Take a moment to centre yourself in prayer:
O God of resurrection, rise up in our hearts. Lift us when we are too weak to live as disciples, lead us to living waters when we are thirsting for hope, welcome us into the abundance of your joy. Open your words to us, that we might be inspired, comforted, challenged and strengthened. For we live our lives in your name, Amen
This Sunday is traditionally called “Good Shepherd Sunday”. Every year the psalm that is used is the 23rd Psalm “The Lord’s My Shepherd.”
Marcus Borg suggests there are different ways to approach scripture – One of these approaches, he calls Sacramental, a word we associate with baptism and communion. He is suggesting that sometimes scripture symbolizes much more than what the words actually contain… Think of a reading of the Christmas story, or Love is patient, love is kind... at a wedding, or the 23rd Psalm in a hospital room or at a memorial service. The reading directs our hearts and minds towards something BEYOND.
Question for Reflection: Can you think of a scripture passage that is “sacramental” for you?
The 23rd Psalm can be one of those readings… but it might depend on which version you know best! Contrast a "traditional" translation with one from the 20th century:
King James Version
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
The Message:
God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I am not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.
You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies;
You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.
Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.
The traditional reading may be “sacramental”, but a newer one might shed new light on your understanding.
The Good Shepherd image is popular but can be mystifying if we don’t understand shepherding. A good reference to check out is A Shepherd looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller, Zondervan Books, 1970.
In his notes about verse 2, Keller says that there are 4 things sheep need before they will lie down and get the rest they need: They need to be: free from fear; free from friction or conflict within the flock; free from pests, like flies or parasites; free from hunger.
In verse 3, Keller reflects how one source for clean water is the dew on the early morning grasses. The shepherd needs to be an early riser to get the sheep on their feet so that they can drink dew before it evaporates.
A “cast” sheep can not stand up after lying down and rolling over, it will suffocate if left lying down to long. The sheep needs constant attention in case it needs rescue, restoration - the good shepherd "restores my soul."
All the gospel readings for Easter 4 are taken from John 10. This year we READ John 10:22-30.
For John one of the dominant themes was proving that Jesus is the Messiah, so he uses imagery from the prophets and psalms to show Jesus “fulfilling” the hope of Israel through traditional Jewish festivals.
In verse 22, John refers to the "Festival of the Dedication", probably the annual re-dedication of the temple in celebration of the Maccabean victory in 164 BCE (what we call Hanukkah!) throughout the gospel, John mentions a series of Jewish festivals, giving them new meaning with Jesus’ actions. The focus shifts from God working through the temple, to God working through the Messiah. Clearly there is an anti-Jewish bias in John's gospel. We should be careful to note that John's conflict was not with all Jews, but with the powerful and corrupt temple authorities whom John felt had distorted God's truth.
In verses 25-6, Jesus' turns the the question about his authority back on his opponents. The real question is not who Jesus is, but whether they have faith.
All questions to Jesus about identity and authority are almost always answered by proving what he does – in this case, the proof is that what he does, he does in unity with God.
Question for Reflection: How do others see our “oneness” with God?
In Easter 4, the epistle reading always has some reference to shepherds
READ Revelation 7:9-17
Who is the multitude that is speaking?
Rev 7:1-8 shows 144,000 – twelve thousand from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. This gathering is symbolic of the fulfilment of Israel’s eschatology. The “multitude”in v.9, however, seems much more general, “drawn from every nation”. John is suggesting that salvation is not only for Israel, but for faithful people of every nation. It probably refers to the martyrs “washed in the blood of the Lamb”.
Verse 14 mentions “the great persecution” or “ordeal”. This is probably not in reference to the official persecution of Rome under Nero, yet many at this time suffered for following Jesus.
Question for Reflection: How do we “bear witness” to our faith? What is persecution today and are we willing to witness in spite of it?
READ Acts 9:36-43
After Paul begins his leadership role in the church, Peter doesn’t just fade into background – his power increases as is seen in today’s story. Both Peter and Paul are necessary. Interpreters describe their relationship as the “warp” and the “weft” of the Christian faith.
