Proper 5B (OT 10)
2 Corinthians 4:13-51, Sarah Renfro, Twitter: @RevRenfro, Facebook: @RevRenfro, Website: M-Bodied.com
Tremaine Combs, Facebook- Dayspring Church
Musician: Bryan Sirchio, “Perfect Pastor” from his album Wise as Serpents...Gentle As A Dove, sirchio.com, Twitter: @BryanJSirchio, Facebook: Bryan Sirchio Music
Mark 3:20-35
Initial Thoughts
The honeymoon is over. Words of assurance for clergy under duress (to a point).
Bible Study
Literary context
Immediately after calling the rest of the 12
Popularity on the rise
Healings were drawing crowds despite his efforts to keep things quiet.
Jesus returns to the “house” a supposedly safe place, but it isn’t a safe place, even his “family” do not create a safe place
Structure of the story
Crowd
Family - He’s Crazy
Legal experts - He’s evil
Jesus responds to accusation of evil
Legal experts actually at fault
Family Arrives
Call to crowds to follow
Family
In verse 21 - family is literally - “those around him” this is clarified later as his mother and brothers
First wants to “control him,” because he’s out of his mind.
No Father?
Sidenote: “Mother, brothers, and sisters are looking for you.” What about Dad? Has Joseph died? Joseph never mentioned in Mark’s gospel.
The father would have been the hierarchical head of the household. In the Roman world- everything belonged to the father- the pater familias. In this new community- this new family, there is no head of the household, there is no hierarchy, the only “head” is God. Therefore “father” is not mentioned - Jesus is breaking down the hierarchical structures in both family and society (see more on this in Elizabeth Struthers Malbon, “Mark”, Women’s Bible Commentary, p. 482)
Jesus redefines family as those who are sitting with him.
Revolutionary redefinition - throws into question the entire Jewish system of social construction. Threatens to undermine the core of social stability.
Radical redefinition - calls people to care for others in a way that is radically inclusive. The idea that one can create a “Chosen Family” out of shared values over blood ties is remarkably freeing - and terrifying.
When the church defines itself as a family, who is being left out? Who is part of the church family?
Satan
Beelzebub - “a name for Satan derived from the Canaanite high god Bhaal.” Jewish Annotated New Testament, p. 77
The scribes attempt to discredit Jesus by calling him Satan. Jesus points out that his ministry is to drive out Satanic forces (that is the self-serving powers of the status quo that ignore the needs and concerns of the least of these)
Satan cannot drive out Satan, Jesus is working against the demonic forces of exclusion, discrimination and oppression. Since these forces are “Satanic”, Jesus cannot be Satan. In fact it will be Jesus who will claim the “house” of scribal authority (the temple) cannot stand, Jesus “will ‘exorcize’ (ekballein) those who have ‘divided’ the purpose of the ‘house of prayer’ (11:15-17).” Myers, Binding the Strong Man, p.166
“Satan cannot ‘clean out his own house’ (3:32); it is up to Jesus to lead the ‘revolt’ against the powers, to bring their rule to an end (3:26)” Myers, p. 166
Binding the Strong Man
Jesus has already been identified as “the stronger man” by John (1:7)
Jesus is cannot be casting out demons by the power of Satan or else Satan’s house will collapse
Jesus is stronger than Satan- he is binding the strong man (Satan) in order to pillage his house, the corruption of the religious and political authorities which are entrenched in the temple (which is no longer a house of prayer) and the empire which seeks only to maintain its own power on the backs of others.
Alternative view:
The only people who are bound in the Gospel are righteous: John the Baptist (6:17), Jesus (15:1) and Barabbas (15:7)
The scribes are attempting to bind Jesus, later his family will also attempt to bind/seize him, but Jesus will not be bound. Jesus’ focus is liberation. Even the tomb cannot bind this strong man.
Unforgivable Sin
Consistent theology with Jewish tradition - “In rabbinic texts, unforgivable sins were against God and the sanctity of the community.” Jewish Annotated New Testament, p. 77
Others have argued that it is unforgivable to confuse the work of the Spirit with God
What does it mean to insult the Holy Spirit, and why would that not be forgiven?
Jesus’ reply is a part of a larger defense of his ministry against the accusation of the Pharisees. They claim that Jesus’ work is of Satan. They don’t question the results, they question the motivation and source of his power.
Jesus, on the other hand, points to the results. How could something be evil if it is producing healing, peace, and love?
Jesus is attacking their close-mindedness and blindness to the work that God is doing. They are closed off to the power of the Holy Spirit. They have decided that God cannot be doing such things, so if they deny the power of the Holy Spirit then they cannot be forgiven. As long as you deny the Spirit’s ability to forgive, cleanse, heal, then you cannot be forgiven. This is not about eternal damnation for saying “I deny the Holy Spirit.”
For Christians who worry about if they’ve committed the “unforgivable sin,” they don’t need to worry, for in the very act of worrying, they are not denying the power of the Spirit.
