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Reading the Weekly Lessons...An On-line Study

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for July 3-6...An On-line Study

david

47 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for July 3-6...An On-line Study
Posted: 30 Jun 08 7:16 AM (N/A)

On a weekend when most Americans' attention will be turned to liberty and independence, our readings point us towards the ultimate source of our peace and the true objective of our politics.

Zechariah 9:9-12... This familiar passage describes the coming messiah as a king who will inaugurate an era of disarmament and prosperity. It also reminds Israel that they are God's "prisoners of hope"...those who are covenant bound to God even as God is bound to them. Is such a king possible? How does being a prisoner of hope square with our notions of political liberty?
Romans 7:15-25a... Life enslaved under sin is a Catch-22 existence in which we know good but don't do it, and do things we know to be bad. Sound familiar? Paul holds out hope for us through Christ who alone can set us free from such a futile existence. This raises the question: who is your Lord? Under whom do you serve? For whom do you live...yourself alone or Christ Jesus?
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30... Jesus chides those who find fault with both his ministry and that of John the Baptist. He thanks God that wisdom and intelligence are not needed to receive what God has to offer. And he invites us into relationship...bearing the yoke of discipleship. This is an interesting kind of freedom...one that includes being partnered with Christ. What might that look like in your life? More: is total freedom even possible? Or are we always "yoked" with something or someone?

Freedom. Hope. Discipleship. Some good things to consider alongside our national celebrations. I look forward to your comments and insights!

Pr. David

david

47 posts

Reading the Weekly Lessons for July 17-20...An On-line Study
Posted: 14 Jul 08 6:46 AM (N/A)

Sorry for the lack of posting last week. Sometimes the days just go too fast.

Here are the readings for this coming weekend's worship. We invite you to read, pray and reflect on them...and to share your insights here.

Isaiah 44:6-8...God claims the right to his lordship over us as one who announces the truth. Other gods are silent, even as God taunts them to respond. What does it mean for us that our God speaks? Even more: what does it mean for us that our God speaks the truth about our human condition and about his own reign over us?
Romans 8:12-25...For Paul, true spirituality means that we experience the reality of the Spirit. This amazing reality enables us to pray as God's children, keeps us in solidarity with creation, and gives us unseen hope that God will liberate us and creation from our bondage to death and decay. What implications are there for being heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ? How might the groaning of creation be evident around us?
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43...Jesus tells a parable about the co-existence of good and evil in this world...and he promises that God's judgment will remove all evildoers and causes of sin at the end of human history. Should this make us a bit nervous? Where is the grace in this passage? How are our lives like the field sown with both good and bad? Or...how might we be called to sow the Word in the field of this world?

Good readings to chew on! Enjoy your time with them. See you in Church!

Pr. David

david

47 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for July 24-27...An On-line Study
Posted: 22 Jul 08 1:46 PM (N/A)

Solomon prays for a discerning mind. Indeed. God promises that nothing can separate us from his love for us as demonstrated in Christ Jesus. And Jesus offers images from everyday life that reveal to us the reign of God. We, too, pray like Solomon that we might be alert to the grace of God all around us. To read...

1 Kings 3:5-12... Because Solomon did not ask for long life, riches, or the defeat of his enemies, God was pleased to give him what he did ask for...the wisdom and discernment to govern God's people well. How are our own prayers shaped? Do they reflect our desires for us...or God's? How might we better come to know what God desires?
Romans 8:26-39... These words celebrate the depth of God's actions for us. Through Christ's death for us and the activity of the Spirit praying for us, we are fused to God's love poured out in Jesus. Nothing, not even death itself, is able to separate us from such incredible love. How does this typify the whole idea of grace? What have we done to deserve this love? What might we do in response to it? How will that response shape the church?
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52... Throughout Matthew's Gospel, Jesus proclaims the good news that "the kingdom of heaven is come near." Here, Jesus offers several brief parables that explore the implications of this announcement for our lives. What strikes you as most surprising about these stories? Can you translate or relate them to the experience of the kingdom in your own life?

Enjoy your reading, study and reflection. As always, we invite you to share the fruits of your study with the rest of us by posting replies and comments to this site. Blessings!

