After the Celebration - Back to Reality

For 12/26/2010


This is the only account of Joseph and the family fleeing into Egypt and their later migration to Nazareth to escape potential threats from the reigning king. Luke gives us the only other birth narrative and it leaves the impression that Joseph and Mary were residents of Nazareth at the time of Jesus conception and does not mention or allude to these events.


Each gospel brings us a different perspective although there is a great deal of commonality among the first three. These differences probably reflect the understanding of the Jesus story which was a part of the Christian community in which the writer lived. In this particular scripture we see the importance to the writer of showing Jesus as fulfillment of messianic prophecy in the Hebrew Scriptures.


Matthew 2:13 After the scholars were gone, God's angel showed up again in Joseph's dream and commanded, "Get up. Take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt. Stay until further notice. Herod is on the hunt for this child, and wants to kill him."
14-15Joseph obeyed. He got up, took the child and his mother under cover of darkness. They were out of town and well on their way by daylight. They lived in Egypt until Herod's death. This Egyptian exile fulfilled what Hosea had preached: "I called my son out of Egypt."
16-18Herod, when he realized that the scholars had tricked him, flew into a rage. He commanded the murder of every little boy two years old and under who lived in Bethlehem and its surrounding hills. (He determined that age from information he'd gotten from the scholars.) That's when Jeremiah's sermon was fulfilled:
A sound was heard in Ramah, weeping and much lament. Rachel weeping for her children,
Rachel refusing all solace, Her children gone, dead and buried.
19-20Later, when Herod died, God's angel appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt: "Up, take the child and his mother and return to Israel. All those out to murder the child are dead."
21-23Joseph obeyed. He got up, took the child and his mother, and reentered Israel. When he heard, though, that Archelaus had succeeded his father, Herod, as king in Judea, he was afraid to go there. But then Joseph was directed in a dream to go to the hills of Galilee. On arrival, he settled in the village of Nazareth. This move was a fulfillment of the prophetic words, "He shall be called a Nazarene."


After a visit by three visitors of great stature and very expensive gifts Herod sees Jesus as a threat to his reign. Herod had a long history of authorizing murders, including some in his own family, to protect himself against perceived threats.


• Where does it appear that the family was living and how long after Jesus’ birth might it have been when the family fled? What common thread runs through his story when Jesus for some reason comes into the awareness of religious or political authority?


• Part of Jesus’ reason for being with us is to be an example for us of what it means to be one of God’s people. One of the major results of his ministry was controversy. In today’s world, here where we live, what lines are there that we might cross because of faith convictions and as a result cause controversy? Can you think of examples? What kind of controversy was caused?


The rest of today’s scripture is built around two dreams, two instructions from God and the fulfillment of three Old Testament prophecies. Each individual prophecy is not particularly important but are used in their totality to bring credibility to Jesus’ stature.


In thinking about the family’s sudden departure from Bethlehem remember that they traveled at least several hundred miles through the desert which would have been hot during the summer and cold in the winter. We remember images of Mary riding the donkey into Bethlehem but most likely they walked to Egypt with and donkeys or mules used as pack animals.

• The first dream results in the uprooting of Joseph’s family and their fleeing into Egypt. What kind of night must it have been for them to put together the food, belongings, and animals needed to sustain them as they traveled through the desert to Egypt and set up housekeeping in Egypt. Would someone who was without means likely have been able to do this? Can you imagine having to do something like this?


• What contribution does this story make to your understanding of Jesus? What do you think that Matthew wants us to know about God’s presence with him?


• Herod reacts by murdering all children under two in the Bethlehem area. What must this experience have been like for those families? How do you feel about the presence of Jesus resulting in the murder of children by those in authority? What kind of necessary reminder does this story bring to a joyful celebration of Jesus’ birth? How does it all end?


• Herod probably died when Jesus was at least 6 years old and after the family had been in Egypt for 4 years. Although Herod had died what realities faced them when they returned? What ramifications did this kind of a move have for them after establishing some kind of life in Egypt?


Nazareth is insignificant on many fronts. First it is located in Galilee which was considered by the Jews to be influenced by ‘foreigners’ and its residents considered only a little better than the despised Samarians. Second, Nazareth was an insignificant village of little note, at one time thought by some historians and archeologists as never having existed.


• What does Matthew want us to understand about the perceptions that the Jewish community would have about an individual who resettled in Nazareth? How different is this from the entrance that they might have expected of a messiah? Do these stories have any impact on your understanding of Jesus?


• Did the two dreams give Joseph and the family something hard or something easy to do? Did Jesus’ strong connection to God result in him doing hard things or easy. We are human and will turn away from the hard for lots of reasons. Do you think that the percentage of the times you responded to your faith calling you to do something you considered difficult has increased, or stayed the same over time? What has played into the level of your response?


• The writer sees these events in the light of prophecy. Do you think that fulfillment of prophecy was the driver of these events or something else? Is fulfillment of prophecy something that impacts your relationship with Jesus?


• How does today’s scripture impact your picture or understanding of God? What insight have you receiived?

Closing Prayer

Ever Present God, do not let our prayers excuse us from paying the price of compassion. Make us generous with the resources you have entrusted to us. Let your work be done in us and through us. Amen. From: Contemporary Prayers, Oxford Book of Prayer



Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Jeremiah 31:7-14 or Sirach 24:1-12, Psalm 147:12-20, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9), 10-18

Before and After

For December 19, 2010

Today we will look at two of the Lectionary scriptures. In the first we read part of the birth narrative and in the second Paul reflects on the meaning of the event, just who it was that was born on Christmas day.

Matthew’s gospel is Joseph’s story and Luke’s gospel gives us Mary’s story – two perspectives on the birth of Christ. Both are wonderful examples of faith; making a spiritual journey filled with surprises (good and bad) and both of them finding the dominating presence of God’s Holy Spirit in this world changing event. Today we will look at Joseph’s story:

Matthew 1:18-19 The birth of Jesus took place like this. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. Before they came to the marriage bed, Joseph discovered she was pregnant. (It was by the Holy Spirit, but he didn't know that.) Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced.
20-23While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God's angel spoke in the dream: "Joseph, son of David, don't hesitate to get married. Mary's pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God's Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—'God saves'—because he will save his people from their sins." This would bring the prophet's embryonic sermon to full term: Watch for this—a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son; They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for "God is with us").
24-25Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God's angel commanded in the dream: He married Mary. But he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus.

It can be easy to flow through this story and miss just how significantly Joseph’s life was put into great turmoil by Mary’s pregnancy. Please consider some of the following as you reflect on the story:

· How do you imagine the conversation went when Mary came to Joseph with the news that she was pregnant? What might she have told him about the conception and how might he have responded?

· What is your impression of Joseph both from a human and spiritual standpoint? How big a deal was it for Mary to be pregnant (there are contemporary parallels in the threat of death by stoning in Iran of a woman accused of adultery)? How important was the first born son to a family in these patriarchal times? What does it say about his feelings for her that he made the choice to help her cover up the pregnancy?

· Joseph met the Spirit in the same way as so many do in scripture – in a dream. We all have dreams we quickly forget or write off, why do you think that he found credibility in this one? What natural and cultural pressures would he have to overcome to respond to his dream? What does it say about him that he did?

· Have you ever prayerfully sought the answer to some major dilemma in your life? In what way did insight come to you? Was it in the form of a dream, sudden inspiration, or the words of others? What compelled you to act in the way in which you chose to attempt to resolve the issue?

