Lectionary Readings for September 19, 2021
Reading One: Jeremiah 11:18-20 (NRSV)
Song: A Mighty Fortress (lyrics here)
Reflection
Today we’re going to take a slightly different direction with our song reflections. Rather than delve into a common theme among all the texts, we’re going to approach in a style similar to “Lectio Divina.” For each text we’ll be focusing on a single word or phrase and exploring what that word or phrase might say to us, along with song based on that word or phrase.
This reading from Jeremiah is a difficult one, filled with language of anger and retribution. In the midst of it all, there is a phrase that helps keep things in balance:
“But you, O LORD of hosts, who judge righteously…” (v. 20)
This reminder of God’s righteous judgment is important. It reminds us that our human judgments can fall out of balance, our hatred and desire for vengeance can often be driven by unrighteous feelings and ideals; but when the Lord judges, he judges with righteousness.
Judgment is a word that provokes a lot of emotion, and in today’s hyper-reactive culture it is a concept that is loaded with personal emotion and baggage. But when we look around and see so much that is unjust, when it seems that almost daily we are reminded of the unspeakable and seemingly insurmountable evil in the world today, it is comforting to know that God is not blind to what is happening. While we don’t understand exactly how it will happen, we do take refuge in this promise: that the God of the universe will not allow such evil to reign forever. It will have its end. And when that end comes—in whatever form it takes—it will be to the glory of God. Truth, mercy, love, and justice will have the final word…because the Lord of hosts judges righteously.
Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the evil and injustice in the world? How might you be more intentional about placing that weight and worry before God? When it seems to much to bear, what spiritual practices help you keep your perspective? What passages of Scripture speak to your heart about God’s “final word” over sin, evil, and death?
Reading Two: Psalm 54 (NRSV)
Song: O God, Our Help in Ages Past (lyrics here)
Reflection
Psalm 54 carries with it themes that are similar to our text from Jeremiah, as the psalmist turns to God for vindication and triumph over enemies who have risen against him. In the midst of his prayer, he uses a very specific word to refer to the the God in whom he trusts:
“But surely, God is my helper…” (v. 4)
The Hebrew word translated “helper” in verse 4 is related to the same word God uses in Genesis 2 when he says, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” (Gen. 2:18, NRSV). It’s a beautiful image of a God who doesn’t help us merely as an indifferent superior, like a person who gingerly carries a spider they caught in their kitchen back to the outside world. No, God’s activity in our life is rooted in relationship—he is our helper, and he comes to our aid out of his love and care for us. Because of that love, we are not alone when trials come.
How have you experienced God as your “helper?” Spend some time in prayer giving thanks for the memories that come to mind. As you pray, declare again your trust in his love and his ability to help you. Are you facing a situation right now where you need his help? Pour out your heart and your need to the one who is your helper.
Reading Three: James 3:13-4:3, 7-8 (NRSV)
Song: The Perfect Wisdom of Our God (lyrics here)
Reflection
Once again, James shows the power of a direct approach, doesn’t he?
In a passage attacking hypocrisy, disunity, and covetousness in the church, James urges followers of Jesus to embrace something written in a way that is almost poetic:
“Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom.” (v. 13)
Gentleness born of wisdom.
This isn’t a new subject for James. In fact, he began his letter with an instruction about wisdom:
“If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.” (James 1:5, NRSV)
In our passage, James contrasts the kind of wisdom that is from God with wisdom that is not. The wisdom that is not from God is described as envious, self-seeking, boastful, and dishonest. The wisdom from God, however, James calls pure, merciful, peaceful, and gentle.
This is a different angle on wisdom than we tend to think about. When we consider the subject of wisdom, we are typically in decision-making mode: we need to know what to do next, and so we ask God for wisdom. But James paints a picture of wisdom that is more than situation-specific. He encourages followers of Jesus to seek a wisdom that guides every interaction, guarding us from hypocrisy and disunity. Which leads us to an interesting thought: when destructive forces invade our lives or our churches, what would it look like for us to pray not just for peace or victory, but for wisdom? How might God build fruit in our lives that reflects the gentleness such wisdom can birth?
How often do you ask God for wisdom? How can you make it a more regular part of your practice of prayer? How has God granted you “gentleness born of wisdom” in the past, and how might you make it a continual pursuit in your life today?
Reading Four: Mark 9:30-37 (NRSV)
Song: The Basin and the Towel (lyrics here)
Reflection
For the second time, Jesus predicts his death, but for the seemingly hundredth-or-more time, the disciples don’t get what he’s talking about. And rather than address the confusion, they drift off into the very human discussion about who among them is greatest.
In response, Jesus reminds them that the kingdom of God operates under a different standard than this world:
“Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” (v. 35)
I’m reminded of the story in C.S. Lewis’ “The Great Divorce” where a woman in heaven is shown to be held in great honor and respect by the heavenly host. At first the narrator mistakes her for Mary or one of the great saints of the church, but then he’s told that this is Sarah Smith of Golders Green, a woman most ordinary in her human existence, but great in heaven because of the goodness that flowed from her as she served those she met along the way. The narrator is then reminded that “fame in this country and fame on Earth are two quite different things.”
We live in a fame-obsessed culture, and even Christians (and churches) can fall prey to that obsession. We need the reminder that greatness in the kingdom of God is not about what we accomplish according to human standards, but by the way Christ’s servant heart is manifest in us. May we always yield to the Spirit’s work of making that servanthood real in our lives.
Spend some time in prayer remembering and honoring before God those who reflected the servant heart of Jesus to you. Ask the Spirit of God to work that same spirit of servanthood into your everyday interactions with people he places across your path. Where you are tempted by wordly standards of greatness, place those yearnings before God in humility and repentance and let him mold you in the image of the one who came not to be served, but to serve.