March 22, 2020, Lectionary

"The spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward."  Don't you find this statement just fabulous! 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Samuel touched David's head with the anointing oil. I'm pondering what that meant, politically, spiritually, and to David personally. Touch is more important than some of us realize. 1 Samuel 16:1-3

Yes, read Psalm 91 and 46 for this time. But today I read Psalm 23 for this time. What a gem! He anoints our heads with oil. For the sheep that gave protection from gnats and infections. See if the images work for you.

In Paul's day, color of skin did not shape ideas of slavery or racism. So Paul could use darkness and light as metaphors for Christ's work in us. Think dark basement or tunnel out into bright spring sunlight. Ephesians 5:8-14

Jesus touched him and told him to go wash his hands and face. Then he was healed. In the quiet, human isolation of this day and weekend, can you feel God's touch? John 9:1-41

Thoughts about Listening

No one really knows another person at the level of deepest motivations. I think about that at election time. 1 Samuel 16:1-3

I can use the famous Shepherd's Psalm to curb my fears. Psalm 23

Is it good, is it fair, is it true? These are the things I want to pursue. Ephesians 5:8-14

Touch needs in these days of six feet separation can be attended by noticing sunlight and air changes on the skin, handling a flower or a garden, and extra effort toward eye contact. John 9:1-41