July 11, 2021

Breaking Open the Scripture Scripture for July 11th: John 6:26-28, 35, 51-58; 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Psalm 24, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29: Theme: Helping those in need, Song: Blessed Assurance UMH 369 John: We are going off of the lectionary today so that I can tell a part of my personal journey in life. My experience as a homeless person was the entryway to going into ministry. I will always be truly grateful for all of the people who were willing to help during that time. But I felt that giving to the church was the best way to give back to God. John 6 is the scripture for much of the summer. Jesus feeds the 5000 – but he reminds us that giving people food goes much deeper them filling their bellies. It is feeding their spirits and emotions as well. Giving Jesus is about giving but it is also about caring for people and helping people to feel that they are worthy children of God. How do you respond to people in need? How do you feel about those people? How do we welcome them into the family of the church? 2 Samuel: Dynamic Awareness is a term that was used in explaining this scripture. I like that. David is just establishing himself as king. God is an important part of his life. So he literally brings the presence of God to dwell with him in his capital city Jerusalem. Carrying the presence of God is both dangerous and sacred. Once it is bought into the city, David calls all of the people to worship the presence of God. He does not build a special house for the presence, because God tells him that it is not time to settle down and that David’s son Solomon will be the one to build a permanent structure. David’s final act of worship is to feed the people, to give them all special cakes so that they know that God and the king care for them and for their needs. Jesus stands on a rich history of worshipping God and helping others as he tells us to continue to provide for those in need. Questions: What does it mean to be fed by Jesus? Have you ever had to feed someone who is hungry? Have you ever been fed by others? How do we extend hospitality as a church?