by Harold Dean Trulear & Kimberly Rogers

Reflections on the Lectionary Readings for July 2008

Virtually all of the Old and New Testament readings as well as the Psalms celebrate God’s majesty, God’s mercy, God’s faithfulness, and God’s protection.  This rich collection of readings attests to the mighty power of God at all times and in all places, with repeated assurance of God’s providence and support in good times and bad, as our bulwark in times of trial and tribulation.  Another recurring theme is an appreciation of God’s blessings and wisdom even when they may not be immediately apparent.  As preachers, we need have no fear that our congregations have heard these messages too often!  The month’s lessons include strong affirmations to grow our faith and particularly to deepen our trust in God’s care and mercy.  At the same time, the readings challenge believers, strengthened in the assurance that God will never forsake us, to live life more fully in the here and now, better able to face the challenges and ride out the hard times.  The weeks of July give us a wonderful opportunity to help our congregations gird themselves with God’s armor.

July 6, 2008

Zechariah 9:9–12, Psalm 145:8–14, Romans 7:21–-8:6, Matthew 11:25–30

Rest and restoration are provided to God’s people as a reflection of God’s covenant faithfulness.  In the Old Testament reading (Zech 9:9–12) we are reminded of the restoration that the Lord provides after periods of great tribulation for those who hope.  The Psalmist reiterates this by declaring that the Lord upholds all that fall, and raises up all those who are bowed down. (Ps 145:8–14)  External and internal difficulties are a part of every believer’s life.  When Paul discloses his own personal struggle to conquer the warring of his flesh, he is teaching that internal difficulties are not absent from the life of the believer.  But because of God’s faithfulness, he finds relief in his personal battles with the knowledge that there is One Who “delivers me from the body of this death.” (Rom 7:15–25a)  In the week’s gospel reading from Matthew, Jesus proclaims that despite this war, we can choose to take Jesus’ yoke and learn of him, finding rest.  Faith in Jesus Christ is not an immunization against the difficulties and trials of life, but it does mean that rest and restoration in the midst of such times are available to us through Him.

July 13, 3008

Isaiah 55:1–5, 10–13, Psalm 65:9–14, Romans 8:9–17, Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23

What a grand invitation opens Isaiah 55!  The image of the life-giving banquet contrasts with the holy scolding concerning the pursuit of “that which does not satisfy.” Only a God bent on true satisfaction offers such an invitation, a divine alternative. (Isa 55:1–5)  The image of faithful provision continues in verses 10 through 13.  Here, the word of the Lord is like a seed that is sent to the earth for God’s purpose and the people’s prosperity.  The Psalmist announces that just as the Lord is the source of all life and growth in nature, God will also watch over God’s world and make provision for its growth and productiveness in due season. (Ps 65:9–14)  Paul rehearses the theme of the divine alternative when he entreats the Romans to live by the Spirit and not by the flesh so that we grow in our faith.  This growth moves the believer from being carnal-minded to being spiritual-minded. (Rom 8:9–17)  In addition, this growth mirrors nature.  God aids the maturing process, and new levels of growth can occur.  Jesus teaches in the parable of the sower that in order for us to grow, the seed, the word of God, must fall deep within our hearts so that God can cultivate what He has sown within us. (Mt 13:1–9, 18–23)

July 20, 2008

Wisdom 12:13, 16–19, Psalm 86:11–17, Romans 8:18–25, Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43

We live in a time in which it appears as if the wicked are prospering and the faithful are suffering numerous hardships.  In the Old Testament reading, however, we see that the Lord judges equitably.  Moreover, the text affirms in us the sovereign nature of God (Wis 12:13, 16–19), reassuring us that God will judge fairly even when that judgment is not immediate.  The reading from Psalms repeats this ideology by declaring that even though the proud are risen against us the Lord is God, full of compassion, graciousness, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. (Ps 86:11–17)  We live in an age in which we expect immediate resolution to all of our problems.  Paul, however, proclaims that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  Paul preaches a message of delayed but not denied resolution. (Rom 8:18–25)  Likewise in the parable of the wheat and the tares, Jesus stresses to his disciples that God’s actions may not seem to be immediate, but ultimately God will resolve the issue.

July 27, 2008

1 Kings 3:5–12, Psalm 119:129–136, Romans 8:26–34, Matthew 13:31–33, 44–49a

In the Old Testament reading we learn of Solomon’s dependence on the Lord.  Solomon requests that the Lord grant him an understanding heart to judge the people, so that he may be able to discern between good and bad.  Every leader must recognize his or her dependence upon God.  How can we lead unless we ourselves are led?  God leads us with a “big picture mentality.” God is a video-camera God in a Polaroid-camera world.  We see snapshots while God sees the whole story.  The Psalmist cries out to the Lord for a big picture view of circumstances, “order my steps in thy word…and make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.” He recognized that he cannot lead unless he submits to the Lord’s leadership.  Every effective Christian leader must first be a follower of Christ.  We are incapable of doing the work of ministry under our own power.  Paul states that it is the Spirit who helps our infirmities.  He acknowledges that we don’t even know what to pray, but the Spirit makes intercession for us.  This concept of utter dependency seems irrational for modern humankind.  The legacy of the Age of Enlightenment is that many people believe that by means of reason we can think our way though any situation.  Yet Jesus’ teaching in the parables about the kingdom of heaven underscore that rationality is not always the answer.  Indeed, the rational response often reflects our Polaroid picture.  Like the Kingdom of Heaven we must seek God’s will and His guidance with all diligence.  God sees the big picture.