Lectionary Readings for June 13, 2021
Reading One: Ezekiel 17:22-24 (NRSV)
Song: Promised One (lyrics here)
Reflection
This passage in Ezekiel is an image of Christ. Like Isaiah 11:1, it’s a picture of one who will grow from David’s line into a fulfillment of God’s covenant promises, a “tree of salvation” that provide shelter and protection for all of God’s people. This sets up a theme for this week of God’s faithfulness, trustworthiness, and power to save. All of these come to their ultimate earthly expression in the person and work of Jesus, the Promised One from David’s line.
How has God demonstrated his faithfulness and trustworthiness in your life? Spend some time meditating on his promises, especially the promise of Jesus and the salvation he came to bring. How can you give thank for his saving work in your life today?
Reading Two: Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 (NRSV)
Song: Great is Thy Faithfulness (lyrics here)
Reflection
The psalmist lifts up words of praise that celebrate God’s love and faithfulness. The righteous are compared to flourishing palm trees, sturdy Lebanon cedars, and fruitful trees in God’s court, but make no mistake: the psalmist is not exalting human effort or achievement. It is God who brings forth fruit and who provides a firm foundation. As the psalmist says, he is our rock. Without him there is no flourishing and no standing firm.
Have you ever found yourself thinking of your own faithfulness above God’s? Does the temptation to “take credit” for the spiritual fruit of your life sometimes win? Spend some time reflecting on the ways God has caused your life to flourish, and the ways he has provided a strong foundation when the winds of life are strong. Then spend some time praising him that all of this is due to his faithfulness and steadfast love.
Reading Three: 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, (11-13), 14-17 (NRSV)
Song: By Faith (lyrics here)
Reflection
The trustworthiness of God means that, at times, we take steps forward that are possible not because we know where they lead, but because we know the one who has called us to take them is faithful. Paul says “we walk by faith, not by sight.” This is not blind faith. Blind faith has no foundation. This is faith rooted in God’s faithfulness, which he has demonstrated to us time and time again. This is our confidence, as Paul reminds us—confidence in God’s promises, which have never, ever failed.
This song encourages us to “fix our eyes” on God as we take steps of faith. What helps you keep your eyes on Jesus? What practices can you build into your walk with God to ensure that you are regularly heeding the call of Hebrews to keep “our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith?” (Heb. 12:2, CSB)
Reading Four: Mark 4:26-34 (NRSV)
Song: Christ Will Be My Hideaway (lyrics here)
Reflection
Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed gives us yet another image of a tree that provides protection and shelter. In these chaotic times, this picture of God’s kingdom speaks to our very human need to find a place to hideaway, finding shade and rest.
Our final song gives us powerful language to reflect on the ways Jesus is our hideaway. Read through these lyrics slowly and reflectively, and let them be your prayer today: “In You, my God, I trust, You are strong and here with us. In You, my hope remains, Christ will be my hideaway.”
VERSE 1
I will dwell within the shelter of the God who reigns above
I will rest beneath the shadow of the mighty King of love
Though a sickness hides in darkness, though a plague destroys by day
I will stand upon His promises, Christ will be my hideaway
CHORUS
In You, my God, I trust, You are strong and here with us
In You, my hope remains, Christ will be my hideaway
VERSE 2
Angels gather to protect me when they hear my Savior call
Sovereign hands are ever ready to uphold me should I fall
Safe beneath His wings of refuge all my fears are kept at bay
I am shielded by His faithfulness, Christ will be my hideaway
VERSE 3
Though a thousand fall around me, though death looks me in the eye
Evil shall not have the vict’ry while the Lord is at my side
God in power raised my Savior, I no longer fear the grave
Through this fragile life and evermore, Christ will be my hideaway
Songwriter(s): Bob Kauflin, David Zimmer, Lacy Hudson, McKenzie Fuller, Nathan Stiff, Tim Chester
CCLI: #7149448