· The prophesy about a virgin giving birth comes from Isaiah 7 and is identified by the very early Christians as a prophesy fulfilled by Jesus’ birth. Some have questioned whether Isaiah was really speaking about a virgin birth but that something for another time. What are some reasons that the nature of Jesus’ conception is very important to many believers? Is it important to you?

· One of the Advent season’s characteristics is the very visible secular/commercial tone it has taken on. Joseph had to deal with all kinds of cultural and personal pressures and yet heard the call of God’s Spirit. What helps you find the same Spirit in the midst of our culture? Are there traditions or events that help you find meaning and spiritual encouragement?

Paul has provided us with a reminder which helps put Jesus’ birth narrative into perspective. What was the real meaning of the events that we just explored? Paul reminds us:

Romans 1:1-7 I, Paul, am a devoted slave of Jesus Christ on assignment, authorized as an apostle to proclaim God's words and acts. I write this letter to all the believers in Rome, God's friends. 2-7The sacred writings contain preliminary reports by the prophets on God's Son. His descent from David roots him in history; his unique identity as Son of God was shown by the Spirit when Jesus was raised from the dead, setting him apart as the Messiah, our Master. Through him we received both the generous gift of his life and the urgent task of passing it on to others who receive it by entering into obedient trust in Jesus. You are who you are through this gift and call of Jesus Christ! And I greet you now with all the generosity of God our Father and our Master Jesus, the Messiah.

· Paul was planning to visit Rome as part of expanding his work to the west. He writes to the church there and begins with a statement about who he is. What does he say about himself and what does he want them to understand? He says that he is “on assignment” and “authorized”, who do you think Paul believes gave this assignment and authority to him? What would your reaction have been had introduced himself to you in this way.

· Paul calls himself a ‘devoted slave’, what are some ramifications of living as a slave? What does a slave give up and take on because of that status? How would you describe your relationship with Jesus, what words would you use?

· How are believers described? What are the ramifications of being someone’s friend? Do you have similar feelings about your relationship with God – what other words might you use?

· Beginning with verse 7 Paul makes claims about Jesus and lists proofs for their validity. What claims does he make about Jesus and what does he use as substantiation. What are some ways that you have found validity for your sense of who Jesus is and what he represents?

· What does Paul believe we received through Jesus? How has your life been impacted by the gift of his life? How are we to respond to this gift and what word does he use to describe the nature of the task we have?

· Why do you think that Paul feels that passing along the gift is urgent? Can you think of a recent task that you felt had a sense of urgency in its completion? What caused you to feel this way? What might be necessary to bring urgency to this task of sharing the gift of Christ with others?

· Do you sense that there are any new ways you are being called to serve Christ this Advent season? You might seek clarification of this question as part of your Advent prayers.

Closing Prayer

Loving God, stay with me that I might shine; so shine as to be a light for others. Teach me to show forth your praise, your truth, your will. Not just by words but by my example and the influence of what I do. Amen. Adapted from John Henry Newman, Oxford Book of Prayer

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23

Who Are You

For December 12, 2010

In looking at today’s scripture it is important to remember the prominent role that John the Baptist plays in the religious life of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus. John had established a ministry of baptism for purification and repentance in the river Jordan. He also was a prophetic voice for a coming messiah who would bring God’s justice to the world. John was a historical figure mentioned in Josephus’ Jewish Antiquities written late in the first century. The reasons Josephus did not record Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection could lead us to lots of discussion but needs to be the topic for another day.

John built a considerable following including some who may have become Jesus’ first disciples. His influence was such that we can see many passages in the Gospels that make it clear that John was subordinate to Jesus. The extent of influence of John’s disciples can be seen in Acts as Paul re-baptizes believers who had received “John’s baptism” of repentance in places as far away as Corinth and Ephesus some 30 years after the crucifixion. Our scripture for today should be read with these things in mind:

Matthew 11:2-3 John, meanwhile, had been locked up in prison. When he got wind of what Jesus was doing, he sent his own disciples to ask, "Are you the One we've been expecting, or are we still waiting?" 4-6Jesus told them, "Go back and tell John what's going on: The blind see, The lame walk, Lepers are cleansed, The deaf hear, The dead are raised, The wretched of the earth learn that God is on their side."Is this what you were expecting? Then count yourselves most blessed!"

· Why was John in Prison (Herod had arrested John, put him in chains, and sent him to prison to placate Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. John had provoked Herod by naming his relationship with Herodias "adultery." Herod wanted to kill him, but he was afraid because so many people revered John as a prophet of God. Matthew 14) Who came to Jesus with John’s question? What do these things tell us about the impact of John’s ministry?

· What do you think caused John to question whether Jesus was the one he expected and prophesied would come? This question arises after John’s baptism of Jesus and a declaration that he was just that person and Luke’s assertion that Mary and Elizabeth (John’s mother) were related.

Ben Witherington writes the following in WorkingPretcher.org:

In the first place, Jesus did not come simply repeating John's warning of looming judgment on God's people; he came proclaiming the inbreaking Dominion and salvation of God, even for the least, the last, and the lost. In the second place, Jesus did not take up the mantle and lifestyle of an ascetical prophet, like John had done. Jesus ate and drank with sinners and tax collectors, and refused to take on himself the clothing and demeanor of one who was in mourning. In the third place, Jesus did not assume the roles of a Davidic warrior king or ruler. Indeed, he preached non-resistance, turning the other cheek, and self-sacrificial love. Furthermore, Jesus did not march on Jerusalem nor did he thunder condemnation on Caesar or his legions.

Do you think that these realities about Jesus might even have contributed to the confusion of his disciples who seemed at times to exasperate him?

· What does Jesus cite as evidence that he is the “One we have been expecting”? Instead of kingly power what is happening and who does it most benefit?

· Now it is your turn? As you experience this time of Advent preparation how would you describe the Jesus whose birth you will celebrate on December 25th? How is your life different because you have met him?



As we move on in today's scripture, Jesus describes John:

Matthew 11:7-10 When John's disciples left to report, Jesus started talking to the crowd about John. "What did you expect when you went out to see him in the wild? A weekend camper? Hardly. What then? A sheik in silk pajamas? Not in the wilderness, not by a long shot. What then? A prophet? That's right, a prophet! Probably the best prophet you'll ever hear. He is the prophet that Malachi announced when he wrote, 'I'm sending my prophet ahead of you, to make the road smooth for you.'
11-14"Let me tell you what's going on here: No one in history surpasses John the Baptizer; but in the kingdom he prepared you for, the lowliest person is ahead of him. For a long time now people have tried to force themselves into God's kingdom. But if you read the books of the Prophets and God's Law closely, you will see them culminate in John, teaming up with him in preparing the way for the Messiah of the kingdom. Looked at in this way, John is the 'Elijah' you've all been expecting to arrive and introduce the Messiah.

· What does Jesus tell the crowd about John? Who is he and who is he not? Do you remember anything about Elijah, one of the most revered of the Old Testament prophets who “went up into heaven in a whirlwind”? The very last verse of the Old Testament records God’s promise, “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes.” What does Jesus want them to understand about John’s stature, importance, and standing in God’s eyes?

· Jesus begins gives us one of the many allusions to the Kingdom of God or Kingdom of Heaven that we find in the gospels. What will it be like? Who will have stature there? How do you feel about this assertion, if it is the case who would be ahead of you in the kingdom? How do you feel about this idea?

· What happened to the promised Elijah, John the Baptist? Was announcing a new kingdom risk free? Are there risks today in being a bearer of the Good News? Certainly not death in this country but what are some impediments to each of us being an Elijah today?

· Is there something in this story of John the Baptist that you are inspired to include in your Advent prayers?

