Week Two

Part 2: A Word Overheard

Read Read 2 Samuel 18: 5-9, 15, 31-33

In verses 5-9 David is overheard giving orders to ‘Deal gently’ with his rebellious son Absalom. The phrase is revealing for it shows the heart of David as compared to what he is almost certain will happen to his son.

Do you think our throwaway lines have a story to tell? Is it possible that our actions speak louder than the desires of our hearts? Look at Romans 7: 19. How can we make our heart’s desire to do good be reflected in our actions?

Read Ephesians 4:25-5:2

“…and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.” (4:32 in the NRSV translation)

What does the phrase ‘tenderhearted’ make you think about? How does this link into forgiveness? (See Psalm 103: 13 too.)

In our resource pack for this month we talk about this passage encouraging us to till the “Kingdom soil”. What image does this phrase evoke? How can we tenderly care for the soil of God’s Kingdom?

Read Psalm 23

The keywords right in the middle of this reading are “fear no evil” and variations of this sentiment are overheard throughout the Bible (see John 16: 33 Luke 12: 32).

This psalm is a favourite of many. How do you feel about the imagery? Especially what do you make of the idea that God will step into our lives in the middle of a struggle — and bring party food… (see verse 5)?