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Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for Lent 2 - 17 February 2008

david

52 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for Lent 2 - 17 February 2008
Posted: 11 Feb 08 7:52 AM (United States)

Sorry for the spotty updates on this page. We'll try to be more faithful during these weeks leading to Easter. And we invite you to begin by looking at the readings appointed for this coming Sunday, February 17...the Second Sunday in Lent.

Genesis 12:1-4a. The Lord calls Abram to a new challenge and a new covenant. Note the three promises which God makes...people, place and purpose. How well have God's people received those promises over the centuries? How are they still applicable in this day and age...or are they?
Romans 4:1-5, 13-17. It's Abraham (Abram) again...but this time as an example of righteousness through faith (according to Paul). This is classic Lutheran theological ground. What does it say about the relationship between our works/our assent and God's gift of mercy and salvation?
John 3:1-17. Sure...everyone knows at least the next to last verse in this passage. But take time to read the entire passage for the sake of context. Do you remember Nicodemus? Where else does he show up in the Biblical story? Does he ever "get it?" Not also the reference to the lifting up of the Son of Man and its relationship to Israel's time in the wilderness. How does looking up to Christ on the cross benefit us? Finally...what is the scope of God's intention here? Who or what all is to be saved through Christ?

Enjoy your reading and your study. Feel free to email any questions or reactions you have to these texts and questions. I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you in Church!

Pr. David

david

52 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for Lent 4 - 2 March 2008
Posted: 25 Feb 08 1:13 PM (United States)

Looking ahead to this Sunday: here are some thought-starters on week's readings from the Revised Common Lectionary:

1 Samuel 16:1-13. Samuel anoints David to be Saul's successor as king...even though he's the eighth-oldest son of Jesse and doesn't come close to matching his brothers in height or other physical characteristics. What does this tell us about how God chooses those who will lead his people? What does this suggest in general about those in and through whom God's glory might be seen?
Ephesians 5:8-14. Paul writes to a congregation composed largely of Greeks whose prior religious practice we would consider to be pagan. He draws the contrast between their current and former lives in images of light and darkness. How is that image helpful? What does it suggest to you? What parts of our lives are routinely lived in darkness? How do things change when they are brought into the light?
John 9:1-41. Jesus heals a man born blind, provoking a hostile reaction that he regards as spiritual blindness to the things of God. Why do we insist in blaming God (or someone) for situations we don't understand? Is it possible that we sometimes choose to be blind in order to avoid dealing with the situation before us? What is role of faith here? How can we learn to see God's work for good even in difficult circumstances?

There you go...just enough to get your brain going (I hope!). Enjoy...and be sure to write if your have questions or comments.

Pr. David

david

52 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for Lent 5 - 9 March 2008
Posted: 03 Mar 08 11:27 AM (United States)

As Lent draws to a close, the stakes for Jesus' ministry continue to increase. Take a look at these three lessons and see what you think:

Ezekiel 37:1-14...the original context is as a word of hope to a nation in exile. Cut off from their native land, can God still guard and guide his people? Have you ever felt abandoned by God and breathless before a hostile world? Note the promise of new life of which the Lord speaks.
Romans 8:6-11...the language here echoes the reading from Ezekiel. The Spirit brings life. God has power to resurrect us just as he raised Jesus from the dead. What benefits do we gain in setting our mind on the Spirit? Is this possible for us?
John 11:1-45...Jesus goes to his "sleeping" friend Lazarus when most believe that 1) it's too dangerous for him to go, and 2) it's already too late for Lazarus. But here Jesus makes his most outrageous claim for who he is (see verse 25). How is Jesus' claim borne out in this story? in the Easter story? in our own personal stories?

I look forward to hearing what you're thinking about these. Feel free to email your comments so that every one can read. Thanks!

Pr. David

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Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for Lent 2 - 17 February 2008