The psalmist called
the faithful to praise you,
two-edged swords in
hand, while
executing punishment
and vengeance.
The disciples asked
Jesus whether they should
strike with the sword
to defend
against those who
came
to arrest him.
God, you have seen
the mistreatment of millions
in our world and
heard their groaning.
Have you anointed us
with oil
to save the
oppressed?
Are you sending us
out with swords to punish
and avenge, kill and
destroy--or did
you have a better way
in mind
when you sent Jesus?
Lectionary Readings
Ps. 56; 149; 118; 111
1 Sam. 9:15-10:1
Acts 7:30-43
Luke 22:39-51
Selected Verses
Ps. 149:6-7
Let
the high praises of God be in [the throats of the faithful]
and two-edged swords in their hands,
to execute vengeance on the nations
and punishment on the peoples…
and two-edged swords in their hands,
to execute vengeance on the nations
and punishment on the peoples…
1 Sam. 10:1a-b
Samuel
took a vial of oil and poured it on [Saul's] head, and kissed him; he said, “The
LORD has anointed you ruler over his people Israel. You shall reign over the
people of the LORD and you will save them from the hand of their enemies all
around.
Acts 7:34
"'…I
have surely seen the mistreatment of my people who are in Egypt and have heard
their groaning, and I have come down to rescue them. Come now, I will send you to
Egypt.'" [Stephen, quoting God's
call to Moses]
Luke 22:49
When
those who were around [Jesus] saw what was coming, they asked, “Lord, should we
strike with the sword?”
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