Closing Litany From Psalm 146

Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,

whose hope is in the LORD their God.

The LORD sets prisoners free,

the LORD gives sight to the blind,

the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,

the LORD loves the righteous.

The LORD sustains the fatherless and the widow.

The LORD reigns forever,

Praise the LORD.

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25

The Hovering Spirit

For December 5, 2010

Isaiah’s prophecy was probably written during the exile in Babylon in the 6th century BCE. The kingdom of Israel and its lineage of kings were a thing of the past and Isaiah spoke of God’s promise for the nation’s future. This is one of the many scriptures that early Christians identified in the Old Testament (the only scriptures that existed at the time) as one that Jesus’ fulfilled. The question is – what, if anything, does it have to do with me?

Isaiah 11:1-5 A green Shoot will sprout from Jesse's stump, from his roots a budding Branch.

The life-giving Spirit of God will hover over him, the Spirit that brings wisdom and understanding,The Spirit that gives direction and builds strength, the Spirit that instills knowledge and Fear-of-God.

Fear-of-God will be all his joy and delight. He won't judge by appearances, won't decide on the basis of hearsay. He'll judge the needy by what is right, render decisions on earth's poor with justice. His words will bring everyone to awed attention. A mere breath from his lips will topple the wicked. Each morning he'll pull on sturdy work clothes and boots, and build righteousness and faithfulness in the land.

Jesse’s stump
· Jesse was David’s father, how might the exiled Israelites relate to Isaiah’s characterization of the glorious memory of David now being a mere stump? What might it have said to them about God’s relationship with and covenantal promises to Israel?

· We all experience highs and lows in our faith life. Have there been times when you felt that your spiritual life could be likened to the stump of a cut down tree? If not that extreme how would you characterize the spiritual lows in your life?

· Does the image of a “green Shoot” springing from a spiritual low speak to you? Is there an experience that you would point to as an example of new growth in your faith life? To what do you attribute to its springing up and how was it nurtured?

Life Giving Spirit
Hebrew Scriptures often link God’s Spirit and their leaders: I Samuel 10:10, 1 Samuel 16:13

· What will be the driving force that animates and leads the new leader? (See the similarity in Genesis 1:2 of the Spirit’s presence in creation – and the spirit of God hovered over the surface of the water.) Write down those characteristics which result from the Spirit hovering over him?


· Christians link Isaiah’s prophecy to Jesus; do you see them in the gospel's record of his life? Are there any specific instances that come to mind?

· Is the promise of the spirit hovering over this new leader limited to Jesus? Reflect on these two scriptures:

I'm telling you these things while I'm still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. John 14:26

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

· How important is the sense of the presence of God’s Spirit to the health of your spiritual life? Review the list you made of the results of the hovering life giving spirit and write down what would you pray for from the Spirit this Advent season:


Lets return to Isaiah’s prophecy concentrating on the last half of the scripture.

Fear-of-God will be all his joy and delight. He won't judge by appearances, won't decide on the basis of hearsay. He'll judge the needy by what is right, render decisions on earth's poor with justice. His words will bring everyone to awed attention. A mere breath from his lips will topple the wicked. Each morning he'll pull on sturdy work clothes and boots, and build righteousness and faithfulness in the land.

· List the promise that Isaiah prophecies will come from this new leader. What examples of them can you remember from the Gospel’s recording of Jesus’ life? Were any not fulfilled?
Promise Example





· In the gospel of John (14:12) Jesus’ last teachings to his disciples, and by extension each of us, he makes an amazing statement and backs it with a promise:

The person who trusts me will not only do what I'm doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I've been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I'll do it.

· How do you interpret these words, what do they mean to you? Can we actually do greater things than Jesus? Could this speak to the potential of the Christian community with each of us using our Spiritual gifts?

What characteristics do you relate to as either things you have strived for or experienced in your faith life? Given your thoughts to this point, what is the relevance of Isaiah’s prophecy for each one of us, how do his words apply to me as a person of faith?

· Is there something in Isaiah’s words that you are inspired to include in your Advent prayers:

Closing Litany

Holy Spirit, giver of light and life
Impart to us thoughts higher than our own thoughts
Prayers better than our own prayers
Powers beyond our own powers
After the perfect image of Jesus Christ
Amen

Adapted from Eric Milner-White
The Oxford Book of Prayer

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11, Psalm 146:5-10 or Luke 1:47-55, Isaiah 35:1-10

Reflection and Anticipation

For November 28, 2010

This is the first Sunday in Advent and Thanksgiving weekend. It is also the first Sunday of the 2011 church liturgical year which serves as a time to both reflect back on our year long journey through the life of Christ and to look forward to the coming reign of Christ as King of the earth and his completion of a new creation.

We first look back on those things which have held meaning for us this past year:

· Take a moment to write down the things of the past year for which you are truly thankful:


It is also important to reflect on our faith life during the past year. Our spiritual blessings and growth can be taken for granted and the writer of Ephesians turns our attention to them:

Ephesians 1:3-6 How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.

· What spiritual blessings does the writer celebrate in these words? What meaning do these words have for you?

· What spiritual blessings of this past year would you give thanks for today?


We can now look forward to the coming year:

The writer of Revelations speaks to the establishment of God’s kingdom here on earth. Advent is the time when we celebrate the initiation of that process – the coming of the Messiah, our Savior.

Revelation 21:3 I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: "Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They're his people, he's their God. He'll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone." The Enthroned continued, "Look! I'm making everything new. Write it all down—each word dependable and accurate

· What comes with the establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth? What is your reaction to this imagery; do you include thoughts and hopes like this in your personal faith life? What is your vision of Christ's return and how significant is it in your spiritual life?

But we live in the in-between times, between the Savior’s birth and the promise of Revelations 21. As Paul wrote in the letter to the Romans:

Romans 8:18-21That's why I don't think there's any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly wait for what's coming next. Everything in creation is being more or less held back. God reins it in until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens.

· Is there a sense of the in-between, now and not yet, in your spiritual life? What do you find reassuring about that reality and what is spiritually challenging?

· Do you think that the things we consider the ups and downs of a typical life are of the intensity the writer speaks of as “hard times”? When might this scripture take a very meaningful place in our spiritual lives.

· Are there ways in which the Kingdom of God is alive among us today? What would you point to as concrete examples in your life or in our faith community?

As a closing take a moment to reflect on your spiritual blessings and your hopes and prayers for the future work of God in your life, the lives of those around you and for the world. Compose a prayer to frame your reflections in a personal Advent prayer. You might consider using it in your personal devotionals during the Advent Season:

Closing Prayer

We give you thanks, O God, for the many blessings in our lives. But we long for the fullness of your peace and justice in our midst. Strengthen us to do our part in bringing your promises to life in our waiting world. Amen.


Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12

Sing A New Song

For November 14, 2010

The Psalms have been a part of individual and corporate worship and a source of spiritual growth, enrichment, consolation and encouragement since they were written many centuries ago. Traditionally David is credited as their author but many biblical scholars feel that there are many authors. You can find many sources for background on the Psalms with the following taken from Introducing the Psalms by Dennis Bratcher:

The psalms were used by the Israelites in the context of worship to provide a structure in which they could bring their praises, thanks, hurts and grief honestly and openly before God. The Psalms were not thundered from Sinai or received in a vision. They are the prayers and praises of God's people preserved by the community of faith. As such, they have become authoritative for us: a guide for worship, an example of honesty before God, and a demonstration of the importance of prayer and meditation.
The Psalms serve as a valuable example for us of both the need and value of expressing heartfelt feelings to our God. This is an important component of a healthy and vibrant spiritual life. One of the many of the psalmist’s themes is praise of God. Today’s example is Psalm 98 which speaks to the many blessings God has showered upon the people of Israel. We will use it a inspiration for writing our own praise psalm. There is a worksheet at the end of this discussion guide that can be used to structure your work.