Peter follows the lead of Jesus, and the prophets before him (Luke 5:17-26; 1 Kings 17:17-24; 2 Kings 4:19-37), establishing his authority by his deeds, and unity with God through Jesus.
Joppa is the modern Jaffa, in Isreal, its meaning is beautiful.
The harbor for the area has been ruled by Egyptians, Philistines, the tribe of Dan. Under Herod, it was a lesser port than Caesarea, and was known to be fiercely Jewish until the destruction of Jerusalem.
It was one of the first Christian communities outside Jerusalem, and the site of Peter’s dream about God's impartiality. Tabitha is specifically described as a disciple, with a feminine form of mathetes (disciple) - matheria.
She was devoted to good works, very valuable in the community, a lynch-pin. She may have been a widow herself, but clearly she stood up for widows, who were a very vulnerable population, dependent on their community' generosity.
As early church develops we have clear lines of leadership, based on a hierarchy of gifts.
But Tabitha's story reminds us that the church would not have survived if it were not for the workers who cared for others in the most basic way
The emphasis here is not just on Peter, but on the community that called on him – a community that believed in resurrection, and that reached out for hope even in the face of death
If a community has faith, even when we lose significant volunteers, new "tabithas" will always rise up out of the family of faith.
Question for Reflection: With church numbers declining (overall) where do we see Tabitha's spirit still rising in our midst?
Closing Prayer:
O God, help us rise up with life-giving acts:
We pray for all in need of healing, for those who need relief from illness or worry or fear, for comfort from past abuse, for good news for those who sorrow.
O God, help us rise up with life-giving acts:
We pray for the ordinary work of each day, for faith as we prepare meals, tend our homes, care for others, correspond with friends, employ our hands, hearts and minds.
O God, help us rise up with life-giving acts:
We pray for the fabric of this community, for all that holds us together and the thread of your grace woven into our lives and community. May we wrap the world with your loving ways. For we pray in the name of Jesus, who gives life to us, Amen.
O God of resurrection, rise up in our hearts. Lift us when we are too weak to live as disciples, lead us to living waters when we are thirsting for hope, welcome us into the abundance of your joy. Open your words to us, that we might be inspired, comforted, challenged and strengthened. For we live our lives in your name, Amen
This Sunday is traditionally called “Good Shepherd Sunday”. Every year the psalm that is used is the 23rd Psalm “The Lord’s My Shepherd.”
Marcus Borg suggests there are different ways to approach scripture – One of these approaches, he calls Sacramental, a word we associate with baptism and communion. He is suggesting that sometimes scripture symbolizes much more than what the words actually contain… Think of a reading of the Christmas story, or Love is patient, love is kind... at a wedding, or the 23rd Psalm in a hospital room or at a memorial service. The reading directs our hearts and minds towards something BEYOND.
Question for Reflection: Can you think of a scripture passage that is “sacramental” for you?
The 23rd Psalm can be one of those readings… but it might depend on which version you know best! Contrast a "traditional" translation with one from the 20th century:
King James Version
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
The Message:
God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I am not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.
You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies;
You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.
Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.
The traditional reading may be “sacramental”, but a newer one might shed new light on your understanding.
The Good Shepherd image is popular but can be mystifying if we don’t understand shepherding. A good reference to check out is A Shepherd looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller, Zondervan Books, 1970.
In his notes about verse 2, Keller says that there are 4 things sheep need before they will lie down and get the rest they need: They need to be: free from fear; free from friction or conflict within the flock; free from pests, like flies or parasites; free from hunger.
In verse 3, Keller reflects how one source for clean water is the dew on the early morning grasses. The shepherd needs to be an early riser to get the sheep on their feet so that they can drink dew before it evaporates.
A “cast” sheep can not stand up after lying down and rolling over, it will suffocate if left lying down to long. The sheep needs constant attention in case it needs rescue, restoration - the good shepherd "restores my soul."
All the gospel readings for Easter 4 are taken from John 10. This year we READ John 10:22-30.
