Lectionary Ruminations 2.5 is a further revision and refinement
of my Lectionary Ruminations and Lectionary
Ruminations 2.0. Focusing on The Revised Common Lectionary Readings
for the upcoming Sunday from New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible, Lectionary Ruminations 2.5 draws on over thirty years of pastoral
experience. Believing that the questions we ask are often more important
than any answers we find, without over reliance on commentaries, I intend with
sometimes pointed and sometimes snarky comments and Socratic like questions, to
encourage reflection and rumination for readers preparing to lead a Bible
study, draft liturgy, preach, or hear the Word. Reader comments are invited and
encouraged.
JOSHUA 3:7-17
3:7 Moses’ body is barely cold in the grave and God is already
promoting Joshua. How might we apply this to pastoral transitions and pastoral
authenticity? Who really needs to know that God is with Joshua, Joshua or the
people?
3:8 Indiana Jones, where are you? Why should Joshua stand still in
the Jordan?
3:9 How might this verse be used liturgically?
3:10 “By this” refers to what? Joshua seems to tell the people
something a little different than what God told him. Who will do the driving
out?
3:11 “the LORD of all the earth” is an interesting phrase.
What about “heaven?” Listen for a refrain in verse 13. It sounds like the ark
will lead the way and the people will follow.
3:12 I wonder how these men were selected. Why were only men
selected?
3:13 How will this be different than the parting of the sea?
3:14-17 Is the Ark taking the place of Moses’ rod? Is the purpose
of this narrative to establish Joshua being equal to Moses? How could the
people cross on dry ground if the water had only recently stopped flowing?
Wouldn’t the bottom of the Jordan not be muddy? I wonder how deep and wide the
Jordan would have been at the place of crossing.
3:16 It sounds like the waters were heaped up far off in the
distance. Does this make a difference?
3:17 It sounds like the ark first led the way, then took up position
in the middle, and finally brought up
the rear.
PSALM 107:1-7, 33-37
107:1 Is it not redundant to say that steadfast love endures
forever? Then again, this is poetry.
107:2 This is sounding like a call and response.
107:3 Note the four cardinal directions. When where the people
gathered in?
107:4 If “some” wandered in desert wastes, what did others do?
Is this a reference to the Exodus, or something else?
107:5 I wonder if this verse influenced any New Testament authors,
such as the author of John?
107:6 I think there are many Psalms that express this sentiment.
107:7 Is the “straight way” always the most direct and best way?
107:33-37 Is this an example of the first being last and the last being
first, or rather the topsy-turvy world of Divine judgment and grace.
107:35 This is sounding antithetical to the imagery of the First
Reading.
1 THESSALONIANS 2:9-13
2:9 Is Paul bragging? Do you think the Thessalonians really
remembered? Would they have remembered without Paul reminding them? By
the way, I have never charged you a single cent, or asked you for any donation
to help support Lectionary Ruminations 2.5.
2:10 Would Paul be defending his conduct if they had not been some
accusation(s)?
2:11 In what other letters does Paul seem to take upon himself the
parental function?
2:12 What does a life worthy of God look like?
2:13 Is “constantly” hyperbole? How can one discern the difference
between a human word God’s word?
MATTHEW 23:1-12
23:1 What does it mean when a Gospel tells us that Jesus is speaking
to both the crowds and to his disciples?
23:2 What and where is “Moses’ seat”?
23:3 Can you think of any current day examples of people whose
teachings we should follow but not follow their actions?
23:4 What do you know about phylacteries and fringe? Are there
any Christian comparisons? What burdens do preachers, pastors, and minister
types place on others?
23:5 Would a current example be the size of the cross one wears? The
Christian bumper stickers on one’s vehicle? The Christian tats on one’s body?
23:6 Where the best seats in Synagogues in the back? Where are the
best seats today? Where is the place of honor at banquets?
23:7 If you happen to be ordained and/or serving in a pastoral
position, how do people address you and how do you want them to address you?
23:8 I am glad the PC(USA) has abandoned the terminology of “Teaching Elder” and gone back to “Minister of
Word and Sacrament.”
23:9 What can Hallmark do with this on Father’s Day? Has this ever
been used against Roman Catholics?
23:10 Ouch! There goes my six years as an adjunct faculty “instructor”
of Theology, Religion, and Philosophy down the toilet.
23:11-12 Where have we heard this before? See my rumination on Psalm
107:33-37.
ADDENDUM
I am
a Minister of the Word and Sacrament Member of Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery of
the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and am serving as the Interim Pastor of the
Richmond United Presbyterian Church, Richmond, Ohio. Sunday Worship at Richmond
begins at 11:00 AM. Some of my other blog posts have appeared on PRESBYTERIAN BLOGGERS and The
Trek.
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