Pentecost • 9
reading for: Tuesday Night, 16 Jul
Mark 6:30-56
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Scripture Reading: Mark 6:30-56
30 The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 33Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. 35 And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. 36 Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. 41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44 And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men. 45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. 47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. 53 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. 54 And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him 55 and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
Commentary
The apostles returned to Jesus after the great work that they had done for they had healed many of the sick and taught many people in the villages. Jesus wanted them to go and rest in a desolate place for a while. For they had no time to rest and eat as many people were coming and going. Thus, they went away in the boat to a desolate place to rest.
Many of the crowd saw them and followed them, getting there ahead of them. Jesus and his disciples were likely tired, and they needed their rest but Jesus saw the crowds and had compassion on them and begin to teach them. Later when it was getting late, Jesus again had compassion on them for they were likely hungry and told his disciples to feed them. Finally, Jesus took the five loaves and two fishes, and fed the crowd of more than five thousand man for he multiplied the five loaves and two fishes so that the crowds ate and were satisfied, and they had twelve baskets left over.
Jesus’s compassion shows forth again for he made his disciples get into the boat while he dismissed the crowd and decided to go to the mountain to pray. As the dsiciples were in the boat, he saw that they were making headway painfully for the wind was against them. They were stuck in the boat and could not get out. Jesus had compassion on them and came to them walking on the sea and told them to take heart and not be afraid for the Lord is with them. Jesus then got into the boat and then wind ceased, and they crossed over to the other side.
When they had crossed over to the other side and were by the shore, many people came to him with their sick people. Whenever he went, they brought the sick to him and pleaded with him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment that those who touched it were made well. Jesus had compassion on them for he healed many of the sick.
In today’s passage we see the compassion of Jesus whose compassion and love shines forth in the deeds he did. He had compassion on his disciples and wanted them to rest and eat. He had compassion on the crowds for they were in a desolate place and did not have anything to eat. He had compassion on his disciples that they were stuck in a storm and came to them. Finally, he had compassion on the crowds so that those who were sick were healed. This is who Jesus is, our Lord whose love endures and is full of loving kindness and mercies.
REFLECT
Mark shows a picture of Jesus that is compassionate and loving, showing concern for the welfare of others. He did not want the crowds to go hungry and be sick. He did not want his disciples to be stuck in a storm and be tired without rest. We who are his children, servants and friends ought to be like him showing compassion and love to others.
Let us reflect on how we can be like Jesus this week, showing compassion to others. What is one or two things we can do this week to show love and compassion to others. Maybe we can pause in our day to pray for one or two people in our LG.
reading for: Wednesday Night, 17 Jul
2 Samuel 7:1-14
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7 Now when the king lived in his house and the Lord had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, 2 the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.” 3 And Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.”
4 But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, 5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: Would you build me a house to dwell in? 6 I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling. 7 In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’ 8 Now, therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel. 9 And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. 10 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly, 11 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. 12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you.
Commentary
In 2 Samuel 7:1-14, we find one of the most significant moments in the Bible, where God makes a profound promise to King David.
After David became king and established peace in Israel, he built a palace for himself in Jerusalem. Feeling that it was not right for him to live in a grand house while the Ark of God remained in a tent, David desired to build a temple for God. However, God had a different plan. Through the prophet Nathan, God conveyed His intention to build a "house" for David—not a physical structure, but an everlasting dynasty. This marked the beginning of the Davidic Covenant, a key promise in the Bible.
David wanted to build a house for God, but God had a different plan. Instead of David building a house for God, God promised to build a house for David—a lasting dynasty. Let's read a key part of this passage:"And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more... Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house" (2 Samuel 7:9-11).
This passage highlights two major themes: God's faithfulness and sovereignty. God, in His grace, initiates this covenant with David. It's not because of what David has done, but because of who God is. He promised David that his kingdom would last forever, and He fulfilled this promise in Jesus Christ, who is from David's line and reigns eternally.
David’s desire to build a temple for God was good, but God redirected his intention. God’s plans are always greater than ours. Sometimes, like David, we have good intentions and plans, but God may have something different in mind—something better. This teaches us to trust in God's wisdom and timing.
The promise to David points to the future hope of the Messiah. God told David, "When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom" (2 Samuel 7:12). This is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Our hope and salvation rest in Him, the eternal King from David’s line.
REFLECT
This past week, we were reminded of the instability and uncertainties in our world with the news of the assassination attempt on former President Trump. Such events can cause fear and anxiety, highlighting the fragility of human plans and leadership. In contrast, 2 Samuel 7:1-14 reminds us of the unshakeable nature of God's promises and His eternal sovereignty. While human leaders and structures may falter, God's kingdom stands firm. This passage encourages us to place our trust not in earthly powers, but in the eternal reign of Jesus Christ, the promised descendant of David, who brings true peace and security.
Reflect on a time when you trusted in God’s promises. How did He show His faithfulness in your life?
Are there areas in your life where you need to align your plans with God’s will? How can you seek His guidance and trust His greater plan for you?
