Odd of God to Choose?--August 6, 2019

Holy God, you are the fountain of life.

David thought it odd that you had chosen Israel,

although clearly he rejoiced that you had done so.

Peter rebuked Jesus for describing what lay ahead.

Like David, like Peter, my mind is set more

on human things than on divine things.

If we knew your Way more accurately,

we might understand that your choosing

is done not to bestow honor or privilege,

but as a summons to servanthood,

and, if need be, to suffering.

In your light, may we

see light.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 12; 146; 36; 7

2 Sam. 7:18-29

Acts 18:12-28

Mark 8:22-33

Selected Verses

Ps. 36:9

For with you is the fountain of life;
          in your light we see light.

2 Sam. 7:23

“…Who is like your people, like Israel?  Is there another nation on earth whose God went to redeem it as a people, and to make a name for himself, doing great and awesome things for them, by driving out before his people nations and their gods?  …”  [King David’s prayer]

Acts 18:26

[Apollos] began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the Way of God to him more accurately.

Mark 8:31, 32b-33

Then [Jesus] began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.  … And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.  But turning and looking at his disciples, [Jesus] rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan!  For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”