Pr. David

david

47 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for August 7-10...An On-line Study
Posted: 04 Aug 08 11:32 AM (N/A)

"God is bigger than the bogeyman!" declares the chorus of one popular Veggie Tales song. While that is certainly good news for an anxious world, it also hints at trouble when the bogeyman is us. These three lessons have something to say about how it is we respond to the almighty Lord of the universe when He comes walking our way:

1 Kings 19:9-18...On Mount Horeb, where God had appeared to Moses with typical signs of the divine presence (earthquake, wind and fire), Elijah now experiences God in "sheer silence." And he asks a question: "What are you doing here?" Indeed, what is Elijah doing there when his calling is to be a prophet in Israel? Have you ever run away from your calling? Note Elijah's attempts to justify his situation. Any of them sound familiar? Is he really so all alone as he protests that he is? Why or why not?
Roman 10:5-15...A right relationship with God is not something we achieve by heroic effort. It is a gift received in the proclamation whose content is Jesus Christ. This proclaimed word creates our faith in Jesus as Lord. What does this say about our place in the unfolding of God's plan of salvation for the world? Are all Christians called to be "preachers"? In what sense of the word?
Matthew 14:22-33...Matthew typically portrays Jesus' disciples as people of "little faith" who fail despite their best intentions. But is this story really about the disciples? What does it tell us of Jesus' true identity...especially in light of its proximity to the "Feeding of the 5000"? Is the fact that Jesus walks on water a miracle...or is something else here even more deserving of the claim?

These are dandy readings with plenty to ponder. Have fun exploring them...and don't forget to share your questions and insights with the rest of us!

Pr. David

david

47 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for August 14-17...An On-line Study
Posted: 11 Aug 08 8:21 AM (N/A)

Who's in and who's out? It's one of the fundamental questions asked about religious community...and one which our lessons challenge us to consider this week:

Isaiah 56:1-8... The prophet calls upon Israel to do justice in view of God's imminent intervention to save. Is it possible that righteousness and obedience define who belongs to the community of God's chosen people? What about race, nationality, or any other category? What in Israel's past would have excluded foreigners and eunuchs? (See Deuteronomy 23 for details.) What does this say about Isaiah's interpretation of the importance of the Law (Torah)?
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32... Paul argues that God has not rejected Israel, even in their rejection of Jesus as Messiah. Rather (he says) the call and gifts of God are irrevocable. God has mercy on all...even the disobedient. But for what purpose is God's mercy given? What does God desire as the end result of the steadfast he shows?
Matthew 15:10-28... Jesus teaches his disciples that purity is a matter of the heart rather than of outward religious observance. Yet heart matters have consequences for outward action, as the pagan woman's cry for help illustrates. Note: in ancient times the heart was thought of as the seat of human will, not just human emotion (as is popular today.) What effect does that have on our reading and understanding of this passage? What does that say about the control we have over our actions and attitudes?

Enjoy your reading and reflection. As always, we encourage you to share your insights with everyone by posting a reply here. Thanks! See you in church!

Pr. David

david

47 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for August 21-24...An On-line Study
Posted: 19 Aug 08 2:05 PM (N/A)

In Isaiah the people are encouraged to look to their spiritual ancestors as the rock from which they were hewn. Jesus declares that the church will be built on the rock of Peter's bold confession of Jesus as God's Messiah. And Paul reminds us that living out such a confession often means a life of contrast...maybe even conflict...with the world around us.

Isaiah 51:1-6... Just as God had called Abraham and Sarah, and had given them mamy descendants, so now God offers comfort to Zion in exile. The promise: God's deliverance will come soon and will never end. How do you suppose those exiled ones heard that promise? How do we hear such news when we are cut-off or isolated or struggling? Why should we believe what the prophet says?
Romans 12:1-8... In response to God's merciful activity, we are to worship by living holistic, God-pleasing lives. Our values and viewpoints are not molded by this age, but are transformed by the Spirit's renewing work within us. God's grace empowers different forms of service among Christians, but all forms of ministry function to build up the body of Christ. What lures of the culture around us are most attractive to you? How do you keep yourself focused on following Christ instead? Have you considered lately how God has gifted you for ministry? How is your ministry being exercised to build up the body of Christ (which is the church)?
Matthew 16:13-20... At a climactic point in Jesus' ministry, God reveals to Peter that Jesus is "the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus responds with the promise of a church that will overcome the very gates of Hades. Scripture tells us that this exchange took place at Caesarea Philippi...a spot known as a kind of first century shopping mall of the gods. How are we to speak of our faith in the midst of our modern gods? From whence does the power for such confession come? Given Peter's performance in the stories we've read the past couple of weeks, is his role here a surprise? Why or why not?

Blessings on your reading, your study and your prayer. As always, we welcome your insights and comments to be shared here.

Pr. David

david

47 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for August 28-31...An On-line Study
Posted: 26 Aug 08 8:38 AM (N/A)

The prophet Jeremiah speaks of the incurable wound of his suffering, yet finds in God's words the delight of his heart. When Peter doesn't grasp Jesus' words about suffering, Jesus tells the disciples they will find their lives in losing them. Such sacrifical love is described by Paul when he urges us to associate with the lowly and not repay evil with evil. All three readings present some bold challenges to us...

