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

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for October 5...An On-line Study

david

52 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for October 5...An On-line Study
Posted: 01 Oct 08 7:23 AM (N/A)

We're back in the vineyard again this week...but with a slightly more gruesome tale that points ultimately towards the cross:

Isaiah 5:1-7... The prophet sings a sad, parable-like love song about the relationship between God and Israel, with Israel being compared to a promising vineyard. Despite God's loving care, however, what does the vineyard produce? What does God expect from a well-tended vineyard?
Philippians 3:4b-14... Paul reviews some of his rather impressive credentials. How do they stack up against the right relationship with God that he has been given through the death of Christ? And what motivates him to keep on keeping on?
Matthew 21:33-46... Jesus tells a parable about a vineyard and its tenant-farmers. His audience is the religious leadership which is plotting his death. What terrible mistake do the tenants make? What is the ultimate consequence of their rejection of the Son?

There is both dire warning and great grace to be found in this week's readings. See what you come up with in your study and reflection...and be sure to share your insights here. Thanks!

Pr. David

david

52 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for October 12...An On-line Study
Posted: 06 Oct 08 1:36 PM (N/A)

Isaiah gives us a vision of the great feast to come...a victory celebration at God's abolition of death. In Jesus' parable about a great banquet, those invited do not come...so the invitation is extended to others. And in our weekly gathering, God spreads a table before us where we are fed and nourished to rejoice in that peace which passes understanding.

Isaiah 25:1-9... The reading begins with a hymn of praise acknowledging God as a shelter for the poor. Then the prophet speaks about a wonderful victory banquet. What is the cause for such celebration? What "mountain" would Christians suggest is the place where God's victory occurs? Compare this verse with Revelation 21:1-4.
Philippians 4:1-9... Though writing from prison and facing an uncertain future, Paul urges the Philippians to remain united, joyful, thankful and focused on the great good with which God surrounds them. How does verse 8 stand in contrast to the usual focus of our modern culture? How is this commendation effected by the fact that it is for the whole community and not just for individuals? How might that impact the church?
Matthew 22:1-14... Those invited to celebrate with the king instead reject his hospitality. Likewise, one of the guests chooses to attend without wearing a wedding robe (which, according to that culture's practice, would have been furnished by the king). How might these two reactions to the king's invitation be linked? What does this tell us about our insistence on doing things our own way?

There is much to consider here...including the connection between these lessons and the church's practice in our day and age. Enjoy your study and reflection. Please remember to share your insights with the rest of the group. Thanks!

Pr. David

david

52 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for October 19...An On-line Study
Posted: 13 Oct 08 6:50 AM (N/A)

There's something about authority floating through this week's readings. God chooses a foreign emperor to accomplish divine purposes. Jesus confounds his critics by clarifying the distinction between allegiance to God and emperor. And Paul writes to encourage a young church struggling against the implicit authority of culture...

Isaiah 45:1-7... The prophet announces that Cyrus (the Persian emperor) is the one anointed by God to end Israel's exile. Interesting: the word for "anointed" is the same word we usual translate as "messiah" or "christ." What does that say about those whom God chooses to do his will? Why choose someone outside of Israel? (See verse 6 for a hint.) Also...Persia had one god for light and another for darkness. What does verse 7 suggest about Yahweh?
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10... In this first of Paul's letters, the Apostle writes to encourage new Christians living in an antagonistic pagan environment. Given the parallels between the first and twenty-first centuries, what might modern Christians find helpful in Paul's assurances? What makes the Thessalonian congregation such a positive example to other believers throughout Greece?
Matthew 22:15-22... The setting for this confrontation between Jesus and his critics is the final week of his life. As he teaches in the temple, a strange coalition of Pharisees (ardent keepers of the Mosaic law) and Herodians (political heirs to Herod usually despised by the very religious) comes to ask about the payment of taxes. Jesus takes what looks like a lose-lose choice and makes a strong statement about true authority and the nature of human allegiance. How do we make this choice in our own lives? What other would-be rulers (besides human governments) demand our loyalty? How should we respond to them?

May God bless your reading and reflection on these rich texts! Please remember to share your insight by posting your replies here. Thanks!

Pr. David

david

52 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for October 26...An On-line Study
Posted: 20 Oct 08 11:35 AM (N/A)

On this coming Sunday, we celebrate the heart of our faith: the gospel of Christ...the good news...that makes us free! We do that by giving thanks for the events of the 16th century Reformation that brought renewal to the Church. We also pray that the Holy Spirit would continue to unite the Church today in its proclamation and witness to the world.