For the purposes of our work today Psalm 98 is divided into three parts: How God has blessed Israel (why God should be praised), the way in which the psalmist wishes God to be praised, and what God has in store for Israel.

Blessings 1 Sing to God a brand-new song. He's made a world of wonders! He rolled up his sleeves,
He set things right.
2 God made history with salvation, He showed the world what he could do.
3 He remembered to love us, a bonus. To his dear family, Israel—indefatigable love. The whole earth comes to attention. Look—God's work of salvation! Praise 4 Shout your praises to God, everybody! Let loose and sing! Strike up the band!
5 Round up an orchestra to play for God, Add on a hundred-voice choir.
6 Feature trumpets and big trombones, Fill the air with praises to King God.
7 Let the sea and its fish give a round of applause, With everything living on earth joining
in.
8 Let ocean breakers call out, "Encore!" And mountains harmonize the finale— What is Coming 9 A tribute to God when he comes, When he comes to set the earth right. He'll straighten
out the whole world, He'll put the world right, and everyone in it.
Blessings
• The writer begins with a reminder to the Israelites of the God’s faithfulness to the covenant he made to them through Abraham. What are some specific events you can think of that are evidence of God’s faithfulness to them? Have these blessings from God been noticed by others?

• Write down the writer’s reflections on blessings to Israel in the praise psalm. You may use the worksheet at the end of this discussion guide as a format for your work.

• God has been present in creation, past history and our lives today. What comes to your mind as some of the more important of these blessings including your personal blessings? Write down your thoughts on the worksheet.

Praise • The writer begins the psalm by urging us to sing a “brand-new song” of praise, what does that mean to you?

• What is the purpose of praise for God? Do you think that God expects or requires praise? What are the benefits of praising and who needs/receives the biggest blessings from praising?

• Write down what you see as the methods the psalmist is calling for on the praise psalm worksheet.

• What emotion do you see behind the psalmist’s wishes for Israel’s praise of God? Who does he hope becomes involved with the people in this praise?

• How can we go about praising God as individuals, a congregation, and a world? Are there ways to praise God that don’t involve music and singing? The prophet Micah suggests:

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

• Write down your ideas for appropriate praise of God on the worksheet

What is Coming • The writer joyfully finishes with the future blessings of God. What is their scope, who will be involved, is it beyond the nation of Israel? Write down you understanding of these blessings on the worksheet?

• What are God’s promises that you joyfully anticipate for yourself, those you love, our congregation and all of creation. Try and narrow them down to the most important and list them on the worksheet.

Closing Litany From Psalm 96

Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
Amen

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Jeremiah 23:1-6, Luke 1:68-79 or Psalm 46, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43

Worksheet for composing a psalm of Praise

Take all of the ideas you have written down and try to assemble them as a poem, narrative, bullet points or in any other way that communicates your feelings about praising God. Some begin their prayers and meditations with some time for praise of God. You might want to used your personal psalm in this way. Reflect on your feelings as you complete your work.

Praise -How has God blessed me, us and all creation

What does the writer of Psalm 98 include as reasons to praise God:

What are the things you would include as reasons to praise God:


How would you express them in psalm of praise:

Praise - How should God be praised?

What means of praise does writer of Psalm 98 called for:

What would you call for as praise for God:

How would you express them in psalm of praise:



What is Coming:

What is the psalmist conviction that God has in store for us:


What do you expect to happen as a result of God’s grace and love for us:


How would you express them in psalm of praise:

Get To Work

For 11/7/2010

Beginning in 539 BCE the Babylonian exiles began to return to Jerusalem with high hopes and enthusiasm. When they arrived the economic conditions, destroyed temple and threats from local enemies confronted them. In the midst of all of this a second temple was constructed but it was a poor semblance of the grandeur of Solomon’s temple. In the midst of the depression and disappointment the prophet Haggai confronts the Governor Zerrubbable, grandson of the last Jewish king, with prophesy calling for the construction of a temple fit for worship. When finished it would be fit to honor God and restore the proper feasts and religious practices. The very short book of Haggai contains only five oracles all clearly dated between August 29 and December 18, 520 BC

· Think of a time when you were struggling with disappointment whether health, financial, relationship or spiritual. What were some things that got you headed back in the right direction? What did you need in order to deal constructively with hard times? Now read Haggai’s prophecy for the down in the mouth Israelite refugees:

Haggai 1:14-15 This is how God got Zerubbabel, Joshua, and all the people moving— got them working on the Temple of God-of-the-Angel-Armies. This happened on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month in the second year of King Darius.

Haggai 2:1-3 On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the Word of God came through the prophet Haggai: "Tell Governor Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and High Priest Joshua son of Jehozadak and all the people: 'Is there anyone here who saw the Temple the way it used to be, all glorious? And what do you see now? Not much, right?

4-5"'So get to work, Zerubbabel!'—God is speaking. "'Get to work, Joshua son of Jehozadak—high priest!' "'Get to work, all you people!'—God is speaking. "'Yes, get to work! For I am with you.' The God-of-the-Angel-Armies is speaking! 'Put into action the word I covenanted with you when you left Egypt. I'm living and breathing among you right now. Don't be timid. Don't hold back.' …

9'This Temple is going to end up far better than it started out, a glorious beginning but an even more glorious finish: a place in which I will hand out wholeness and holiness.' Decree of God-of-the-Angel-Armies."

· What motivated this back to work movement that Haggai took to and urged up Zerubbabel? What makes the initiation of this project different than something that Zerubbabbel might have initiated on his own? Why might God have wanted the temple reworked and rebuilt? Did God want a magnificent edifice or was something else behind this project?

· What might have been some of the challenges that the Israelites faced in building a new temple that was worthy of the grandeur of the first? What attitudes, skills, financial limitations might have existed as well as challenges of restoring livable conditions.

· In addition to being a wonderful building the temple represented much more to the people as Solomon declared and prayed in these selections from Solomon’s prayer 1 Kings 8:

Can it be that God will actually move into our neighborhood? … Keep your eyes open to this Temple night and day, this place of which you said, "My Name will be honored there," and listen to the prayers that I pray at this place.

When disasters strike, famine or catastrophe, crop failure or disease, locust or beetle, or when an enemy attacks their defenses—calamity of any sort—any prayer that's prayed from anyone at all among your people Israel, hearts penetrated by the disaster, hands and arms thrown out to this Temple for help, Listen from your home in heaven.

When someone hurts a neighbor and promises to make things right, and then comes and repeats the promise before your Altar in this Temple, listen from heaven and act accordingly: Judge your servants, making the offender pay for his offense and setting the offended free of any charges.

· What does Solomon lift up as important roles for the temple in the life of the Israelites? With this in mind what would have been the impact on the people if it were restored to its previous glory?

· Use the link to look at the description and diagrams of Solomon’s temple in Wikipedia that was the model for their efforts. What do you think about the complex? What are some features which meet the purposes for its construction?

· What are some of the purposes for this congregation’s facilities? What are some ways we can capture them and also what message should we send to the community as we make decisions about their condition, appearance and use?

· In spite of the promise rebuilding the temple held there were very real obstacles to overcome as we discussed previously. What does God guarantee the people through Haggai’s prophecy in verses 4-5? What does God remind them of in order to give credibility to the promise?

