Monday June 24 Pentecost 5
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Psalm 89 Part 2
This poem was written following the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon. In the first half of this psalm the poet had said, ‘God, you chose David as king and promised to protect him forever with the same amazing power with which you created the universe.’
But in this second half of the psalm the poet accuses God of being faithless, ‘God, you said you would be David’s father and he would be your son. Even if his children do not maintain justice for the poor, you said you would punish them but wouldn’t abandon your commitment to David that his royal line will never cease.’ The poet is referring to the disaster of Babylon as God’s punishment for the evil committed by kings who were all descended from David. The poet goes on, ‘But now you have broken your promise and have allowed him to be humiliated and his enemies rejoice in his defeat. God, you are faithless.’
But in face of disaster there is only one thing to do, the poet says. ‘In the end we can only trust in you.’ There is nothing more to say.
Numbers 16.1-19 What’s Numbers about?
A rebellion arises against Moses claiming that all the Israelites are holy therefore rejecting the unique leadership of Moses. At the time these stories were arranged, the Levites, the tribe who became priests, may have been in a power struggle about whether priests or other leaders are in charge. In the story, Moses presents a challenge—the rebels are to light their censors (used in temple worship) and God will decide whose worship will be accepted. For the leaders of the community re-building the temple this would be to trust God.
Matthew 19.13-22 What’s Matthew about?
Immediately following the disciples’ incredulity that husbands should treat their wives as equals, Jesus affirms the trust of small children (“children” may also refer to beginners in the faith) as foundational to God’s kingdom. It takes trust to enter a new direction in life.
This week’s collect:
O God our defender,
storms rage about us and cause us to be afraid.
Rescue your people from despair,
deliver your sons and daughters from fear,
and preserve us all from unbelief;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and ever. Amen.