Jeremiah 31:31-34... The prophet speaks of a renewed covenant which will not be breakable (unlike the covenant made at Sinai). What replaces the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments in this new covenant? How does that change our relationships with one another? What does it mean that our hope lies in a God who forgets?
Romans 3:19-28... This was the stuff which Luther and the other reformers found so compelling...the notion that God alone works righteousness through Jesus Christ. How does it make you feel when you consider that there is nothing you can do to make God love you? What does it mean for us that God loves us regardless? What does that say about God?
John 8:31-36... Jesus speaks of truth and freedom, but those gathered around him seem not to understand. On what are those who respond to Jesus basing their hope? Why is this inadequate? What's the difference between being "free from" and being "free to"?

As always, we look forward to receiving your questions, insights and understandings. Enjoy your study. God's peace!

Pr. David

david

52 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for November 2...An On-line Study
Posted: 27 Oct 08 1:05 PM (N/A)

All Saints Sunday celebrates the baptized people of God, living and dead, who are the body of Christ. As November heralds the dying of the landscape in many northern regions, the readings and liturgy call us to remember all who have died in Christ and whose baptism is complete. At the Lord's Table we gather with the faithful of every time and place, trusting that the promises of God will be fulfilled and that all tears will be wiped away.

Revelation 7:9-17... the book of Revelation is written to seven churches in western Asia Minor during a time of great persecution. Today's reading is a response to the question asked in 6:17: "Who is able to stand" at the coming of God's final judgment? So...who is able? How many of them are there. Perhaps most importantly: why are they able to stand? Also...does verse 12 look familiar? (Think "hymn of praise.")
1 John 3:1-3... A saint (a "holy one") is a person set apart by God for God's purposes. Out of divine love, God sets us apart to be His children. How, sacramentally, do we celebrate that "setting apart?" Does being set apart by God mean that we know everything about God or ourselves? What do we know? And how is that revealed to us?
Matthew 5:1-12... Jesus provides a unique description of those who are blessed with God's favor. But his teaching may be a shock to us. In a world that relishes wealth, fame and power, God's notion of honor seems upside down. How is it that the poor, the mournful, the meek and the hungry might be blessed? What do they always have? Have you known a time in your life when you were blessed despite difficulties?

Enjoy your study and contemplation. As always, you're invited to share your insights via comments and replies to this site. We hope to see you at study and worship!

Pr. David

david

52 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for November 9...An On-line Study
Posted: 03 Nov 08 2:04 PM (N/A)

The readings during November are filled with images of the communion of saints, judgment, and a second coming of Christ...

Amos 5:18-24... In the days of Amos, people thought that the day of the Lord's coming would be a time of great victory and vindication. But Amos annonced that it would be a day of darkness, not light. In our own day, do we ever allow mere ritual to suffice in our lives? What does Amos say that God really wants from us and from the faithful community? How is God's judgment...both for good and for ill...already shown among us?
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18... Some of the Thessalonians are worried that dead Christians will be excluded from the resurrection to eternal life when Christ comes again. Paul reassures them with the word of hope that all Christians...living or dead...will be raised into everlasting life.
Matthew 25:1-13... Jesus tells a parable about his own second coming, emphasizing the need for readiness at all times. What does it mean to be wise? to be foolish? Are the "wise" bridesmaids being unfair? How about the Lord of the feast: should he still let in those bridesmaids who show up late? Why or why not?

Enjoy your reading and reflection...and remember to share your insights here. See you in Church and at study!

Pr. David

david

52 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for November 16...An On-line Study
Posted: 10 Nov 08 1:49 PM (N/A)

The readings continue to point us towards the end times. It's a popular subject...often times bathed in the blood of pulp fiction. This week's readings, while not backing away from God's wrath, also point us towards a future of hope and the welcome good news of Christ coming among us.

Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18... Like the prophet Amos, Zephaniah speaks of the day of the Lord's coming as a day of wrath...so perceived by the people because they have grown complacent in their wealth and practical atheism. Does the prophet's warning sound anything for our own generation? How have we become like ancient Israel? Would we be surprised if God actually came again in power?
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11... Paul suggests that the Lord's coming will be like a thief in the night...startling and unexpected. But, he says, we can anticipate the day in the faithful living of our lives. What does it mean for us to "keep awake" and "remain sober"? Note the defensive armor which Paul prescribes. What might the breastplate and helmet look like in our lives?
Matthew 25:14-30... Jesus tells the parable of the talents as a way of calling us to an authentic life between his coming and his coming again. Note the risk which the first two slaves decide to take. How is that risk rewarded? What does the third slave do, and how are his efforts interpreted? Is it enough merely to tread water until the kingdom comes?