Jeremiah 15:15-21... Jeremiah's delight in the word of the Lord is contradicted by the heaviness of God's hand upon him. God's tough love response to Jeremiah is: "Repent and I will be with you." Have you ever felt that God was demanding more than you could bear? What does it mean to know that, in the midst of those demands, God will not abandon us?
Romans 12:9-21... Paul presents benchmarks for faithful relationships with Christians and non-Christians where love is the unflagging standard. How hard it is, though, to withhold our desire for vengeance! We do not doubt that what Paul tells us is true, but it is awfully difficult to live. What power do we have on our side in this struggle? Whose behavior are we ultimately responsible for?
Matthew 16:21-28... After Peter confesses that Jesus is the "Messiah...the Son of the Living God", Jesus reveals the ultimate purpose of his ministry. These words prove hard to accept, even for a disciple whom Jesus has called the "rock." When in your experience has it been necessary to "lose your life" for the sake of another? What is the cross that you bear? What foundational part of your life witnesses most clearly to your faith and trust in God?

These are rich readings! Enjoy your study and reflection...and be sure to share your thoughts with us here.

Pr. David

david

47 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for September 7...An On-line Study
Posted: 02 Sep 08 7:45 AM (N/A)

Conflict is a part of relationships and life in community...and dealing with that conflict seems to be an underlying theme of today's lessons...

Ezekiel 33:7-11... God appoints the prophet as a sentinel for the house of Israel...one who must faithfully convey God's warnings to the people at his own peril. But what does God really hope to accomplish by this warning? What is God's desire for those who dwell in wickedness and iniquity?
Romans 13:8-14... The obligation of Christians is to love one another and so fulfill the heart and goal of the law. And at the heart of the law is the admonition to love neighbor in a way that reflects God's love for us. Paul equates such behavior with living in the light and the putting on of Christ. How do clothes make the person? How does the light of Christ serve as armour against the darkness of our sin?
Matthew 18:15-20... Jesus offers practical advice to his disciples on how individuals and the church as a whole should show wrong-doers their need for repentance. But he also obligates the Christian community to a sense of mercy beyond mere procedure. For example: How are we to approach one who has wronged us? Whom else do we tell about our disagreements and when? And how is it that we are to treat Gentiles and tax collectors?

These are rich texts full of good practice and good witness into the ways of God. We hope you enjoy your study and reflection...and we look forward to your insights and comments posted back here.

Pr. David

david

47 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for September 21...An On-line Study
Posted: 18 Sep 08 6:29 AM (N/A)

From the time we are children, we demand that things be fair. But is fairness really what we want? And who gets to define what fairness really looks like? The readings for this week take up that notion:

Jonah 3:10-4:11... The Ninevites do a preposterous thing after Jonah's short sermon: they repent! And, boy, is Jonah angry. Why? And what argument does God use to counter Jonah's anger? Have you ever been in Jonah's position...hoping for the destruction of an enemy rather than mercy? What does such an attitude say about us? What does it do to us? A helpful hint: read the whole book. It's short...and well worth it.
Philippians 1:21-30... Paul writes from prison, unsure of his fate but confident of God's ability to use him for good even in this dire situation. When has God been at work in your life's difficult moments? What does life look like when it is "worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?" Another hint: to better grasp Paul's argument read vss. 12-30.
Matthew20:1-16... Jesus tells a parable about God's generosity, challenging the common assumption that God rewards people according to what they have earned or deserve. How hard is it for us to hear this word in the midst of a society that lives on quid pro quo? By extension, how are we called to be generous with what God has given us?

May you enjoy (and be challenged by!) your reading and study this week. Be sure to share your comments and reflections here. Hope to see you in church!

Pr. David

david

47 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for September 28...An On-line Study
Posted: 22 Sep 08 8:52 AM (N/A)

You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk? Are you as good as your word? Those questions (and the consequences) seem to be lurking behind this week's Gospel reading...while Ezekiel and Paul provide further insights into the ways of God's Kingdom:

Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32... The prophet challenges those who think they are trapped by past behaviors (either their own or their families). Rather, God claims authority over each individual, and asks us to consider our own responsibilities. Does God seem unfair? By what standards? What does God really want for us? And what does God promise to give us so that we may achieve what he wants?
Philippians 2:1-13... To emphasize the importance of harmony over blind self-interest, Paul quotes from an early Christian hymn that sings of the selflessness of Christ. He then challenges his readers to follow. Look at the hymn: see if you can find any possible comparisons between Jesus' actions and "Adam"...the sinful human that dwells in each of us. What does Paul call his readers to do?
Matthew 21:23-32... Jesus' authority is questioned by the religious leaders who are disturbed by his teaching and, even more, his driving of the money changers out of the temple. Jesus responds with an authority question of his own...and with a parable about the importance of acting on the will of God. How does this passage affirm the old adage that "words are cheap"? How might stubbornness be linked self image? Are we afraid to change our minds...even in the face of the obvious...because we don't want to be wrong? What does that say about us?

These are solid, challenging lessons for us! Enjoy your reading, study and reflection...and be sure to share your insights with the rest of us.

Pr. David

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Reading the Weekly Lessons...An On-line Study