For John one of the dominant themes was proving that Jesus is the Messiah, so he uses imagery from the prophets and psalms to show Jesus “fulfilling” the hope of Israel through traditional Jewish festivals.
In verse 22, John refers to the "Festival of the Dedication", probably the annual re-dedication of the temple in celebration of the Maccabean victory in 164 BCE (what we call Hanukkah!) throughout the gospel, John mentions a series of Jewish festivals, giving them new meaning with Jesus’ actions. The focus shifts from God working through the temple, to God working through the Messiah. Clearly there is an anti-Jewish bias in John's gospel. We should be careful to note that John's conflict was not with all Jews, but with the powerful and corrupt temple authorities whom John felt had distorted God's truth.
In verses 25-6, Jesus' turns the the question about his authority back on his opponents. The real question is not who Jesus is, but whether they have faith.
All questions to Jesus about identity and authority are almost always answered by proving what he does – in this case, the proof is that what he does, he does in unity with God.
Question for Reflection: How do others see our “oneness” with God?
In Easter 4, the epistle reading always has some reference to shepherds
READ Revelation 7:9-17
Who is the multitude that is speaking?
Rev 7:1-8 shows 144,000 – twelve thousand from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. This gathering is symbolic of the fulfilment of Israel’s eschatology. The “multitude”in v.9, however, seems much more general, “drawn from every nation”. John is suggesting that salvation is not only for Israel, but for faithful people of every nation. It probably refers to the martyrs “washed in the blood of the Lamb”.
Verse 14 mentions “the great persecution” or “ordeal”. This is probably not in reference to the official persecution of Rome under Nero, yet many at this time suffered for following Jesus.
Question for Reflection: How do we “bear witness” to our faith? What is persecution today and are we willing to witness in spite of it?
READ Acts 9:36-43
After Paul begins his leadership role in the church, Peter doesn’t just fade into background – his power increases as is seen in today’s story. Both Peter and Paul are necessary. Interpreters describe their relationship as the “warp” and the “weft” of the Christian faith.
Peter follows the lead of Jesus, and the prophets before him (Luke 5:17-26; 1 Kings 17:17-24; 2 Kings 4:19-37), establishing his authority by his deeds, and unity with God through Jesus.
Joppa is the modern Jaffa, in Isreal, its meaning is beautiful.
The harbor for the area has been ruled by Egyptians, Philistines, the tribe of Dan. Under Herod, it was a lesser port than Caesarea, and was known to be fiercely Jewish until the destruction of Jerusalem.
It was one of the first Christian communities outside Jerusalem, and the site of Peter’s dream about God's impartiality. Tabitha is specifically described as a disciple, with a feminine form of mathetes (disciple) - matheria.
She was devoted to good works, very valuable in the community, a lynch-pin. She may have been a widow herself, but clearly she stood up for widows, who were a very vulnerable population, dependent on their community' generosity.
As early church develops we have clear lines of leadership, based on a hierarchy of gifts.
But Tabitha's story reminds us that the church would not have survived if it were not for the workers who cared for others in the most basic way
The emphasis here is not just on Peter, but on the community that called on him – a community that believed in resurrection, and that reached out for hope even in the face of death
If a community has faith, even when we lose significant volunteers, new "tabithas" will always rise up out of the family of faith.
Question for Reflection: With church numbers declining (overall) where do we see Tabitha's spirit still rising in our midst?
Closing Prayer:
O God, help us rise up with life-giving acts:
We pray for all in need of healing, for those who need relief from illness or worry or fear, for comfort from past abuse, for good news for those who sorrow.
O God, help us rise up with life-giving acts:
We pray for the ordinary work of each day, for faith as we prepare meals, tend our homes, care for others, correspond with friends, employ our hands, hearts and minds.
O God, help us rise up with life-giving acts:
We pray for the fabric of this community, for all that holds us together and the thread of your grace woven into our lives and community. May we wrap the world with your loving ways. For we pray in the name of Jesus, who gives life to us, Amen.
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