“Dancing with all your might! And a Tale of Two Banquets.”

Scripture: 

2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 and Psalm 24  • 

 

Amos 7:7-15 and Psalm 85:8-13  • 

 

Ephesians 1:3-14  • 

Mark 6:14-29

We have been reflecting on faith and the power and kingdom of God. We have seen God at work in the weak and small, and contrasted its freedom from fear and doubt. We have learned that God looks to our hearts, and learned the perspective of putting God first – putting aside all that stands in the way of bringing about the kingdom of God.

This week The Rev. Dr. Barbara K. Lundblat offers us further insight comparing Herod’s banquet followed by the beheading of John the Baptist, and Jesus’ banquet in the feeding of 5,000 with 5 loaves and 2 fishes in "Two Very Different Banquets." What is the contrast in these two banquets? What helps bring about God’s kingdom? What stands in the way of bringing about God’s kingdom?

Consider also the Old Testament reading from 1 Samuel of David and the house of Israel dancing in the street with all their might, and his bringing of the ark of the covenant to his royal city. What is the significance of that? What did they do after they brought the ark into David’s Jerusalem? Read The Rev. Kathryn Matthew Huey's "God Inspired Joy."