SECOND FROM LAST SUNDAY OF THE KINGDOM
10 November 2013
Readings:
Key Verses (using the World English Bible):
2 Tim. 3:16-17a: “Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete…”
John 5:39-40: “You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are they which testify about me. Yet you will not come to me, that you may have life.”
Reflection
In 1915, the American Bible Study inaugurated “Bible Sunday”, or a Sunday dedicated to reflection on Scripture and its significance in a Christian’s life. This practice has spread worldwide now to many churches like to the Church of England, which reserves the “Last Sunday after Trinity” (or the Sunday before All Saints’) for this theme. In the United States, however, “Bible Sunday” has usually been the Sunday before Thanksgiving Day (the fourth Thursday of November). In my scheme of the Kingdom Season, I’ve moved it up one week, leaving the Next from Last Sunday for “The Final Judgment” (the original end of the Christian year), and the Last Sunday for “Christ the King” (the Common Lectionary’s end to the Christian year).
Scripture plays such an essential role in God’s Kingdom. Jesus returns from his forty-day fast in the wilderness declaring that “God’s Kingdom is at hand!” (Mark 1:15), and, according to Luke, immediately thereafter announces in his hometown synagogue that “Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21). The Gospels themselves are littered with Scripture (that is, Hebrew Scripture) sometimes almost like proof-texts, to back up a claim, remark, or even as “ammunition”, as when Satan tempts Jesus in the desert. One of the risen Christ’s final acts on earth was that he “opened the Scriptures” to two unnamed disciples at Emmaus (Luke 24:27, 32). Later, Jesus’ apostles—especially Paul—lean heavily on Scripture to continue their witness to their Messiah, to try and make sense of his death, and to discern God’s will for the emerging gathering of believers.
Whatever we may or may not believe about Scripture, I think most of us would agree that it represents one of the closest ways we can reach a knowledge of, and union with, God. But I also think that approaching Scripture as did the prophets and apostles can be very judgmental, holier-than-thou, and even dangerous. Just think of how many people have flung around scripture throughout history to support homophobia, misogyny, slavery, witch hunts, racism—always with the same attitude: “The Bible says it, I believe it, that settles it.” Or, “you do what you want, but I know I’m right with God because the Bible tells me so!” And often this attitude has resulted in violence and prejudice. Shakespeare once wrote that “the devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.” And the centuries have proven him right.
But what does Jesus tell us today about the Scriptures? “You think that in them you have eternal life… yet you refuse to come to me, that you may have life.” Oh yes, Jesus says, it is possible to come to the Bible and not to him. Whenever we place the Bible upon the idolatrous pedestal of divine infallibility, we miss out on life, both present and eternal, for that is Christ’s alone to grant. The Bible’s job is to bring us to God, not the other way around. Scripture certainly is “God-breathed”, but it is not God.
Scripture is sacred to me because whenever I read or study it, I enter into the historical conversation between humankind and God. Our search for God, our hopes, dreams, and fears haven’t changed much in nearly four millennia, though each generation expresses these differently. But equally different are the ways in which God has sought his creation, from his “strong arm” in Exodus, glorious manifestations to the prophets, the “still, small voice”, to death on a cross. By tradition, the canon of Scripture is closed, but “God is still speaking”, as the United Church of Christ puts it. How does God speak to you, both through and outside of Scripture?
Prayer of the Day
O Lord God, heavenly Father,
rule and guide us by your Holy Spirit,
so that we may hear your holy Word
and receive it with our whole heart.
Sanctify us through your Word,
and teach us to place all our trust and hope
in Jesus Christ your Son,
so that, as we follow him,
your grace may lead us through all evil
and bring us to everlasting life;
through the same Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.
Amen.
—adapted from the Collect for “Bible Sunday” in The Book of Prayers, by Leon and Elfreida McCauley, 1954.
Hymn: “God’s eternal Word is spoken”
(Words: based on a hymn by Theodor V. Oldenburg, “Dybe, stille, stærke, milde”, 1840; adapted, with 3rd verse by Joseph A. Soltero, 2013
Tune: ‘Herre, jeg har handlet ilde” by Ludwig M. Lindeman, 1871)
God’s eternal Word is spoken,
Piercing mists around, above;
Of eternal might the token,
Emblem of eternal love;
Out of darkness, world enthralling,
Into light to us is calling.
Word of God, O Word eternal,
May we hear your living voice,
Learn the power of love supernal,
Learn obedience and rejoice.
God’s commands forever heeding,
Follow where God’s love is leading.
Holy Word, still speaking, living
Mirror of our Maker’s face,
Through your Spirit, ever giving
Fruitful gifts, through faith, of grace:
Lead us through your sacred story
To behold your heav’nly glory.
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