Sunday, Nov.15/2009
Good Morning. Welcome !
First reading 1 Samuel
1 Samuel: 2:1 - 10
Sharing:
Israel has fallen in disarray, politically, morally, and religiously, and may not survive . Samuel tells the story of Hannah beloved 2nd wife of Elkanah . Hannah was barren, while Penninah had several children. Like Israel, the household is torn by rivalry, and like Israel, it’s future is in doubt.
Israel has fallen in disarray, politically, morally, and religiously, and may not survive . Samuel tells the story of Hannah beloved 2nd wife of Elkanah . Hannah was barren, while Penninah had several children. Like Israel, the household is torn by rivalry, and like Israel, it’s future is in doubt.
Hannah will not accept the half comforts of the present situation and presents herself before God. She prays as she has been taught and promises, like Samson,s mother that if she has a son, she will dedicate the boy as a nazirite. Nazirite, means consecrated or separated. A Jew, who following a verbal request of God, takes a vow to abstain from wine, wine vinegar, grapes, raisins and alcohol; cutting ones hair, avoid corpses or graves, even those of family members or any structure that might contain them. Samuel was dedicated for life.
Eli, the priest, hears Hannah’s prayer, but cannot understand the new element that she requests, and scolds her for being inebriated. When he finally understands her deep faith he re-enforces her prayer and vow.
Samuel is the fruit of Hannah’s faith. He serves as a bridge between the old and the new, but Samuel also represents the new thing that God was doing. God was remembering the covenant., and Samuel would go on to play the decisive role in legalizing the new order that will be evident in Davi’s kingship after the fall of the Philistines and the concentration of religious, political and economic authority in Jerusalem. Samuel provides continuity with the past and connection to the will of God. He has authority to anoint Saul king of Israel. It was not inherited, nor was it gained through conquest or virtue, he is not directly ordained by God. Samuel was given the power to make him king. But this is also the story of Hannah. And we hear her song in chapter 2. The song becomes the key to the narrative. It reminds us to hear the it as a story in which God is active, in and in spite of the horrors to come. Hannah has been more than the type of biblical religious barren woman who ultimately conceives a child. She is never less than a mother, but is much more. She is a model for what it means to live faithfully in times that seem Godforsaken. She is a model for Israel and for the church today. Amen
Sharing:
Psalm 16 is a Psalm of confidence, out of the category of a Lament. Supposedly composed by David, made up of many parts. 1&2, a prayer and statement of faith. 3&4,contrasts between those who maintain faith in God and those who seek out other gods. 5-8 states the psalmists trust and confidence in God, 9-11, speaks of Gods greatness, deliverance and preservation of the psalmist so that he might continue to feel secure and enjoy his relationship with God. Psalm 16 neither affirms an after life nor denies it. The focus is on life with God or life without God, not with life or death issues. Amen
Second reading: Hebrews 10: 11- 25
Sharing:
Last week we heard that perhaps the church should remove itself from the business of mediating between God and humanity, and rid itself of the old system of atonement, and find its way back to boundless faith and trust in God…..this week lesson tells what the church is…….it is a new community of folks whose consciences have been cleansed by God, confident in Gods forgiveness and eager to encourage one another to love and good works. To draw near to God with a true heart, in full assurance of our faith an hope. Confidence in Greek, relates to frankness, openness to public scrutiny, courage, boldness, fearlessness and joy. Slaves did not exercise such boldness, it belonged to the free members of the household, but He brews tells us we ourselves are members of Gods house, Gods dwelling, Gods temple, where Jesus is the faithful overseer, and high Priest, and as such we can be open to God in our daily lives and in our prayers. God already knows our inmost thoughts and motives, so there is no reason not to be frank and outspoken in our prayers. If we can not, we deny the sacrifice Jesus made for us. With the single offering of his life he perfected for all times those who were sanctified; giving us confidence, assurance of Gods faithfulness and the freedom to come into Gods presence and ask for grace in time of need and ask and receive forgiveness for our misdeeds. Our boldness and confidence is grounded in what Jesus has done, dealing with the condemning power of sin, once and for all, and what Christ will do, establishing justice on earth.
Amen.
