Category: Year C

Luke 19:1-10

On By Tim EhrhardtIn Daily Bible Reading Blog, Year CLeave a comment
            Every time I read this story about Zacchaeus climbing up the sycamore tree to see Jesus because he was a short man, I think of the old ‘70s song Short People by Randy Newman.  The song was (and still is) controversial, mostly because it often gets misinterpreted as being prejudiced against short people.  Indeed, it might seem easy to think this since there are lyrics such as “short people got no reason to live.”  But the song was really the converse; it was an attack on the pervasive prejudice of the day, and an attempt to heighten the awareness of the inability to recognize others different from ourselves.  “Short people are the same as you and I.  All men are brothers until the day they die” is the real message within the song.
 
            At first glance of the story of the short Zacchaeus, it seems to be about his inability to see.  But the real heart of the story is that Zacchaeus is unable to see because the other people are obstacles to his sight.  In turns out that Jesus is the only person who truly sees Zacchaeus.  No one else sees.  No one else seems to care.  While everyone else is busy with their own line of sight, Jesus is concerned to see the one who is unseen – Zacchaeus.  And here is the reason why:  “The Son of Man came to look for and to save people who are lost,” said the Lord Jesus.
 
            The most pertinent application of this story for us is that we need to repent of being obstacles to others coming to Jesus, and instead become the conduits to others meeting with Jesus.  People who are short on faith, short on hope, and short on love desperately need the love of God in the gracious person of Jesus Christ.  What will you do today to help another see Jesus?
 

 

            All-seeing God, you are attentive to those most in need of your Son, the Lord Jesus.  Open my eyes to see those around me for whom you see and invite to be with Jesus.  I want to participate with you in your great saving mission of those who are lost.  Amen.

Psalm 67

On By Tim EhrhardtIn Daily Bible Reading Blog, Year CLeave a comment


            One of the beauties of daily sustained reading and reflection upon the lectionary Scriptures is that a psalm is read each day.  Over time the reader becomes quite familiar with the range of emotions, life situations, and theology of the psalter.  This is a very good thing.  In an era when so many believers are “too busy” for daily prayer and connection with God, the psalms are the church’s prayer book.  That means the psalms are accessible for many Christians via their smart phones, tablets, and computers.  Add the voice function to the mix and the believer could pray along with particular psalms.
             An advantage to becoming conversant in the psalms is the ability to use them for all kinds of situations.  Today’s psalm meets a particular need for prayer in the American election cycle.  Just say the word “politics” and many people get a visceral response before there is even a discussion about it.  Feelings and opinions run high.  Negativity is rampant.  But Psalm 67 offers a path of blessing the nations and inviting God to work his grace among us.  Rather than become mucked in worry or despair over present circumstances and the unknown future, the psalmist orients our minds, hearts, and voices toward the sovereign God.
             The psalms are meant to be used – repeatedly.  One cannot overuse them.  Try this:  today set your phone, watch, or other device to alarm at two or three hour intervals.  Whatever you are doing (if you are able), stop and pray Psalm 67.  It will take less than a minute.  Let the positive approach to blessing others and seeing God’s control shape how you go about the rest of your day.  Who knows?  Maybe the psalter will eventually alter how you view the world.
             Loving God, be gracious to us and bless us and make your face to shine upon us so that your way may be known upon earth, and your saving power among all nations; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Proverbs 2:1-5

On By Tim EhrhardtIn Daily Bible Reading Blog, Year CLeave a comment
            It doesn’t take a genius to know that we are in something of a common sense crisis within our Western culture.  Suspicion, gullibility, and extreme vitriol now characterize vast quarters of America.  And we Christians even brazenly splash our ignorance across vast swaths of social media so that more and more people want nothing to do with neither the church nor Christianity.  What shall we do?
 
            “My child, you must follow and treasure my teachings and my instructions.  Keep in tune with wisdom and think what it means to have common sense.  Beg as loud as you can for good common sense.  Search for wisdom as you would search for silver or hidden treasure.  Then you will understand what it means to respect and to know the LORD God” (CEV).
 
            If we are going to raise our voices about something, then let us shout loudly in prayer for some basic wisdom and common sense from God.  Any fool can buy into a podcast rant or get sucked into a blogger damning all who are against his views.  But the wise believer will humbly cry out to God for the wisdom to live well and make good decisions with both mind and mouth.
 

 

            Wise God, you know all things and give grace to the humble.  I beg to see all things from your perspective so that I will speak as one who knows and loves Jesus Christ, in whose name I pray.  Amen.

2 Samuel 1:4-27

On By Tim EhrhardtIn Daily Bible Reading Blog, Year C2 Comments
            In the evangelical church today it is sometimes looked down upon to grieve since we know the reality of heaven.  This is both wrongheaded and unbiblical.  Bereavement in Scripture is a reality and recognized as an important part of coming to grips with death.  Far from stuffing his feelings, David personally expressed his grief and agony over the death of his best friend.
 
            Here are a few observations about David’s lament:  it was not only personal, but was voiced publically, meaning that others were invited to grieve along with him; it affirmed the tragedy of death and its deep impact upon us; it focused on remembering the positive characteristics of the deceased; and, it was verbalized with heartfelt thoughts and emotions.
 
            Grief and lament is as individual as a fingerprint; there is not fixed process to a person’s bereavement.  Therefore we cannot pigeon-hole ourselves or someone else to fit a certain way of grieving.  But no matter how we grieve, we must do it so that we come to a point of making sense how to live without the person’s presence and relationship.  David was close to the Lord, and God’s presence was the most decisive factor in helping him move on to the demands of serving others as their new king.
 

 

            Compassionate God, you are present with all who grieve and lament this day.  Let your Holy Spirit come alongside and encourage those in bereavement, and enable me to be a conduit of blessing to them.  May your grace be sufficient for us all; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.