RCL: 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33; Psalm 130; Ephesians 4:25-5:2; John 6:35, 41-51 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 31-33 David’s kingdom is in rebellion and his troops encounter the rebels in the forest near Ephraim.  David gave orders that his rebel son, Absalom, be dealt with “gently.” David’s forces are victorious, but in the course of battle,…

RCL: 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a; Psalm 51:1-13; Ephesians 4:1-16; John 6:24-35 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a I have always wondered how it was that David justified to himself all the plotting he did to get Uriah killed because it was no small feat to get such an honorable and skilled warrior in trouble. But David did succeed, and…

RCL: 2 Samuel 11:1-15; Psalm 14; Ephesians 3:14-21; John 6:1-21 2 Samuel 11:1-15 Not only was David an inspired leader, but he was also the “Don Corleone” of his age. This king reveals his mafioso-like cunning – he carefully arranges the death of an unwitting rival while distancing himself from the terrible deed. It is…

RCL: 2 Samuel 7:1-14a; Psalm 89:20-37; Ephesians 2:11-22; Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 2 Samuel 7:1-14a The David story is an exciting story, full of twists and turns – well worth reading in its entirety. Even though this chapter doesn’t have the guts, gore, and drama of other parts of the story, scholars and careful readers have…

RCL: 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19; Psalm 24; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-29 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 We often hear this passage cited as support for liturgical dance. These 13 verses, however, can be interpreted as a challenge to reflect on the possibilities as well as the serious dangers of linking religious symbolism with political power. Scripture…

RCL: 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10; Psalm 48; 2 Corinthians 12:2-10; Mark 6:1-13 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 David’s journey to become king of Israel was long and complicated, which is hinted at here by the Israelites’ admission that, even when Saul was king, David was the one actually leading Israel. But the Lord was faithful to…