· Verse 9 is the bottom line in the reconstruction project. What will be the most important result of their work? What will bring about the wholeness and holiness God speaks of? What does it say about the importance of experiencing our liturgy and traditions in building a vital faith life together?

· What can we learn from this scripture about our congregational life? What words from the prophecy resonate with you as we move into our future? What do we need to understand about challenges and concerns we might have?

· What can we take from the prophecy and apply to our personal situation. What does it say to you about handling difficulties and disappointment? Have you ever experienced encouragement and motivation in your faith life?

Closing Prayer

Send out Wisdom from the throne of your glory, O Lord, that being present she may labor with us: that we may know at all times what is pleasing to you. Amen. From Oxford Book of Prayer

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Isaiah 65:17-25 or Malachi 4:1-2a, Isaiah 12 or Psalm 98, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19

My God, Not Another Meeting

For 10/31/2010

Life is composed of the meaningful and also of the trivial. Unfortunately the trivial and routine can conspire to drive out the meaningful by dominating our time and energy. The same can be true of our spiritual lives if we lose focus and find ourselves occupied by the form of congregational life while missing its real substance. The writer of Isaiah 1 expresses what might be God’s (and possibly our own) frustration with what can become routine in congregational life:

Isaiah 1:13-17"Quit your worship charades. I can't stand your trivial religious games:Monthly conferences, weekly Sabbaths, special meetings— meetings, meetings, meetings—I can't stand one more!Meetings for this, meetings for that. I hate them! You've worn me out!I'm sick of your religion, religion, religion, while you go right on sinning.When you put on your next prayer-performance, I'll be looking the other way.No matter how long or loud or often you pray, I'll not be listening.And do you know why? Because you've been tearing people to pieces, and your hands are bloody.Go home and wash up. Clean up your act.Sweep your lives clean of your evildoings so I don't have to look at them any longer.Say no to wrong. Learn to do good. Work for justice. Help the down-and-out. Stand up for the homeless. Go to bat for the defenseless.

· Isaiah first expresses great frustration with meetings, what do you think are some root causes for this complaint. Are meetings necessarily a bad thing, when have they seemed productive or unproductive to you? When do you think that God, possibly as opposed to ourselves, might think that a meeting was worthwhile? What are some crucial elements in meeting together that Isaiah might find makes such a gathering meaningful?

· The next source of frustration is religion, religion, religion. How do you interpret this criticism, what might be some specifics about “religion” that upset God? What are some specifics that either upset you or make you uncomfortable about congregational “religious” life?

· Isaiah next tells us that because of the transgressions that our prayers will not be heard. Do you think that our prayers can be ignored? What other meaning might “not be listening” have? in John’s gospel Jesus teaches the disciples about the need to integrate the Spirit’s presence in our activities if they are to be meaningful with the following:

But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon.

Does this add anything to your thoughts on meaningful prayer and congregational life? How would you incorporate this teaching into the activities and programs of your congregation?

· What is the essence of God’s instructions in the last section of this scripture? What is the nature of a meaningful response in living as God would have us? How do we translate these instructions into the priorities and activities of the congregation? Can you make any connection between Isaiah’s words and Jesus’ teaching in John’s gospel above?

A second Lectionary scripture for today is a letter the Apostle Paul wrote to a congregation he for which he has great admiration and love. In it he talks about his prayers for them:

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time—pray that our God will make you fit for what he's called you to be, pray that he'll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something. If your life honors the name of Jesus, he will honor you. Grace is behind and through all of this, our God giving himself freely, the Master, Jesus Christ, giving himself freely.

· What are the two specifics that Paul prays for in the life of the church at Thessalonica? What are some ideas that can be taken from these words and incorporate into our congregational life?

· How do you interpret the concept of a congregation being made “fit for what he’s called you to be”? Do you think that each congregation has a different calling? What are some examples that you can think of?

· According to Paul what must we as humans do and then where must the spiritual enter in order for us to be “fit”? Has our congregation taken any steps in this direction? What more might we do?

· Paul begins a teaching with “If your life honors..,” What do you take from this? How might we have a sense that Jesus is ‘honoring’ what we do as a congregation? What should we be looking for?

· ‘Freely’ is used twice in the final sentence. What does Paul want us to understand about the support system and the power of Jesus’ example our faith brings to us in being “what he’s called you to be.” What do you think that we can do to better tap into this gracious presence in our congregational life?

Closing Prayer

O God, we are bound by old habits and customs that are so much a part of our life that we lose sight of the new life you have called us to live. Give us the wisdom and courage to break with the past and be about your work. Amen.


Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Haggai 1:15b-2:9 or Job 19:23-27a, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 or Psalm 98 or Psalm 17:1-9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38

Remember

For 10/10/2010

One of the major focal points of today’s scripture is summarized in the word REMEMBER. One way to understand where the writer is heading is to think of our own experiences:

• Think of a favorite person in your past life with whom you no longer have contact; someone who has had an important influence upon you. When you remember that person what comes to mind? What words or phrases would you use to describe the person? Does the relationship have any influence on the way in which you live your life?

• Are there secular, inanimate influences that impact the way in which we live our lives and hold a priority for our time and attention? It could include being a sports fan, our jobs, hobbys, etc.

The writer of 2 Timothy records these words as the Apostle Paul’s reflections on remembrance of Jesus:

2 Timothy 2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David—that is my gospel, 9for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. 10Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
11The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us;
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.
14 Remind them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening. 15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth. 16Avoid profane chatter, for it will lead people into more and more impiety,

• The scripture begins with Remember Jesus Christ. Write down some words or phrases that would use to describe him. Are there questions about him that arise in your remembering?

• How does the writer of 2 Timothy tell us Paul remembers? What is important to him as he remembers? What should happen as a result of our remembering Jesus? Do these reflections add anything to your written thoughts?

• How has Jesus affected the way you live your life? Are there specific things about him and his presence with us that has influenced you? Add any ideas to your written reflections.

• Paul encountered many hardships doing his evangelistic work, read his account of some of them below:

2Corinthians 11:23-27I've worked much harder, been jailed more often, beaten up more times than I can count, and at death's door time after time. I've been flogged five times with the Jews' thirty-nine lashes, beaten by Roman rods three times, pummeled with rocks once. I've been shipwrecked three times, and immersed in the open sea for a night and a day. In hard traveling year in and year out, I've had to ford rivers, fend off robbers, struggle with friends, struggle with foes. I've been at risk in the city, at risk in the country, endangered by desert sun and sea storm, and betrayed by those I thought were my brothers. I've known drudgery and hard labor, many a long and lonely night without sleep, many a missed meal, blasted by the cold, naked to the weather.

Some have reacted to the words above as Paul trying to puff himself up or brag. Paul was constantly defending himself from the assaults of detractors, many of whom cited the difficulties that they had endured? Regardless we can see that the work he did and travels he undertook in those primitive times would have to be motivated by very intense sense of duty. What might you write down as the unexpected both good and bad things happened to you as your acted on the gospel message?

2 Corinthians 11:11The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he will also deny us;
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.
14 Remind them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening. 15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth. 16Avoid profane chatter, for it will lead people into more and more impiety,

• What is your reaction to the ancient litany or hymn in verses 11-13? How do you interpret each verse? Does it raise questions? Should it?

• What is the essence of Paul’s advice in verses 14-16 of 2 Timothy above? Have you experienced any of the wrangling and distraction he warns against? How should we handle it when confronted with it?