As we prepare our hearts and minds for Sunday worship, let’s discuss this question in our Life Groups: How does understanding God’s faithfulness to David in 2 Samuel 7:1-14 help us trust Him more in our current situations?
reading for: THURSDAY Night, 18 Jul
Ephesians 2:11-22
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Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:11-22
11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands - 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Commentary
Tonight’s reading begins by calling us to remember our story in a very particular way – a time in our lives where we were “separated from Christ…having no hope and without God in the world” (v11-12). We were far away from God and had no way to reach him. However, on the cross, Jesus torn down the wall that divided us (from God and each other) and brought us home to where God is (v13-17).
As such, all of us who believes are now one in Christ. We follow the same Lord, have the same Spirit and share the same Father (v18). We are no longer a foreigner or a wanderer. We are citizens and we have a home. We belong to God and are a part of the house He is building (v19).
And with Christ as the cornerstone and us as stones, God is establishing a dwelling place for Himself and putting together a new kind of family (v20-22). It is a home away from Home and a household unlike any on earth. And in this home and household, we are no longer defined by our differences in nationality, language, marital status, sexual orientation, ethnic identity, education, political affiliation, or any of the myriad ways in which our culture is determined to divide us. We are defined by His blood and we are one in Christ.
REFLECT
We are family and that is the truth. We may not feel it or fail miserably at it, but we are still family. God has put us together and He longs for CNL to be His dwelling place and a house that hosts him well. Will we collectively give our all to make His longing a reality?
reading for: FRIDAY Night, 19 jul
Psalm 89:20-37
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Scripture Reading
89:20 I have found my servant David; with my holy oil I have anointed him;
89:21 my hand shall always remain with him; my arm also shall strengthen him.
89:22 The enemy shall not outwit him; the wicked shall not humble him.
89:23 I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him.
89:24 My faithfulness and steadfast love shall be with him, and in my name his horn shall be exalted.
89:25 I will set his hand on the sea and his right hand on the rivers.
89:26 He shall cry to me, 'You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation!'
89:27 I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.
89:28 Forever I will keep my steadfast love for him, and my covenant with him will stand firm.
89:29 I will establish his line forever and his throne as long as the heavens endure.
89:30 If his children forsake my law and do not walk according to my ordinances,
89:31 if they violate my statutes and do not keep my commandments,
89:32 then I will punish their transgression with the rod and their iniquity with scourges,
89:33 but I will not remove from him my steadfast love or be false to my faithfulness.
89:34 I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips.
89:35 Once and for all I have sworn by my holiness; I will not lie to David.
89:36 His line shall continue forever, and his throne endure before me like the sun.
89:37 It shall be established forever like the moon, an enduring witness in the skies." Selah
Commentary
In CNL, we are setting aside our Sundays to prepare for the Lord’s day. The day when Jesus comes back again in full glory and might.
Besides preparing for the full healing that will take place when Jesus the King comes back again, what else are we preparing for?
We are also preparing for the revealing of God’s children, His sons and daughters. (Romans 8:19)
Sons act like their fathers. Therefore as children of God we are to live, act and think our God our Heavenly Father. (John 8:38)
Even though this Psalm is written specifically about David as God’s son, we as God’s children have become co-heirs in Christ (Romans 8:17). And therefore can learn to step into our privilege and identity as God’s children.
Just as God the Father found David and anointed Him (1 Sam 16), we too have been found by God and anointing by Him through the giving of His Holy Spirit (v. 20).
And as we see the exploits and battles of David, we too can be assured that God’s hand and arm will strengthen and enable us (v. 21).
We will not be outwitted by the enemy or humbled by wickedness (v. 22).
Instead we can stand steady as God defeats all of our enemies (v. 23).
God’s faithfulness and steadfastness will be upon us just as it was on David even as God’s name is lifted up (v. 24).
Even the chaotic seas and rivers will be given submitted under God’s authority (v. 25).
For God is our Rock and our salvation, He is our Heavenly Father (v. 26).
To be first before God’s eyes is different from being first in the world’s eyes. For being a King set apart by Him is to be the firstborn (v. 27).
God’s steadfast love and covenant given to David is now ours through His Son Jesus (v. 28).
And we have entered into the lineage and kingdom of God through Jesus (v. 29).
We will be disciplined by God because we are His children, yet it will be because of God’s wrath but His steadfast love and faithfulness (v. 30-33). (Hebrews 12:6)
God, His word and promises will forever hold true, for His Word will not return empty but will bear fruit (v. 34-37) (Isaiah 55:11)
Because of Jesus we have now become children of God, forever bearing witness to God’s covenant and word (v. 36-37).
REFLECT
We often hear the truth and words that we have become God’s children, His sons and daughters. But do we truly perceive and realise the significance of what has happened?
Reading Psalm 89, its easy to think that this Psalm applies to David, the great king who was after God’s heart. And we can also easily associate it with Jesus who was the son of David and became King of all Kings.
Yet the scriptures also tell us that we have begun this journey of becoming God’s own children. And we are awaiting that day when God’s children will be seen when Jesus comes back again.
In our daily struggles of life, we so easily forget that we are God’s children. Our anxiousness of the future, our unforgiveness of the past, only points to our hearts that have not experienced the depths of God’s love as His children.
Psalm 89 isn’t just a Psalm about David, neither was it just pointing to Jesus, its a Psalm for you and me. As sons of God this is what we have been given through Jesus.
Would you let that sink into your heart and allow His word and promises in this Psalm grab you?