August 9, 2009

Breaking Open The Scripture
Scriptures for the week of August 9th 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15,31-33 Psalm 130 Ephesians 4:25 – 5:2 , John 6:35, 41-51

2 Samuel
Nathan reported that the consequence of David’s sin was that the sword would always be a part of his family and the rule of his family would be troubled. David loved all of his son’s dearly, but he let them do what they wanted. One raped his own sister, another decided that he would become king while his dad was still alive. We hear Absalom’s story this week. How he rebels against his father, and how he is eventually killed. We can never escape the issues of our families.

John
Jesus has said “I am the bread of life, all throughout the chapter. But now he gets to the “I am” statements, telling us that the bread of life is not about food at all, but about feeding our souls. Even though we get our example of Eucharist from the last supper, this chapter explains what Eucharist means for us. Why is Jesus feeding us with all of his self, and what difference does it make that we take communion?
Questions: Even though we ask for forgiveness, do we ever overcome the effects of our sin? This story is not just about a family, but a community and a nation. How are we connected to our community? How do we overcome a pervasive sin which affects everyone involved? Where is the grace in David’s family situation? Where is the grace in our own situation? What does communion mean to you? Who is Jesus to you?