Jul 30, 2017 - not two sparrows sold for a pen- ny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your. Father.
Waterford Congregational
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Scripture Readings July 30, 2017 The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost About the text
M
uscular. vigorous. righteous. tri-
umphant. The call to gird one’s self for battle with the forces arrayed against God’s chosen has a ring to it, yes? The armoring called for in Ephesians 6 seems clear enough. In that spiritual, cosmic world where the human soul communes with the divine nature, there are many distractions and alternate pathways. Faithful ones are called to focus, to stand up to inevitable distraction, and follow their call. Yet, this same passage has been a text for some of the most hideous oppressions and battles and purges in our bloody and violent history. How do we sing hymns calling us to “march as to war,” while carrying out the mission of the Prince of Peace?
New Revised Standard
The Message
Ephesians 6:10-20 10 Finally, be strong in the
Lord and in the strength of his power. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.
10 And that about wraps it
up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. 11 So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. 12 This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a lifeor-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. 13 Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. 14 Truth, righteousness, 15 peace, 16 faith, 17 and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. 18 In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. 19 And don’t forget to pray for me. Pray that I’ll know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time, telling the mystery to one and all, the Message that I, 20 jailbird preacher that I am, am responsible for getting out.
New Revised Standard
The Message
Matthew 10:28-31 28 Do not fear those who kill
the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 And even the hairs of your head are all counted. 31 So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
28 “Don’t be bluffed into si-
lence by the threats of bullies. There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands. 29 “What’s the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more than you do. 30 He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! 31 So don’t be intimidated by all this bully talk. You’re worth more than a million canaries.
The Narrative Lectionary presents the story of God’s work in humanity through a single Gospel each year. This is the Year 3 Summer Series.
