SCRIPTURE LESSON FOR THIS WEEK  (Lectionary listings)

Seasons of the Spirit
The Christian Year in Biblical Perspective
July 6, 2008
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (Year A)
Liturgical color: Green

Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67
In this text we are introduced to the near eastern custom of arranged marriage. In this case the point of the story seems to be the guidance of God in finding a suitable wife for Isaac, to comfort him after his mother’s death, and to fulfill the covenant promise. In the two traditions from which this text is constructed, we have one in which the servant is to seek out a wife, not knowing exactly who he will find (God’s angel will signal the right one). In the second tradition, Abraham indicates that “the woman” is to be found (i.e. Abraham has a particular woman in mind). In either case, notice that Isaac does not get to choose his wife. She is chosen for him (by Abraham or by God). The individual is not as important as the principles of the group.

Psalm 45:10-17
This psalm is actually a wedding song, according to the notes in the Psalter. Read the text and think of the wedding described in the Genesis text.

Romans 7:15-25a
“I am never as dangerous,” Reinhold Niebuhr said, “as when I act in love.” Tom Long points out in Proclamation 4, “When human beings are trying their hardest to be religious, when human beings are trying their best to do God’s will through their own moral force, it is then, ironically, that they become most lost, most under the power of sin, most ‘Godless.’” Or, as Paul concludes, “Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?” Whose will are we following, really?

Matthew 11:25-30
Jesus indicates that true wisdom is often elusive. It is hidden from the intelligent and given to infants. It is hidden from the religious leaders and given to a carpenter’s son. And what does this rabbi offer but relief from heavy burdens….rest from complicated requirements of law. Maybe if we really listen to God (Christ), we will find that our lives are unburdened, gracious, and less complicated than we at first imagine. This text at least seems to be telling us to accept the grace of God rather than pound our neighbor with rules and regulations. What is the focus of your life these days?

Rev. Bill Thompson, Interim Senior Minister
Johns Creek Christian Church

Member, Cherry Log Christian Church