There was a strong aim in in my childhood Southern Baptist church to teach children to find their way around the Bible. One way to promote this was the use of “sword drills”, named after the scriptural phrase that the Word was like a “two edged sword.” Students would form a line with each holding a Bible. A leader would then announce a biblical text, and the first child to accurately find it would step forward and read the verses. This was a frequent practice in my church, no doubt contributing to a certain familiarity I have with the Holy Book. These days, however, as I move toward retirement, this practice functions as a metaphor in and of itself, inviting me to know that the Word finds us, calling us to step up to the situation at hand.
Interestingly, the two lectionary passages for this Sunday center around the public reading of Scripture. In Nehemiah 8: 1-10, to be read by Lisa Kurz, the priest and scribe, Ezra, reads the Law to those who have just returned from a long exile in Babylon. The hearers, eager for the sound of Scripture being read, prevail upon Ezra to read the words in a public space, rather than in the temple. The change in venue allowed all, including women and children, to hear. These, just fresh back from their detention, stood for nearly six hours to quench their thirst for the hearing of the ancient story. Luke 4:14-21, to be read by Maria Schmidt, tells the story of Jesus’ return to his hometown of Nazareth. He went to synagogue worship, and stood to read the lection for the day, which was a selection from the Book of Isaiah. The passage he read proclaimed the commencing of the year of Jubilee. Every fiftieth year, non-commercial debts were to be forgiven, indentured servants were to be released, debts forgiven, and individuals would return to the family’s original lands. By reading this, Jesus is appropriating this powerful symbol to shape his own ministry. He is the one, Jesus would say, who will bring tremendous personal and social change to reality.
Sunday service asks us to consider how we are being called to step forward in our day. In a time of deep social tension, global crises and personal tragedy, when many are vulnerable and alone, how do we hear the Word calling to us? The sermon is titled, “The Call to Step Up”, and flows from the texts mentioned above. We’ll be led musically by our Chancel Choir, under the direction of Gerry Sousa and accompanied by Lois Leong. We will sing together, have a moment for children, and pray together. We hope you join us.