Enjoy your study and reflection...and be sure to share your insights here. We look forward to seeing you in worship this weekend.

Pr. David

david

52 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for November 30...An On-line Study
Posted: 24 Nov 08 7:15 AM (N/A)

It's the beginning of a new season...Advent. And with it comes a familiar prayer: Stir up your power and come! But for what do we wait? A baby in a manger? The judgment of God? Santa Claus? OK...probably not the last one. What is certain is that God is coming among us. We pray that it may be soon.

Isaiah 64:1-9... This lament comes from a people who have had their hopes shattered. The visions of a rebuilt Jerusalem and a renewed people of God, spoken of in Isaiah 40-55, have not been realized. Instead, the people experience ruin, conflict and famine. Dare we hope that God would tear open the heavens and come down? What might that look like in our world...in our own hearts? Have you ever called God to account in your life?
1 Corinthians 1:3-9... As the Christians in Corinth await the advent of Jesus, Paul reminds them how the Lord has already enriched them through spiritual gifts. This same Lord will continue to strengthen them until the coming day of the Lord. What spiritual gifts has God given you? (Take a look at 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 for a sample.) How do these gifts strengthen us while we wait?
Mark 13:24-37... Jesus encourages his followers to look forward to the day when he returns in power and glory...a day on which all suffering ends and God's rightful reign is restored on earth. But when? we ask. All in the Father's good time, is Jesus' answer. Is that answer good enough for us? What do we do in the meantime? Is it possible that what is coming is more important than when it's coming?

I look forward to your insights and responses to these texts and these questions. Be sure to share them here with everyone. See you in church!

Pr. David

david

52 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for December 7...An On-line Study
Posted: 01 Dec 08 9:19 AM (N/A)

Last week's lessons were a plea for the coming of God among us. This week's lessons ask the question: How shall we prepare for that coming? The answer from John is to repent, i.e. to clear the decks of anything that would get in the way of our relationship with God.

Isaiah 40:1-11... In grand, flowing, poetic lines, the prophet announces that the exile of God's people in Babylon is over. The Lord will deliver Israel and will care for her as a shepherd cares for his sheep. But note the cynical objection raised in vss. 6-7. How, indeed, are the people like grass? Can what we do have any lasting value? How might we expect God to use such frail, mortal beings for acts of divine consequence?
2 Peter 3:8-15a... This short letter deals with the final advent of Jesus...especially the pressing concerns that arose in the early church over its apparent delay. How are Christians to live in anticipation of Christ's coming, regardless of when it is? And how are we to regard the long time between Jesus' resurrection and the consummation of all things?
Mark 1:1-8... Mark's telling of the Jesus story does not begin with a birth but with the voice of one crying in the wilderness. Why do you think John's message of repentance was so attractive to the people of Jerusalem when it seems so unimportant to most folks (including most Christians!) in our own day and age? How is John's baptism different from the baptism that is to come with the Christ? What might it mean to be baptized with/in the Holy Spirit?

Enjoy your reading and study on the texts. You are encouraged to share your questions, comments and insights here so that others can learn along with you. Thanks!

Pr. David

david

52 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for December 14...An On-line Study
Posted: 08 Dec 08 12:05 PM (N/A)

"Rejoice always" begins the reading from 1st Thessalonians...while Isaiah and the psalmist make clear that God is already at work turning our mourning into dancing.

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11... Though the people had returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon, they continued to face hardship and oppression. In language borrowed from Leviticus 25, the prophet announces deliverance for those who are oppressed and comfort for those who mourn. These words may sound familiar. If so, who else (besides Isaiah) quotes from Leviticus 25? If Zion is the mountain on which God's temple stands, why do you suppose there is mourning in that place? What do you think "righteousness" means in this context?
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24... Paul concludes his letter by encouraging his hearers to live lives of continual joy, prayer and thanksgiving. What do you suppose it means "to test everything"? To what event does Paul look with anticipation? What does it mean for us that God is faithful?
John 1:6-8, 19-28... John the Baptist is introduced as a witness to the light which is Christ. Why do you suppose that the priests and Levites were concerned with John's identity? What did they have to fear from a coming Messiah? How are we as individuals and as the Church called to be a voice crying out in the wilderness? Where is the wilderness today?

Enjoy your study and reflection...and be sure to share your insights here. Thanks!

Pr. David

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