August 29, 2021

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for August 29th: Song of Solomon 2:8-13, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23: Theme: What’s on the Inside? Song: Just As I am, without One Plea UMH 357 Mark: Jesus tells us where real evil comes from. Evil is not a disembodied bad behavior, it comes from real people in the world. Many of us think that evil originates in the hearts of people that we don’t understand, agree with or know. But Jesus tells us that evil comes from the hearts of all of us – even if we go to church every week. When we are not checking our emotions and intentions, we are all evil. Jesus seems to be well aware of the fact that not all Jews have the same belief or are on the same page. Usually when we are around people who don’t agree with us, conflict arises. We want everyone to be on the same page. That is never going to happen. This argument because some of Jesus disciples did not wash their hands before eating. It sounds like a petty thing to argue about – but how do we treat people who do not fall into line with our beliefs. Sometimes it causes us to judge people instead of looking at their hearts. Jesus reminds us that God know the true intentions of all of us. Song of Solomon: This is the only time in the three year lectionary cycle that we will read from the Song of Solomon. On the surface it is a love story between Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. But it is also the love story of God for the faithful, and Jesus for the church. The woman is telling everyone how much she is in love. She is so excited about her new love that she brags to anyone who will listen. Can you imagine Jesus doing the same thing in heaven. He Is telling the angels how excited he is about the church. Sometimes I think that we forget that we are Jesus beloved community. We forget how much Jesus loves us, and we totally forget to express our love for Jesus. This bible book reminds us how much fun it is to be in love and to be willing to express that love to anyone. Questions: Who are some people that you have strong opinions about? Have you ever taken the time to talk with someone in that group? How does Jesus expect us to deal with people that we do not agree with? How do you tell the world that you love Jesus? How would the church be different if we acted like Jesus’ beloved?