June 21, 2017

Intimacy, Promise, and Threat

SHARONNE PRICE | Read Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17

(Image by: Pixabay)

Lectionary Week

June 19–25, 2017

Scripture Overview

Implicit in the story of Hagar and Ishmael is the threat to Isaac and to God’s promises to Abraham and Sarah. The psalmist captures the terror by unnamed forms of destruction that may threaten an individual or people. Paul raises the specter of that most universal threat—death—but does so within the context of the new life won by Christ’s resurrection. Matthew describes various ways in which the enemies of Jesus threaten his disciples because of their association with him.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Genesis 21:8-21. When have you felt burdened and outcast? What was your experience of God’s hearing you where you were?
• Read Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17. Do you pray in the confidence that God hears and will answer your pleas? If not, how could you learn to pray in that manner?
• Read Romans 6:1b-11. Paul speaks of dying to self and rising with Christ. How has your Christian faith given you a sense of freedom from sin?
• Read Matthew 10:24-39. What makes God’s presence real to you? How does God’s intimate knowledge of you—the number of hairs on your head—make you feel?

Respond by posting a prayer.

This psalm is the only one ascribed to David in Book III of the Psalms. Familiar Davidic themes run through it. We may wonder, How many times does David need to cry out to God? How often is his life threatened? And how does he manage to get himself in...

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Teach me your ways and hear me when I call, God of grace and mercy. Amen.

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