You can read the lessons for July 5th, Proper 9, here.
I turned 30 recently. This is not a crisis moment for me, but we do have opportunities at times like this to pause and consider where we've come from, where we are, and where we're going. David was 30 years old when he began to reign. While I haven't assumed a royal position, I am thankful for the opportunities and experiences I've had, and I hope that I've made valuable contributions to my family, my friends, the church, and the world.
I will tell you this, though, the week I turned 30 I hurt my foot running and I woke up with a stiff neck for a week. Is this what getting old feels like?
In the readings for today from Ezekiel and 2 Corinthians, both the Apostle Paul and the Prophet Ezekiel have interesting experiences - their bodies don't do what they want them to do. Ezekiel is told to stand up and listen. He can't do it on his own. Instead, a spirit entered into him and set him on his feet. Paul begs to have the 'thorn in his flesh' taken away. But instead, he lives with his weakness and learns more about grace because of it.
I'm sure that David was a strong man when he began to rule. Perhaps he didn't have these physical problems that slowed Ezekiel and Paul. But he aged like anyone does. And as he did, he became greater and greater. 2 Samuel 5:10 says in the Message that David had a larger embrace and a longer stride. And it's not because he was a fit and self-sufficient ruler. It's because the LORD, the God of hosts, was with him.
For Ezekiel, for Paul, and for David - and for us - we can't forget that we are inhabited by, inspired by a God of grace. My foot is feeling better now. I think I've identified the problem thanks to a birthday subscription to Runner's World. But I'm remembering more and more that it's the gracious Spirit of God that, though I am weak, sets me on my feet.
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