Closing Prayer

Lord, may I see you in me also
May I prepare the way for you
May I thank you for all that should fall to my lot
Gracious God, keep me in your love.
Amen

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Jeremiah 31:27-34 or Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 119:97-104 or Psalm 121, 2 Timothy 3:14 - 4:5, Luke 18:1-8

Speaking Our Minds to God

For October 3, 2010

Lamentations is a seldom read book of the bible as it seems so filled with hopelessness and sadness. Many of the Psalms are classed as Laments because of their focus on woes and despair. But as we look more closely at biblical laments we might find them to be a vehicle for voicing our heartfelt reaction to times of tragedy to an ever-present God. We begin with some background about Lamentations:

During (587 BCE) and after Babylon’s terrible destruction of Jerusalem, the writer (traditionally and probably correctly identified as the prophet Jeremiah); laments the tragic fall of the city he loved. Lamentations is unique in the Scriptures for its mood of almost unremitting gloom. The author has witnessed such terrible suffering—famine, murder, rape, cannibalism, and other unspeakable horrors—that the only appropriate response is to give voice to this suffering by raising a cry of woe. Whereas the book of Job deals with the problem of undeserved suffering at the personal level, Lamentations struggles with the issues raised by a community that is suffering exactly what it deserves—God has judged Jerusalem for its sins, to the loss and lamentation of all its citizens. In his anguish and distress, the poet wants to know: What is the meaning of all this suffering? The Literary Study Bible

Our first scripture gives us a taste of the poet’s lament. You may want to have a piece of paper and pencil available as we will work on a personal lament.

Lamentations 1:3 After years of pain and hard labor, Judah has gone into exile. She camps out among the nations, never feels at home. Hunted by all, she's stuck between a rock and a hard place.
4 Zion's roads weep, empty of pilgrims headed to the feasts. All her city gates are deserted, her priests in despair. Her virgins are sad. How bitter her fate.
5 Her enemies have become her masters. Her foes are living it up because God laid her low, punishing her repeated rebellions. Her children, prisoners of the enemy, trudge into exile.

• What is your sense of the writer’s emotional state in this lament? What jumps out as his primary concerns?

• Think of some contemporary disasters and tragedies have been visited on a significant group of people; floods, earthquakes, wars, genocide or famine. Pick one with which you have some familiarity and write down some of the words or thoughts that those affected might include in their lament.

• Think of a tragedy in your life. What would you include in a lament that expresses your feelings and thoughts? What were your feelings as you wrote down the words?

• The poet concludes: God laid her low, punishing her repeated rebellions. Do some affected by tragedy conclude that bad things are God’s punishment for misdeeds? How have you incorporated the presence of the God of your faith in tragedies? Are there thoughts that need to be part of your notes?

Lamentations 3:19-21 I'll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness, the taste of ashes, the poison I've swallowed. I remember it all—oh, how well I remember— the feeling of hitting the bottom. But there's one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope

• How do the words sorrow and depression resonate with you as you reflect on your personal experience with tragedy? Does it inspire anything that you would include in your lament? How do you feel as you write down these words?

• What does he hold with a tight grip? Did you ever develop a sense of hope as you dealt with tragedy? What happened to bring about this feeling into the situation? Was it easy to find? Make sure that you include these thoughts in your notes.

Lamentations 3:22-24 God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up. They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over). He's all I've got left.
25-27 God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. It's a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God. It's a good thing when you're young to stick it out through the hard times.

• In laying out his lament the poet concludes that what is happening to his community is punishment from God. What conclusion has he come to as he continues to write about the tragedy?

• What steps has he taken and what does he recommend as we search for God’s presence in tragedy? Did you find a growing sense of God’s presence in your tragedy? What nurtured the growth in your case? How would you express it in your personal written lament?

• Have you found examining tragedy in your life helpful? If so in what way? Did you in any way confront God with questions or doubts?

28-30 When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don't run from trouble. Take it full-face. The "worst" is never the worst.

• What is the poet’s advice for dealing with the hard times?

• What worked for you and how would you express it in your lament?

• What role has your congregation had in dealing with individual tragedy? What else might we do to help members deal with all aspects of tragedy, particularly the spiritual?

Take some time to develop your own lament from the notes made above. It may take on many forms and should fit with your relationship with God. One format for constructing a lament in the traditional format of the Psalms comes from comes from the Seasons of the Spirit Adult Curriculum for Pentecost 2, 2010:

First read Psalms 6, 13, 42, 79 reflecting on the reasons that the writer has cried out to God then:
1. Introductory address: (O God, I need your help…)
2. Description of the situation causing pain, sorrow, or fear: (I’ve just about had it because…)
3. Prayer for help and deliverance: (Save me from…)
4. Statement of why you think God would help: (In the past you remembered…)
5. Vow to offer praise when the prayer is answered: (I will tell of your great name…)
6. Praise for God as if the prayer has already been answered: (I will give thanks to you forever..)

Closing Prayer
O God, you invite us to be open and honest about our feelings. May we not be protective of the hurt in our hearts. Trusting in your steadfast love and unconditional acceptance, we place our lives into your caring hands. Amen

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, Psalm 66:1-12, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19

Faith meets real life

For September 26, 2010

Today we look at the final piece of advice the writer of 1 Timothy gives in Paul’s name to Timothy but really intends for people like you and me. He speaks to the benefits of a life of faith and warns against listening to alleged religious leaders who will lead Timothy, and certainly us, down the wrong path.

Before reading the scripture take a moment to reflect on the benefits in your life from walking a life of faith, as imperfect as our steps on that walk may be. How have you been blessed and what do you think has changed in the things that are important to you in the way in which you live and priorities you set daily?

1 Timothy 6
6-8A devout life does bring wealth, but it's the rich simplicity of being yourself before God. Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that's enough.
9-10But if it's only money these leaders are after, they'll self-destruct in no time. Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after.
11-12But you, Timothy, man of God: Run for your life from all this. Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses.

· What does the writer tell us we should and should not expect from a devout life? Are there religious leaders who declare that a devout life will bring material wealth? Are there other things/benefits that religious leaders promise that you feel are misleading?

· Have you experienced the rich simplicity of being yourself before God? This speaks to a very different idea of wealth. What must go and what must we develop in order to reach this kind of relationship with God? Can you think of anyone who would be an example for you of living this way?

· We know that we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless; the problem is living the in-between. Do you think that the writer would find fault with working to have the resources to feed and clothe ourselves and our family? What is the point of departure; how do we know when we are losing our way and straying off the path of a spiritual journey? Do we have to be below some level of wealth or possessions to be ourselves with God?

· How does the writer describe the downside of living with a lust for money? Does your life’s experience confirm this observation? Has losing footing in the faith ever happened to you or someone you know of?

· The writer tells us what to run from but also what to run to, a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. What practical advice might you give someone about finding these things based on your spiritual journey? What questions do you have about how to incorporate them into your life?

· What does the writer say we should seize? What advice would you give someone about seeking both these blessings and at the same time dealing with the realities of providing the material things we need?

· What does the writer’s use of the word seize and run hard and fast in the faith say about the nature of our competing priorities in life? Is seeking the path to a faith filled life easy? What are some things that have energized your faith journey?

1 Timothy 6
13-16I'm charging you before the life-giving God and before Christ, who took his stand before Pontius Pilate and didn't give an inch: Keep this command to the letter, and don't slack off. Our Master, Jesus Christ, is on his way. He'll show up right on time, his arrival guaranteed by the Blessed and Undisputed Ruler, High King, High God. He's the only one death can't touch, his light so bright no one can get close. He's never been seen by human eyes—human eyes can't take him in! Honor to him, and eternal rule! Oh, yes.
17-19Tell those rich in this world's wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life.

