August 8, 2021, Lectionary

David seduced Bathsheba. David's son Amnon seduced Tamar. Tamar's brother, and David's son, Absolom seduced Israel away from David. Consequences. Mixed with mercy. 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 Edit: I thought about deleting this post, but the comments are good, thanks everyone. I will say that the use of the word seduction for all three instances was wrong and unwise, and the trajectory of consequences is not so simple as my post would make it.

I wait for the Lord and hope in God's word. Let us hope in the Lord. The Lord will redeem Israel from its iniquities. In this Psalm the psalmist expanded hope from individual to nation. Can we expand hope to include the redemption of the world? Psalm 130

This chapter begins with the call to be humble with one another and ends with the call to be kind to one another. In between is the reasoning that we are all one body whom Christ has gifted with diversities. Ephesians 4:25-5:2

Jesus' communication in this chapter is overwhelmingly in "I" messages. When the people began to heckle and leave, Jesus continued stating his own identity, at least three times claiming to be the bread from God. John 6:35, 41-51

Thoughts about Listening

The grief of a parent whose child is dead. Don't try to fix it. Just be there and listen. 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33

Forgiveness is much easier if you have the opportunity and skill to listen respectfully to the person's request for forgiveness. Psalm 130

Be kind. Ephesians 4:25-5:2

When others persist in misunderstanding, crowding, bullying, keep your mind and words on who you are and what your purpose is. John 6:35, 41-51