Lectionary Readings for July 11, 2021
Reading One: Amos 7:7-15 (NRSV)
Song: Lord, I Need You (lyrics here)
Reflection
As we did last week, we find us in the midst of a prophet’s difficult word. But we must always remember that when God sends a word that seems hard or even harsh, even then his intentions towards us are good. He desires that we be cleansed of everything in our lives that keeps us from him, and sometimes that cleansing word comes to us in ways that are not comfortable. There’s a reason we find the image of a “refiner’s fire” in Scripture.
The word that God gives through Amos is all about the standard of righteousness—imaged here as a “plumb line.” Israel does not measure up to that standard. Israel has been found wanting, and now faces judgment and punishment.
This is a hard word, indeed, but it is an important reminder that none of us ever measure up to God’s standard of righteousness as revealed in the Law of Moses. As Paul reminds us in Romans, we all sin and fall short (Rom. 3), and God’s holy standard reveals the depth of sin in our own lives (Rom. 7). The “plumb line” exposes us all, but that doesn’t have to be bad news. If it points us to our need for God, and encourages us to embrace his provision for that need, the news is good indeed.
As you listen to the song “Lord, I Need You,” take time to acknowledge your own need for God. Where in your life are you acutely aware of God’s “plumb line” of righteousness and what it exposes in your own soul? Allow the Spirit of God to search your heart and remind you of the depth of your need, that you might appreciate the depth of God’s love shown in Jesus even more.
Reading Two: Psalm 85:8-13 (NRSV)
Song: Speak Peace (Psalm 85) (lyrics unavailable)
Reflection
The psalmist reminds us that even though God may speak a difficult word to reveal our sin, it is not the final word that he speaks. To those who acknowledge their need and turn to him, God will speak a word of peace. In this passage, the righteousness of God is not depicted as a plumb line that exposes us, but as a gift that restores us. It is a promise to God’s people that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. This psalm is filled with beautiful words of what God gives to those who come to him without reserve: love, faithfulness, righteousness, peace…it’s a preview of the spiritual fruit which Paul refers to in the 5th chapter of Galatians.. It comes not by our effort, but by God’s gift. He speaks…and gives what is good.
Where in your life do you need God to “speak peace?” Is there a situation that burdens your soul? A sin that needs to be brought to the surface and confessed? A fear that haunts you? Bring to God whatever it is that weighs you down and blinds you to God’s gifts in your life. Contemplate what it means for you today to “turn to him in your heart” as the psalmist says.
Reading Three: Ephesians 1:3-14 (NRSV)
Song:Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me (lyrics here)
Reflection
What the psalmist looked forward to in future hope, the Apostle Paul now refers to as a present reality. The gifts of God in Christ are described in language that is powerful and poetic. At the heart of it all is the concept of “inheritance,” reinforcing that the redemption, forgiveness, and salvation in which we live is a gift of grace. The image of a plumb line has been replaced by the image of a cross, and the standard of righteousness which we would always fail to meet has been met and satisfied in Christ’s sacrifice. And we, who by faith have been adopted into God’s family, are now recipients of a lavish mercy, all to the praise of God.
CityAlight’s song “Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me” is a powerful modern hymn that reminds us of all that God has lavished upon us as his adopted daughters and sons. Each of these verses and refrains is worthy of contemplation. Take time to do that, one stanza at a time, reading them slowly and prayerfully. Which speak most to your soul and why?
What gift of grace is Jesus my redeemer
There is no more for heaven now to give
He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom
My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
For my life is wholly bound to his
Oh how strange and divine, I can sing: all is mine!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
The night is dark but I am not forsaken
For by my side, the Saviour He will stay
I labour on in weakness and rejoicing
For in my need, His power is displayed
To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend me
Through the deepest valley He will lead
Oh the night has been won, and I shall overcome!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven
The future sure, the price it has been paid
For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon
And He was raised to overthrow the grave
To this I hold, my sin has been defeated
Jesus now and ever is my plea
Oh the chains are released, I can sing: I am free!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
With every breath I long to follow Jesus
For He has said that He will bring me home
And day by day I know He will renew me
Until I stand with joy before the throne
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat:
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
Reading Four: Mark 6:14-29 (NRSV)
Song: For All The Saints (lyrics here)
Reflection
To be perfectly honest, I would’ve been happy to stop at the Ephesians text. After Paul’s amazing description of God’s blessings in Christ, we come back to the harshness of a prophet’s story. In this case, the prophet is John the Baptist, and Mark fills us in on the disturbing details of his death. It is a stark reminder that sometimes those who tell the truth pay a steep price.
Where this text leads me is not to yet another rumination on the ministry of a prophet, but to how Jesus reacted to his cousin’s death. In Matthew’s gospel we read this following the death of John the Baptist:
“Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself.” (Matt. 14:13)
The grief of Jesus is notable, because Jesus knew better than anyone that death is not the end. He understood in a way that nobody else could what the psalmist meant when he wrote, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones.” (Ps. 116:15) And yet Jesus is saddened by what has taken place.
For our final reflection, you are invited to sit in the presence of God and think about the lives of God’s “faithful ones” who have impacted your life significantly. Who has helped you understand the love of God, and now has gone into that love in ways we can only imagine? Offer those names up to God, and spend some time in silent praise and gratitude for how they showed the love of Jesus to you.