Narrative Lectionary for the Third Sunday after Pentecost, Year Three
June 25, 2017
Lessons: Psalm 23, John 10:1-4
Theme: God’s faithful and generous people recognize that trusting God and divine provision is good stewardship.
Key Scripture: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. Psalm 23:1
Preaching/Teaching Reflection
Psalm 23 is undoubtedly the most beloved psalm in the entire psalter. It is the one that almost everyone seems to be able to recite, and even those near death or suffering from dementia can usually connect with the familiar words. It seems to be, along with the Lord’s Prayer, almost a part of a Christian’s DNA, yet I fear this psalm becomes so rote and ingrained that we fail to give it the time and reflection it is due, and in doing so fail to tap its deep roots of mercy and meaning for daily life.
Martin Luther reflected on Psalm 23 one night in 1536 after saying grace at supper (LW 12: Selected Psalms), expounding on the reality that many who have access to Scripture become indifferent, even disdainful towards it, while those without access crave it and will seek it:
We should, then, learn from this psalm not to despise God’s Word. We should hear and learn it, love and respect it, and join the little flock in which we find it, and, on the other hand, flee and avoid those that revile and persecute it. Wherever this blessed light does not shine, there neither happiness nor salvation can be found, neither strength nor comfort of body or soul, but only dissension, fear, and terror, especially when sorrow, anxiety, and bitter death threaten.
Luther also likens the psalm’s “green pasture” to the church, and the church’s beloved community to the Good Shepherd’s flock. It is easy to overlook the fact that this short psalm of praise is both communal as well as personal. We are stronger in community, and we have the capacity to be better, too. In community, in concert and in contact with God’s word read and proclaimed, and in the bread and wine of Holy Communion, we experience something precious and life-giving. We are strengthened for the journey, our focus is sharpened, and we are reminded of God’s many good gifts. In our life together we affirm our abundance rather than fear our scarcity.
The world will tell us otherwise. The marketplace lures us with false promises of fulfillment if we will only buy and buy and buy some more. Away from the beloved community and the Word, we are tempted to see ourselves as controllers of destiny and fortune. What need have we for the church and for belief in a Deity when we can strive for our own fulfillment, be our own god, and seek our own dreams of success and status? It doesn’t take much, however, to bring us to our knees in the reality that we are not in control.
All one need do is watch the news or track social media to see example after example of how precious little control we really do have over our lives and well-being. In the face of such a sobering reality, this psalm reminds us that we need not cower in fear but rather are free to respond in love, in prayer, and in hope. The darkness will never overcome the light. No matter our health concerns, economic woes, or the state of the world, God is active and present in the world with us, lamenting and mitigating the effects of our human sin and brokenness. In community, we affirm this truth by looking into one another’s faces, by passing the peace, by praising and praying, and by feasting on bread and wine, body and blood of the One who overcame the darkness once and for all.
In Worship
Consider using Psalm 23 as a meditation and prayer. If you project images in worship, find images suitable to your context for each verse. Allow time between each verse for quiet reflection and prayer. Consider adding a prayer petition pertinent to each verse. Let the silence linger a bit. In our world, we rarely experience the gift of silence that allows us to feast on the word of God.
With Youth
Most youth will be familiar with this psalm. Consider reading them Eugene Peterson’s version from The Message. In our world, being a sheep and a follower are not lauded as preferable leadership traits. Invite a discussion with your youth about what we can learn from this psalm and how being a follower of Christ is actually a sign of strength.
With Children
Listening for our Shepherd
Have you ever tried to follow someone’s voice while wearing a blindfold? You have to listen very carefully, but if you do, and if you trust that person, you can be led successfully by just the sound of someone’s voice. In our gospel excerpt today from John 10, Jesus says “and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.” (John 10:4b)
How do we hear Jesus today? Children will have some good answers–and some creative ones, too. Remind them that we learn to hear Jesus’ voice in scripture, through teaching and preaching, and in prayer. We have to learn to listen, and the best way to start is to pray that God will help us learn to have both listening ears and listening hearts.
Pray this or a similar prayer:
Dearest Jesus, I want to learn to listen for your voice and follow you every day of my life. Help me to listen to you. Help me to follow you. Help me to share your good news with others. I love you, Jesus, and I’m so glad you love me. Amen.
Weekly Stewardship Bulletin Insert
This week’s psalm selection is truly a steward’s psalm because it invites us consider this how it is indeed good stewardship to place our trust in God’s capable hands and to follow the voice and lead of Jesus, our Good Shepherd.
Stewardship at Home
Spend some time this week pondering the images of God in this week’s psalm: provider, leader, protector, guide, reviver, and rest giver. Ponder one verse each day, and on the seventh day rest in reflection of the entire song of trust. How can you share these images of God with others who need so desperately to encounter the Divine provider?
Note: Reprint rights granted to congregations and other church organizations for local, nonprofit use. Just include this note: “Copyright (c) 2017, Rev. Sharron Blezard. Used by Permission.” Other uses, please inquire: editor@stewardshipoflife.org.
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