· What do you think is the point of the writer’s illustration of Christ before Pilate? Do you see Jesus’ life as one of running hard and fast in the faith? What have you taken from his life and incorporated into your spiritual journey?

· The writer gives us his testimony about Jesus, who he is the promise of his return. How do you understand the relationship between God’s work in Jesus and you own life. In one group several images of Christ were discussed:

Christ as sacrifice for our sins
Christ as victory thru his resurrection
Christ brings us God’s forgiveness for our sins
Christ as liberation and reconnection – thru our baptism and birth in the Spirit
Christ as a moral example
Christ as a sign of God’s love

· Verses 17-19 seem to say that it is OK to be rich under certain conditions. First, what is your definition of rich? When do we enter that realm? Do you in any way consider yourself rich? Can we be rich in things other than material wealth that we should not hoard?

· Two of the richest men in the world have donated the bulk of their wealth to the Gates Foundation (Bill Gates and Warren Buffet). Bill Gates has also called upon the very wealthy, particularly in our country, to pledge a percentage of their personal wealth to worthy causes. What do you think motivates them, what had to happen to essentially give away almost everything that their business careers has brought to them?

· What examples inspire you in the choices you make in managing your material possessions? Do you think that you spiritual journey has changed your thinking about this important facet of our life and living?

Closing Litany

Don't put your life in the hands of experts
who know nothing of life, of salvation life.

Mere humans don't have what it takes;
when they die, their projects die with them.

Instead, get help from the God of Jacob,
put your hope in God and know real blessing!

God's in charge—always.
Zion's God is God for good!

Hallelujah!



Next Week’s Scriptures: Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Psalm 137 or Psalm 37:1-9, Lamentations 1:1-6; Lamentations 3:19-26

First Priority - Prayer

For September 19, 2010

It is helpful to use this blog as a discussion starter for two or more people but it will also stimulate some thoughts if used by one reader.  The material is used by a Sunday Study Group at Hamilton Christian Church in St. Louis, Missouri. 

The letters to Timothy were probably written after Paul’s lifetime by someone who was familiar with his teachings. It was written at a time in which the faithful had come to terms with the fact that Jesus’ return was not imminent. They formed faith communities which would have had questions and sought guidance for their life together their relationship with the world in which they lived. This scripture contains some advice typical of that found in the two letters: It was also a time with many different interpretations of Christ; who he was and what his presence meant, all competing to be the mainstream Christian theology.

1 Timothy 2
1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.
4-7He wants not only us but everyone saved, you know, everyone to get to know the truth we've learned: that there's one God and only one, and one Priest-Mediator between God and us—Jesus, who offered himself in exchange for everyone held captive by sin, to set them all free. Eventually the news is going to get out. This and this only has been my appointed work: getting this news to those who have never heard of God, and explaining how it works by simple faith and plain truth.

Prayer

· How important does prayer seem to be to the writer? What is your personal experience; how important has prayer been to your faith journey? If prayer brings so many benefits why does it seem that we need to be encouraged to pray; what keeps it from being self evident and contagious?

Martha Grace Reese has written in Unbinding the Gospel:

After years of talking with pastors and laypeople in churches that are thriving and churches that are failing, I am clear that the only way to do ministry successfully, to lead a church or to live a life in today’s United States is to pray deeply. We must hand ourselves over to God in clear-headed, accountable, non-naïve prayer. We need to rely as much on God for pragmatic guidance as we can stand! Without God vividly in the mix, we drift, life declines.

· What is your reaction to her conclusion? How do you feel about the role of prayer in our faith community’s life? Do you feel that we have grown in the past year in relying on prayer? How? What else should we be doing?

· Do you think that these words can also apply to our personal prayer life? Is it really natural to rely as much on God for pragmatic guidance as we can stand?

· How do you feel about praying with others? Is this something we should strive for in our personal and congregational prayer lives?

Pray For Everyone You Know

· What person has given you the most personal grief in the recent past? How do you feel about praying for them and what would you pray for?

· What group or groups do you feel most threaten us as a country? What might we pray for them and ourselves?

· What is the purpose of praying for everyone? Could it be the first words from verses 4-7, “He wants not only us but everyone saved”? How should this impact the nature of our prayers?

Pray For Our Rulers

· What was the environment for Christians at the time; what percentage of the population were they, how were they treated, what influence did they have in society? What role did the people have in the selection and influence on their rulers and governments?

· Based on the above realities what reason is given for praying for their leadership; what does the writer want for them?

· What should we include in our prayers for the government in today’s reality? How should a spiritual person connect with the politics and policies of governing the country? Should we be seeking going quietly about our business or something else? Should one of our prayers be for Christian leadership or something else?

Salvation

· One of the major reasons for prayer is seeking salvation for all, what are some of the reasons scripture and sermons say we should be seeking salvation? What has been your experience with personal salvation; what have you connected with as benefits during your faith journey?

· What do you think is behind it all, why does God provide for and desire that all find salvation?

· What is the path to salvation given to us by the writer? If you were to describe your path to salvation what words would you use and what has helped you move closer to God?

· Should we pray for people who are devoted to God through another faith? Should we be concerned about them? In the end who sets the terms of any individual’s salvation and what should our role be in supporting other seekers?

Closing Prayer

O Holy Spirit impart to us thoughts higher than our own, and prayers better than our own, and powers beyond our own, that we may spend and be spent in the ways of love and goodness. Amen. Eric Milner-White

Next Week’s Scriptures: Jeremiah 32:1-3, 6-15, Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16. 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31

Please comment by clicking on the word comments in the sentence Posted by John at XXXX at the bottom of the page

What God Requires

For September 12, 2010

We have experienced many wonderful and despicable acts which have been carried out by people who testify that they are acting in accord with God’s wishes, doing what they feel God requires of the faithful. Today we take a look at some contemporary controversial topics and the response of those who count themselves among the faithful. First some thoughts from one of the Old Testament prophets about God’s desires:

Micah 6:6-8
With what shall I come before the LORD,
and bow myself before God on high?
Shall I come before him with burnt-offerings,
with calves a year old?
Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,
with tens of thousands of rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?’

He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
and what does the LORD require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?

The question that begins this scripture seems to concern ritual sacrifices given as an act of worship of God.

1. What is the crux of the question, what does the questioner want to know and be confident about? What does he want to accomplish through the sacrifices? What does he seems to acknowledge about himself?
2. How might we frame the question today? We do not offer sacrifices as acts of contemporary worship, what would you want to ask God about to give you more confidence that your were acting in a way pleasing to God?
3. Where does the questioner seem to be focused in asking the question, what seems to be his understanding of the priorities God has for our living in a way pleasing to God?

God responds with an answer that might have surprised the questioner:

He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
and what does the LORD require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?

1. What is the focus of the response, does it include any of the components of our traditional understanding of worship?
2. According to Micah, God requires three things of us. What might we use to measure our faithfulness in incorporating them into our spiritual lives? What are some of the impediments to our response to these imperatives?

• Do Justice
• Love Kindness
• Walk Humbly with God

3. What might you add to this list based on your spiritual journey? Can Micah’s assessment of what God requires be expanded?

Let’s look at some contemporary items from the news and examine them based on our discussion:

Burning of the Koran:

• What rights does the minister have under our system to carry out his threat to burn the Koran on 9/11? Does he have any legal constraints?
• What arguments does he offer as a basis for this symbolic act? Are there any other arguments, justified or not, which would support this action?
• What questions and possible answers are there as we reflect on the controversy in the light of the three responses God gives about living spiritually?

Location of the Mosque in New York

• What rights does the group planning the construction of the mosque have under our system? Are there any legal constraints?
• What are the arguments in support of and in opposition to the project?
• Based on our reading from Micah what should be the faith community’s response to the project?