Thoughts and Questions
The beginning of Jesus’ ministry was a wild success, everything was going great, by the honeymoon didn’t last long. It didn’t take long for his family to think he was crazy and the leaders of the ‘Church’ to think he was evil. Jesus responded to his claims with a nice bit of logic, but they didn’t use logic to come to their conclusions. Interesting article about Reasoning with Unreasonable People.
Mental Health Awareness Month is over, but this is still a way to talk about mental health, and how we deal with people who we perceive as “out of their mind.” Family tried to dismiss Jesus with claim that he was “out of his mind.” Leaders tried to dismiss him with claim that he is working with Satan. How do we still do this to people? Who do we dismiss as crazy or evil, thus cutting off a possibility of relationship?
Two groups that should be considered insiders. One dismisses him. The other accuses him. Jesus refutes them both. What groups that are on the surface ‘insiders’ are actually missing the boat?
1 Samuel 8:1-20; 11:14-15
Initial Thoughts
Keep journeying through 1 & 2 Samuel through the beginning of August
Read vv. 1-20 and include 11:14-15 which is the answer to the request
vv.1-3 - Why Samuel’s son’s wont take over as judge/prophet after him
vv.12-15 - emphasizes the wholistic oppression of the Israelite people
11:14-15 - the aftermath
Bible Study
Samuel rejected as King
Samuel - Prophet and Judge - the bridge between the Judges and the Kings
The first Prophet? If a prophet is the moral, spiritual and ethical counter to the wickedness of Kings- then Samuel is the first Prophet
Samuel is also the last judge - continues the theme of unfaithful children of the Prophet (1 Samuel 3)- even then PK had troubles
Also potentially a priest since he does make burnt offerings to God (which non-Priests are forbidden to do- e.g. King Uzziah)
Samuel makes the mistake of trying to set up a dynastic system - the same thing he replaced Eli for. He should have learned.
They both come up with the wrong solution to solve the problem: Who will lead Israel?
“Samuel is ideologically opposed to the monarchy because he is committed to the old idea of the ad hoc inspired leader, shofet, who is a kind of direct implementation of God’s rule through the divine spirit over the unique notation of Israel. God appears to agree with him but yields to political necessity.” (Robert Alter, The Hebrew Bible, volume 2: The Prophets, p. 203)
WRONG: Samuel wants to appoint his sons
They, like Eli’s sons are judges (political leaders) but are corrupt so Israelite leaders correctly reject them
WRONG: Israel wants a King
RIGHT: Yahweh is the leader of Israel. Yahweh is the fiery pillar, the column of smoke, the one who led them out of Egypt
The question should not be who will lead Israel but how to follow God and walk with God
Samuel is too old.
Practical reason - if he is old, and his sons corrupt, they do not want to install him as King. Still, the rejection may have stung.
Ageism - “After all that the leader whom YHWH has appointed has done for the community, he has now been pushed aside, apparently without warning. In the larger scheme, the people have rejected the rule of YHWH. What is even more insulting to Samuel is that the leaders didn’t ask him to serve as king, even in an interim position” (Theodore Burgh, The Africana Bible, Reading Israel’s Scriptures From Africa and the African Diaspora, p. 126)
“Sadly, this is the way many senior citizens in the United States and in some African American communities are perceived today. A number of adults who have been blessed to live past certain ages are now perceived as useless, outdated, and irrelevant and essentially become invisible. The precious wisdom gained from years of skilled living and survival are often discarded and wasted in our communities because of perceptions of age. How much better off would we be if we worked to preserve and utilize these priceless resources!” (Burgh, Africana Bible, p. 126)
God rejected as King
Why King and not God?
Kings are visible and tangible- God by God’s very nature is not
Kings are good and making their nations powerful - God is interested in blessing all nations, not making one more powerful at the expense of another (eg. Egypt)
Kings are corruptible - Power corrupts and total power corrupts totally - God is not corruptible but is steadfast in faith and love to the thousandth generation
Problems with Kings
Kings = Military Industrial Complex and exploitation
He will take what belongs to God - 10%
“The speech moves systematically from the expropriation of sons and daughters to land and produce to slaves and beasts of burden., ending with the climactic ‘you will become his slaves.’” (Alter, p. 204)
“After conscripting men to fight and men to perform agricultural service, the king will also draft the artisan class for his purpose =- ironsmiths, carpenters, wheelwrights, and so forth… Samuels emphasis on chariots signals the political shift he envisions, for chariots were the instruments of monarchies with which Israel contended, whereas the Israelistes in this early stage did not have this sort of military technology at their disposal.” (Alter, 204)
Spoiler Alert: Saul doesn’t go well
“YHWH chooses Saul the Benjamanite. Saul comes into a very difficult situation. He has never been king, nor has Israel ever had a king. There is no instruction manual available, no human resources department, or any previous king to serve as a mentor; further Saul’s reign begin during a period of transition… It appears that Saul is essentially on his own… Saul does not always make the best choices and angers Samuel and YHWH. He is a successful military leader, but several of Sauls decisions actually lead to his demise and loss of the kingship.”Theodore Burgh, The Africana Bible, Reading Israel’s Scriptures From Africa and the African Diaspora, p. 128)
“Was there animosity on Samuel’s part toward Saul? Did he have Saul's best interest at heart? Remember, the people have rejected Samuel primarily due to his age, and Saul is young, strong, willing, yet inexperienced replacement.” this feels familiar and very analogous to things people go through today.Theodore Burgh, The Africana Bible, Reading Israel’s Scriptures From Africa and the African Diaspora, p. 128)
Thoughts and Questions
We often fall into the “grass is always greener” - or their worship/ music/ CE program/ young adult attendance/ attraction to Millennials is better than us - how can we be them? The church is called to proclaim the good news, love God and love neighbor - that should be our focus- not trying to copy others. How can we balance learning from others while fulfilling our own unique vision?
