Sermon: “Bathsheba’s Gift”, 2 Samuel 11:1-5, 14-18, 26-27; 12:15b-18a, 24-25 (December 22, 2024)

We’ve read some tough stories about the women in Jesus’ genealogy over the past three weeks. But while Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth all had to overcome significant odds, Bathsheba’s situation is on a whole different level. At least the other three women were able to exercise a certain level of agency, in spite of their patriarchal contexts. Bathsheba, on the other hand, almost seems trapped within her own story. In fact, although nothing in 2 Samuel 11 could have happened without her, Scripture depicts her almost as if she doesn’t even matter as a human being. For all intents and purposes, her humanity is erased entirely.

Liturgy: Advent IV, Selections from 2 Samuel 11 & 12 (December 22, 2024)

 This liturgy is based on our Advent Theme this year, "The Gifts of Women", based on the women in Matthew's account of Jesus' genealogy. 

          *You are welcome to use or adapt any of my resources for free, but I ask that you provide proper citation AND comment on this post to let me know.*

Hymns

Hymn GTG #93, “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” 

Hymn GTG #324, “For All the Faithful Women" [v. 1 + New Verse:]

Remembering Bathsheba, we offer up a prayer,

For those whose lives and stories are neither good nor fair.

Although she was exploited, abused in every way,

Her strength and her resilience inspire our faith today.

Hymn GTG #87, “Comfort, Comfort Now My People” 

Liturgy: David and Bathsheba - 1 Samuel 11:14-17, 26-27, 12:1-9 (October 23, 2022)

*You are welcome to use or adapt any of my resources for free, but I ask that you provide proper citation AND comment on this post to let me know.*

Call to Worship

Leader: Rejoice in the one who hears our cries!
People: Who offers forgiveness for our wrongdoing and answers our prayers!

Sermon: “Imperfect Confession”, 2 Samuel 11:14-17, 26-27, 12:1-9/Psalm 51 (October 23, 2022)

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2 Timothy[1] tells us that “Every scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character, so that the person who belongs to God can be equipped to do everything that is good.” The idea is, of course, that all scripture has value, and we shouldn’t throw out any passages just because we don’t like them. But in certain contexts, a Bible story hits a little too close to home and becomes harmful to hear. Many people struggle with today’s reading because it elicits painful memories; hearing about David’s terrible choices retraumatizes them. I want to remind these people that just because a passage is useful for teaching doesn’t mean that we’re always in a position to receive its lesson. If this story is difficult for you to sit with, it’s okay to take care of yourself by stepping away from it. Its lesson will still be there if and when it’s not so painful for you to hear.