Blogging toward Sunday

The Lectionary readings for Sunday include 2 Samuel 11:1-15 and John 6:1-21.

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Last Sunday you had the opportunity to hear our Presbytery's Executive Presbyter, Carson Rhyne, preach. If you were in church, you heard a sermon entitled "Let's Eat!" The sermon considered Mark's telling of the story of the feeding of the 5000. Once again this Sunday, you will hear this story, but from John's perspective. Now, don't even consider staying home, thinking "I heard it last Sunday!" No, because even though fish and bread will be on the menu, so will significant other things, particularly from the Old Testament reading.

Speaking of our Old Testament reading, for the past few weeks we have been following the life of King David. Since you missed the text from 2 Samuel last week, be sure and add 2 Samuel 7:1-14 this week. Herein, the prophet Nathan is introduced and you learn of David's desire to build a temple for the Lord. From 2 Samuel 11:1-15, you will see another side of David, a side that is less concerned with the desires of Yahweh and more concerned with the desires of David.

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Read both passages from 2 Samuel as well as the story of the Feeding of the 5000 from the Gospel of John. Then consider the following:

1. How would you describe David when he desires to build a temple for the Lord?
2. What aspects of his character become evident in the second reading?
3. If you compare the boy who shared his fish and loaves with David who took what wasn't his to take, what might you say about each person?
4. The title for Sunday's sermon is "Give or Take." As you prepare for worship on Sunday, meditate on the giving nature of the boy versus the taking nature of David as told in the readings.

I look forward to seeing you in worship Sunday morning.
Shalom,
Glenda