Samuel resists the gimmick theology and politics of the day - monarchy. What religious and political gimmicks is the church being tempted by which distract us from God?
As we face an uncertain future- are we asking the right question: How can we follow God and walk with God better?
2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1
Initial Thoughts
A little background on 2 Corinthians:
Written about 50 CE, several months after 1 Corinthians and Paul’s visit to Corinth (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:5-7)
Actually Paul’s third letter to the Corinthians. Paul refers to his second letter written in tears and anguish (2 Corinthians 2:4). This “letter of tears” is lost
Paul’s relationship has become increasingly strained
Paul is addressing claims from other evangelist who have better backgrounds (were one of the 12) or better gifts
According to Luther Seminary professor, Mary Hinkle Shore, Paul chooses his words carefully to prevent the relationship from deteriorating, but is also having a hard time keeping his emotions in check. Furthermore he is constantly framing his letter in the theological concept of God’s reconciling work in Christ
Bible Study
Context within letter
Picks up right where we left off last week.
Last week was about strength to endure persecution. This passage completes that thought.
Next week skips verses 2-5, which mixes a metaphor about being clothed and naked with the building/tent metaphor.
Probably a good couple of verses to skip. Not Paul’s best work.
Next week moves into the ministry of reconciliation
Connection between texts: the contrast between appearance and reality.
Israel wants a King, when in reality they already have one.
Jesus appears to be “out of his mind” but in reality he is the one grounded in the power of the HS.
His real family is not the one of blood ties, but of common values and belief in the law of love.
2 Corinthians deals this same theme. “The new city God builds is the reality toward which God’s victory is moving, and defeats along the way have only a limited kind of reality attached to them” (Texts for Preaching, Year B, p. 373)
“Same spirit of faithfulness as is written in Scripture.” Paul is connecting covenant of Israel to Christ.
“We also have faith, we also speak” is an allusion to septuagint of Psalm 115:13 (Beverly Gaventa, Texts for Preaching, Year B, p. 378)
Connection to the faith of the past is a bridge to the faith of Christ and a to the faith of the believers after Christ.
There is both a continuity of Spirit that has been around since Creation, and something new that is happening in resurrection of Christ. This is the Spirit that the Corinthians can still be a part of.
Connection between belief and proclamation is a part of the apostle’s mission. It is now given also the Corinthians.
Handle verse 16 with care.
“So we aren’t depressed” as Common English translates can be troublesome
“Christians don’t get depressed” has been used as a weapon against those struggling with mental health.
It can keep people from getting the help they need.
Increases stigma
Faith in God, loving Jesus, and following Christ and Depression are NOT mutually exclusive.
Key is Lamentation (or even depression) with hope.
Paul’s point is not: “Don’t get depressed.” It is “even when we are depressed, God is there, even when we don’t see it.”
“Our temporary minor problems” NOT “Your temporary problems”
Paul is a part of the situation, not an outsider looking in.
Paul is sharing in the suffering, not minimizing someone else’s problem.
To tell someone else that their problems are temporary, or “no big deal.”
If you are inside the situation, then you have earned the right to proclaim hope and endurance.
Encouragement in time of persecution
God is building an eternal house as opposed to the earthly tents.
Not about the Temple that people made on earth, but of a grander, more complete living with God, and in God.
A word of encouragement for people to look at the big picture. In face of struggle, Paul is reminding the people that they are in for the long game.
Reminder that the same God who raised of Jesus will raise them up, as well.
Things are not always as they seem, because of God working in the world to bring all together.
Thoughts and Questions
Is God in the depression? Is God in the valleys? Are we ever truly forsaken? This is a chance for the preacher to examine “Our temporary problems.” What are the problems facing this community? Struggling finances, opioid addiction, closing factory? What are the temporary problems under which this community suffers? Is there a chance to meet this condition with love? Is there an opportunity for healing that the Church (or this congregation) can step into? Two weeks ago we were told that the young will see visions and the old will dream dreams. What have you seen since? What can you see together still?
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING AND GET IN TOUCH:
Thanks to our Psalms correspondent, Richard Bruxvoort Colligan (psalmimmersion.com,@pomopsalmist). Thank you to Scott Fletcher for our voice bumpers, Dick Dale and the Del Tones for our Theme music (“Misirlou”), Nicolai Heidlas (“Sunday Morning”,"Real Ride"and“Summertime”) and Paul and Storm for our closing music (“Oh No”).