Dearest e-votees-
The appointed gospel text for this Sunday is Matthew’s account of the feeding of the 5,000 +. You will undoubtedly hear a thing or two about this text from the pulpit in church this week. (BIBLE TRIVIA: This is the only miracle performed by Jesus that is recorded in all 4 gospels)
Our appointed Psalm 145 text overlaps the appointed reading for four weeks ago (focus for e-vo for week of July 2nd). You heard something on that text not so long ago.
For our time together this week we will hone in on the other two appointed readings.
Peace,
Karl
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I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit—I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.
Romans 9:1-5, NRSV
Paul is writing deeply from the heart longing for his people, the Israelites, to come to know Christ. Paul reminds the readers of the many ways that God has particularly been manifested to the descendants of Abraham—glorious appearances, covenants, the law through Moses, the worship through Aaron and his family, the promises. And further still, Jesus traces his lineage through all of these practices and these people. God comes to us in a particular way according to God’s choosing. We have the freedom to reject or accept Jesus come to earth to work what we could not but we don’t have the power to make it untrue. It is revealed to us—as to Paul—through the Holy Spirit.
Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.
See, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. See, you shall call nations that you do not know, and nations that do not know you shall run to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.
Isaiah 55:1-5, NRSV
These powerful words from Isaiah carried along by the Holy Spirit speak of abundance. There is talk of wine and bread and milk. Images of communion and blessing abound. Visions of baskets full of leftover fish and bread fit well with this text. Rich food and deep words bring life to all those who thirst. Jesus certainly appropriates these images into his ministry as he calls to all who thirsty (see John 7:37) on the last day of the feast.
The promises that are offered to Israel are extended to other nations not even known at that time (read, among others, the United States of America). We are folded into these rich promises of abundant life. We have the freedom to accept or reject this glorious and gracious call to abundant life but we cannot undermine the truth of the invitation. It is revealed to us by that same Holy Spirit that Jesus promises to us (see John 7:39) and to all who drink of him.
God, help us to know and live into your promises. Blow through us by the power of your Holy Spirit. Reach out to others through us with your gracious and glorious promises. Help us make room at the table for all who would come. Amen.
The appointed gospel text for this Sunday is Matthew’s account of the feeding of the 5,000 +. You will undoubtedly hear a thing or two about this text from the pulpit in church this week. (BIBLE TRIVIA: This is the only miracle performed by Jesus that is recorded in all 4 gospels)
Our appointed Psalm 145 text overlaps the appointed reading for four weeks ago (focus for e-vo for week of July 2nd). You heard something on that text not so long ago.
For our time together this week we will hone in on the other two appointed readings.
Peace,
Karl
--------------------
I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit—I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.
Paul is writing deeply from the heart longing for his people, the Israelites, to come to know Christ. Paul reminds the readers of the many ways that God has particularly been manifested to the descendants of Abraham—glorious appearances, covenants, the law through Moses, the worship through Aaron and his family, the promises. And further still, Jesus traces his lineage through all of these practices and these people. God comes to us in a particular way according to God’s choosing. We have the freedom to reject or accept Jesus come to earth to work what we could not but we don’t have the power to make it untrue. It is revealed to us—as to Paul—through the Holy Spirit.
Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.
See, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. See, you shall call nations that you do not know, and nations that do not know you shall run to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.
These powerful words from Isaiah carried along by the Holy Spirit speak of abundance. There is talk of wine and bread and milk. Images of communion and blessing abound. Visions of baskets full of leftover fish and bread fit well with this text. Rich food and deep words bring life to all those who thirst. Jesus certainly appropriates these images into his ministry as he calls to all who thirsty (see John 7:37) on the last day of the feast.
The promises that are offered to Israel are extended to other nations not even known at that time (read, among others, the United States of America). We are folded into these rich promises of abundant life. We have the freedom to accept or reject this glorious and gracious call to abundant life but we cannot undermine the truth of the invitation. It is revealed to us by that same Holy Spirit that Jesus promises to us (see John 7:39) and to all who drink of him.
God, help us to know and live into your promises. Blow through us by the power of your Holy Spirit. Reach out to others through us with your gracious and glorious promises. Help us make room at the table for all who would come. Amen.
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