Healthcare

Forget the brouhaha about the healthcare legislation for the moment and try to focus on the issue based our study today:
• Do all people have a right (do we have a moral obligation to provide) access to basic medical services? What arguments are there in support and opposition to this concept?
• How would you apply the teachings from Micah to this issue? How might we apply them as an appropriate response to this question, are any actions suggested for us as individuals or a faith community? Should we see our response limited to support or opposition to governmental actions?

Closing Litany – From Psalm 103

Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

From everlasting to everlasting
the LORD's love is with those who fear him,

and his righteousness
with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.

Praise the LORD, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.
Amen

Next Week’s Scriptures: Jeremiah 8:18 - 9:1 or Amos 8:4-7, Psalm 79:1-9 or Psalm 113, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13

The Ever-Presence

For September 5, 2010

It is helpful to use this blog as a discussion starter for two or more people but it will also stimulate some thoughts if used by one reader.  The material is used by a Sunday Study Group at Hamilton Christian Church in St. Louis, Missouri. 

One of the questions we regularly explore on our faith journey is the nature of our relationship with God. And the more we explore the more obvious it is that it is inexplicable, part revealed to us and part a mystery. The writer of Psalm 139 gives us some ideas as we study the results of some of his exploration: 1Lord, you have searched me and known me. 2You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. 3You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. 4Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely. 5You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.

1. One of the things that comes with a long term close relationship with another person is the understanding of who the person really is, both the good and the bad. What impact does this knowledge have on relationships?

2. What is your reaction to this section of the psalm; does it contain some of the same observations that you might say to the other in a very close relationship?

3. The psalm articulates some of the same intimate relationship with God that we find in the 23rd Psalm. How do you react to the idea of God knowing us this well? Do you have the same sense of God’s presence as the psalmist does? If you do what are your feelings about being known this well by God?

4. What are some of the elements of the relationship that the psalmist praises? Are there any that you might question? Are there some that you might add based on your faith journey?

5. What do you think that verse 5 means? Is being hemmed always a good thing?

6. How do you think that we should respond to this kind of relationship on God’s part? Do you think that we are invited to a deeper communion with God? In this context what might verse 6
say to us about the reality of the relationship? The writer of Hebrews and Micah give us some food for thought:

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested* as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16
8He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
Back to the writer of Psalm 139:

7Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? 8If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. 9If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, 10even there your hand shall lead me,and your right hand shall hold me fast. 11If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me,and the light around me become night’, 12even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you.

1. What allusions does the psalmist use to illustrate God presence? Does it have the potential to feel like an oppressive presence? Are there times when we might not want God present as Job complains:

Will you not look away from me for a while, let me alone until I swallow my spittle? 20If I sin, what do I do to you, you watcher of humanity? Why have you made me your target? Why have I become a burden to you? Job 7:19-20

2. What might the psalmist be writing about in verses 11 & 12? When might we feel a sense of being covered in darkness?

3. Has there ever been a sense of being found by God in your faith journey?

More from Psalm 139

13For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. 15My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed. 17How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18I try to count them—they are more than the sand; I come to the end*—I am still with you

1. What images does the psalmist use to describe God’s presence in the creation of each of us? Compare it to the story of the creation of humankind:

… then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground,* and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being. Genesis 2:7

2. How relevant is this knowing what we know about the complexity of the human body and the discovery of DNA. Is this true of all of God’s creation?

3. If this imagery is representative, what does it say about the quality of our construction? Does it cast any doubt on the argument that we are born with the sin of Adam and Eve in us? What do you think that God is most pleased with in you?

4. If verse 16 is accurate what does it say about the idea of humans having a free will? What are some interpretations that you find relevant?

5. Verse 17 speaks to God’s thoughts. What do you believe God might think about? Might the psalmist be speaking about the results of God thinking?

6. What is the psalmist confident about at the end of his life?

7. What are your feelings about this psalm and the images of God’s relationship with us?

Closing Prayer

Examine us, God, and know our minds;
Test us, and understand our anxious thoughts.
Watch least we follow any path that grieves you;
Lead us in the everlasting way. Amen. Psalm 139:22-23

Please comment by clicking on the word comments in the sentence Posted by John at XXXX at the bottom of the page

How Should I Respond to God?

For August 29, 2010

The apostle Paul’s theology is not all that complicated, even though some of his writings make it appear inscrutable. Much as Jesus, he was into relationships as the foundation for our faith life. In his letter to the church in Rome he lays out the role we are to play in our relationship with God. But we begin elsewhere.

The writer of Ephesians is thought by some to be written by the Apostle Paul. Regardless the person who wrote the letter certainly captured much of Paul’s theology we begin with words Paul certainly would endorse:

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— 9not the result of works, so that no one may boast. 10For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. Ephesians 2:8-10

1. What is the basis for our relationship with God? What is not a part of that relationship? What is the sole requirement on our part for connecting with God?
2. How are we to be transformed by our bond with Jesus Christ? What does it prepare us for?
3. Who has taken the lead in our connection with God? How do you feel as you reflect on this assertion?

With thoughts like this Paul’s includes the word "therefore" in the beginning of our scripture from his letter to the church in Rome. Notice the imagery he uses to describe the transformation we should find ourselves making:

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

1. What is Paul’s appeal to us? What meaning does being a living sacrifice have for you? How does he describe the kind of sacrifice it is to be? How is it possible for us to do this as mere humans? Are we to be cleaned up and shiny or will God take us as we are and work with us?
2. Why do you think that Paul describes this as an act of worship? Does this fit into your description or understanding of worship? Is this kind of worship evident in the life of our congregation?
3. What does Paul tell us we need to change? How are we to be transformed and what does it bring? Have you had your mind transformed; thought about something or acted differently because of insight, maturity, or experience? Has it happened in your faith life?
4. Can our minds be transformed in bad as well as good ways? Can you think of examples of those who appeared to be people of faith whose actions made it seem that their minds were transformed in a bad way?
5. How do we ensure that we are doing what is good and acceptable and perfect? What does he tell us is the starting point for good works, whom should we seek to please? By extension who should be secondary?

Paul continues:

3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

1. What are we warned against? How are we to assess ourselves? What does evaluating ourselves with ‘sober judgment’ imply? What should we include as a part of making this evaluation?
2. Have you made a recent evaluation of your personal strengths and weaknesses? Where would you begin in evaluating your faith life? Is this something we should do on a regular basis?
Paul continues:

4For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, 5so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. 6We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; 7ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; 8the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

1. What analogy is used to help us understand who and what we are? What are some important criteria we should use as we assess who and what we are?
2. What does it mean to you that we are “members one of another”? What is critical in order for the body to function in this way?
3. What happens if parts of the body function poorly or are hyperactive? How would we know if we are fitting into one or both of these categories?
4. What do you consider to be God given gifts or talents? How did you discover them? How do you feel about using these gifts?
5. How have you been either encouraged or discouraged in using what you consider to be gifts or talents in a congregational setting? Do we have a responsibility to encourage one another in developing and using our gifts? How might a congregation improve member recognition and sharing of their individual gifts?

Closing Litany from Psalm 138

I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart;
before the "gods" I will sing your praise.

I will praise your name
for your love and your faithfulness,

for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.

When I called, you answered me;
you made me bold and stouthearted.

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;

your love, O LORD, endures forever—
do not abandon the works of your hands.

Amen


Next Week’s Scriptures: Jeremiah 18:1-11 or Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 or Psalm 1, Philemon 1-21, Luke 14:25-33