Vulnerability (MTKA)

Jeremiah 23:1–6

Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord. Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord. Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord. The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”

Mark 6:30–34, 53–56

The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.

‘Text Message’ Reflection:
From Pastor Kris Tostengard Michel

Last month, Dave and I took a trip to Norway. One day, we were driving along a winding road that had taken us through tunnels, by mountains, and across bridges when we passed a point of interest and wanted to turn around to take a closer look. We pulled into a driveway that happened to lead to a meadow surrounded by forest. In a scene that could only be described as pastoral, I spotted a sheep and her three lambs lying down in a green pasture. It was a perfectly picturesque moment, so as Dave stopped the car to shift into reverse, I jumped out to take a photo. My foot had no more than touched the ground when the ewe and her offspring came running toward me! What do they want, I wondered in a panic. Who do they think I am? Someone to lead them beside still waters? A host to prepare a table before them, or at least provide an afternoon snack? Choosing to avoid engagement, I snapped two quick photos of the sheep running toward me and jumped back into the car.

This week’s readings both refer to shepherds and sheep, and although the metaphor is no longer familiar to modern people in an urban setting, we can imagine our way into what Jesus and Jeremiah were saying. Sheep are social animals with a herd mentality, inclined to stick together, even when they’re headed toward danger. Shepherds care for them by feeding them, protecting them from danger, tending them when sick, and leading them to new pastures. An underlying assumption in both readings is that people need leaders to help them thrive and live as God intended.

 In Mark’s story, the people recognize Jesus and run to him (not unlike the sheep I encountered), bringing their sick with them. He has compassion on them because they lack systems that care for their needs. Jeremiah uses the metaphor to refer to leaders who have led the sheep astray. Perhaps they were more concerned with their own self interest, rather than the flourishing of the sheep. Jeremiah says God will raise up a new leader who will execute justice and righteousness in the land. Righteousness is when something functions the way it was intended. It’s like using a tool that was made for the job. It’s humans and creation working in harmony for the good of all. 

‘Text Message’ Reflection Questions:

• In what ways do people need leaders? What modern metaphor or rhetorical phrase might describe the relationship between leaders and followers when all is functioning as intended? Are there perfect examples?
• Jesus attempts to get away to a deserted place with the disciples to rest, but they can’t even find time to eat, let alone rest. What settings are conducive to rest for you?
• When the people rush to see Jesus, they bring sick people with them for healing. In what ways do you or someone you know advocate for the health of another?

Quote from Matt Skinner (Working Preacher):

“In a world where cynicism and fear are effective means of controlling people and stifling widespread human flourishing, too many hopeful people become threatening. Yet hope cannot remain hidden. It doesn’t work that way.”

Prayer:

Gracious God, raise up leaders who tend the well-being of people and creation entrusted to their care. Give us courage and tenacity to advocate for those who are ill or in special need of care. Help us embody your justice and peace in the world. Amen.