everyone treat each other in a loving manner.
1.Paul emphasized speaking directly to those who had problems with scripture or with Paul
2.Churches wander, sometimes off the track.
3. It is not wrong to discuss problems with other Christians, in a polite but firm way
4. Paul’s emphasis is on his absolute humility, and service. His goal is God’s plan.
The point of the passage is, if you have a disagreement with someone else, in particular another Christian, have it with a loving heart.
1. This lake was a center of Jewish life.
It is Israel’s largest fresh water lake, 8 miles by 13 miles, also known as the Gennesaret, after a nearby plain. The lake, part of the Jordan Valley rift, is on the edge of the Africa and Asia plates. It is the lowest fresh water lake in the world. The Dead Sea , the lowest lake, is salt water.
2. The lake was a center of commerce and trade. We think of a lake as a country retreat, but this was on the trade route from Egypt to the great civilizations of Asia, and had much trade. It is listed in Isaiah as ‘Via Maris’
3. This was the locus of Jesus’ ministry, including miracles ‘feeding the five thousand’, source of apostles, Simon, Andrew, John, and James, and teaching ‘sermon on the mount’. The apostle Paul spent more time in salt water, and had many storm stories as well.
4. The boat was likely a fishing boat, possibly also used for transit. One has been recovered, and is in a museum, in Israel. A thirty foot long wooden sailboat, with oars, and ballast in bags, this may have been the size and style of the boat in this story. There were hundreds of small fishing boats in the Sea of Galilee at this time.
4.The Sea of Galilee is low and tropical, and is surrounded by hills several thousand feet high, with cooler air. The lake’s depth is only 200 feet, so the frequent storms, caused by the temperature clash, can produce strong winds and short choppy waves very quickly.
5 Since these storms arrive suddenly, small open vessels can be caught out in the open, even on such a small lake, and the waves can be quite dangerous. Similar conditions can be found on Lake Erie.
6. Why was Jesus asleep. The phase “just as he was” is similar “he was tired” in John 4:6. The cushion may have been one of the bags of sand used for ballast. There can be a small covered area near the stern of the vessel, and perhaps Jesus was partly under this small deck.
6 Miracles are the main part of Jesus’ ministry. The parables and teaching of Jesus are supported by frequent miracles that give him the authority to claim his identity as the messiah. This miracle saved the boat’s crew from disaster, and also stilled the waves and water, a supernatural event, as the usual course would have been for the wind to subside first, and for waves to remain for a while.
7 After the miracles, there were two rebukes. - Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?". The rebukes established that Jesus was frustrated with the weak faith of the disciples. He rebuked them here as elsewhere for acts of disbelief, or for their willful disagreement with his plans.
8 There is an implicit understanding that the disciples had a faith that was weak under stress. The apostles statement about Jesus not caring is a rebuke to Jesus for ignoring their peril.
9 There are three greats in this story. There is a great storm, then there is a great miracle, followed by a great fear and respect of Jesus’ supernatural power.
Lessons
1. Jesus expects us to have faith in his divinity. The miracles are tools to provide Jesus authority.
2. His sleep when the storm begins, and pointed rebuke after performing his miracle are good examples of Jesus’ dual nature, both human and divine.
3. Jesus actively wanted to prove his supernatural nature while on earth by doing miracles. He had a plan, the miracles were frequent, they were the foundation of his ministry, and Jesus had little good to say about folks who, after seeing the miracles, still had no faith.
4. His final miracle from the resurrection is available to us today, and offers us eternal life with the father.
It is Israel’s largest fresh water lake, 8 miles by 13 miles, also known as the Gennesaret, after a nearby plain. The lake, part of the Jordan Valley rift, is on the edge of the Africa and Asia plates. It is the lowest fresh water lake in the world. The Dead Sea , the lowest lake, is salt water.
2. The lake was a center of commerce and trade. We think of a lake as a country retreat, but this was on the trade route from Egypt to the great civilizations of Asia, and had much trade. It is listed in Isaiah as ‘Via Maris’
3. This was the locus of Jesus’ ministry, including miracles ‘feeding the five thousand’, source of apostles, Simon, Andrew, John, and James, and teaching ‘sermon on the mount’. The apostle Paul spent more time in salt water, and had many storm stories as well.
4. The boat was likely a fishing boat, possibly also used for transit. One has been recovered, and is in a museum, in Israel. A thirty foot long wooden sailboat, with oars, and ballast in bags, this may have been the size and style of the boat in this story. There were hundreds of small fishing boats in the Sea of Galilee at this time.
4.The Sea of Galilee is low and tropical, and is surrounded by hills several thousand feet high, with cooler air. The lake’s depth is only 200 feet, so the frequent storms, caused by the temperature clash, can produce strong winds and short choppy waves very quickly.
5 Since these storms arrive suddenly, small open vessels can be caught out in the open, even on such a small lake, and the waves can be quite dangerous. Similar conditions can be found on Lake Erie.
6. Why was Jesus asleep. The phase “just as he was” is similar “he was tired” in John 4:6. The cushion may have been one of the bags of sand used for ballast. There can be a small covered area near the stern of the vessel, and perhaps Jesus was partly under this small deck.
6 Miracles are the main part of Jesus’ ministry. The parables and teaching of Jesus are supported by frequent miracles that give him the authority to claim his identity as the messiah. This miracle saved the boat’s crew from disaster, and also stilled the waves and water, a supernatural event, as the usual course would have been for the wind to subside first, and for waves to remain for a while.
7 After the miracles, there were two rebukes. - Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?". The rebukes established that Jesus was frustrated with the weak faith of the disciples. He rebuked them here as elsewhere for acts of disbelief, or for their willful disagreement with his plans.
8 There is an implicit understanding that the disciples had a faith that was weak under stress. The apostles statement about Jesus not caring is a rebuke to Jesus for ignoring their peril.
9 There are three greats in this story. There is a great storm, then there is a great miracle, followed by a great fear and respect of Jesus’ supernatural power.
Lessons
1. Jesus expects us to have faith in his divinity. The miracles are tools to provide Jesus authority.
2. His sleep when the storm begins, and pointed rebuke after performing his miracle are good examples of Jesus’ dual nature, both human and divine.
3. Jesus actively wanted to prove his supernatural nature while on earth by doing miracles. He had a plan, the miracles were frequent, they were the foundation of his ministry, and Jesus had little good to say about folks who, after seeing the miracles, still had no faith.
4. His final miracle from the resurrection is available to us today, and offers us eternal life with the father.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
2 Corinthians 6:1-13
6As we work together with him, As we work together');" onmouseout="return nd();">* we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. 2For he says,
‘At an acceptable time I have listened to you,
and on a day of salvation I have helped you.’
See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! 3We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5beatings, imprisonments, riots, labours, sleepless nights, hunger; 6by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, 7truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8in honour and dishonour, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see—we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; 10as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
11 We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you. 12There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours. 13In return—I speak as to children—open wide your hearts also.
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Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Mark 4:35 (NRSV) On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." 36 And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. 37 A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" 39 He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. 40 He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" 41 And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"
Sunday, June 14, 2009
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