Unfortunately, the church is not exempt from sexual scandal. More and more we are learning of serial abusers in the church and coverups by church leadership. Some church leaders respond by shaming the victim or refusing to take their claims seriously. We can and must do better. The story of David and Bathsheba can give us some guidance.
Sermon Texts
In a time of acrimonious division in our country, the church has a ripe opportunity to be a unifying voice. In the church, everyone is welcome: gay, straight, liberal, conservative, Democrat, Republican, everyone. Paul says that Christ has broken down the walls of hostility that divide people. We must be careful that those walls are not erected again.
It was a big occasion. After a twenty-year absence, the Ark of the Covenant returned to Jerusalem. King David was so elated he danced before the Lord. But David’s wife, Michal, was scandalized. You’ll be surprised to learn why.
God calls the prophet Ezekiel, a mortal, to be a messenger to the Israelites in exile. Ezekiel’s mission is to remain faithful to God’s call despite the promise that they may be a stubborn people and refuse to hear what God has to say through him. As a society we have many ways of measuring success, and you can probably name a few of them. God’s call on Ezekiel’s life is not measured by the response of the people but by his faithfulness to be God’s messenger. In what ways do we pit ourselves up against the measures of success that society deems worthy over what God has called us to be, which is simply faithful?
Saul was the first king of Israel. His son, Jonathan, and David were close friends. Saul and Jonathan were killed in battle. David mourned. He learned what many of us know. Mourning is healing. The pastor will talk about this next Sunday.
The story of David and Goliath is one we likely learned in Vacation Bible School. It has an adult message, though.