Psalm 119:94 – I’m Yours
I emphasize the universal call of belonging to God, highlighting inclusivity in faith while acknowledging Israel’s unique role as a chosen nation tasked with a mission and also the mission of the church.
It’s Not a Success Story
Prologue I’ve been listening to Robert Alter’s translation of the Hebrew Bible as an audiobook. I’ll doubtless write something about this translation later. But right now I’m listening to Judges, and it’s caused me to think a bit about the broader story of the history of Israel and then of the church. Charismatic Leadership One…
Psalm 89: When Eternal Doesn’t Last
This week’s lectionary (RCL) texts for this week (Proper B11) form an interesting set, complete with the occasional weird cut-off for the scripture. For example, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a chops off the last part of Nathan’s message to David, the part about both the eternal covenant and the potential for God’s discipline. As I read this,…
An Inconvenient Truth on Israel and Palestine?
Brian McLaren links to this article at the Huffington Post. It may be inconvenient, but is it truth? (I guess I need to tell my readers that I often like what Brian McLaren has to say, but then there are these moments.) I’m also opposed to those who think Israel is always right. But there…
Rockets and Bombs Hamper Cease Fire!
I’m working on some web stuff and have the TV on at the same time. I saw on the scroller for MSNBC that rockets and mortars are falling on southern Israel “hampering diplomatic efforts to revive a cease fire.” I guess one could say that things that go BOOM! might “hamper diplomatic efforts.” Somehow I…
Another Interesting Lectionary Omission
Since I’ve been attending a lectionary discussion group during Wednesday lunch, and therefore spending more time on the lectionary texts, I’ve been interested in the way the texts are selected. For this coming Sunday, Epiphany, one of the texts is Isaiah 60:1-6. “Now what could possibly be interesting about that?” you might ask. I’m glad…