Lines in the Sand

 Scripture: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 and Psalm 124  • Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29 and Psalm 19:7-14  • James 5:13-20  • Mark 9:38-50

We have all kinds of passages about those who are for or against us, whether God is for or against us, and whether we are for or against God, which, unfortunately, as the authors of the scripture and the articles linked in this lesson tells us, can serve to divide us or destroy us unless we are able to find ourselves in the midst of our struggles, differences, trials, sufferings. How do we do that?

I think this week's scripture and lesson tell us how to do that. In discovering "who we are," Jesus finds the disciples defining someone outside their group prophesying in Jesus' name. What does Jesus tell them? What does Jesus mean when he says, "Whoever is not against us is for us?"

Read The Rev. David Lose's "Who Are You?" and Debie Thomas' "Hosts, Not Bouncers."

The Disconnect - What is Said, and What is Heard

 Scripture: Proverbs 31:10-31 and Psalm 1  • Wisdom of Solomon 1:16-2:1, 12-22 or Jeremiah 11:18-20 and Psalm 54  • James 3:13 - 4:3, 7-8a  • Mark 9:30-37

One of the most confounding, bewildering, and frustrating problems today is the disconnect between what is said and what we hear. 

With the flood of information, our technology has unleashed and the prominence of social media, it seems what we hear is that which tends to validate  our preconceptions and biases.

In an age where even verifiable truth is under assault, how do we get past this malaise?

In today's gospel the disciples are confused and afraid, and unwilling to accept what Jesus is telling them when he speaks of his betrayal and death by killing. What does Jesus do to teach them, and us? What is the significance of bringing a child into their midst? Read The Rev. Carlos de la Torre's "Divine Things."

Questions Jesus Asks of Us

 Scripture: 

Proverbs 1:20-33 and Psalm 19 or Wisdom of Solomon 7:26 - 8:1  • 

 

Isaiah 50:4-9a and Psalm 116:1-9  • 

 

James 3:1-12  • 

 

Mark 8:27-38

Any good attorney knows not to ask a question at trial without knowing the answer beforehand. Of course, the trial follows months of discovery through interrogatories, inspection of documents, depositions, and requests for admissions. Any true lover of philosophy loves the questions, and knows that there are more questions than answers. And answers come sometimes as we experience the questions, often when we least expect it. We all have questions about the issues confronting us every day. Some great, some small.

This week, Jesus gives his disciples, and us, the question of "Who do you say that I am?" In "Living the Question," The Rev. Debie Thomas gives us an excellent review and discussion in examining Jesus' question, and the responses of his disciples, and especially the response of Peter, and the dialogue between Jesus and Peter - between friends, and a disciple of the Lord. She says Jesus invites us to live the question. How do we deal with life's important questions, and priorities? What will you do with Jesus' question?

In "Questions That Matter, " Thomas asks "Are you ashamed of Jesus?" Of Christians, or Christianity?" Why, or why not? Would our answer be approved by Jesus?

Like Peter, do we have our own views of Who Jesus is, what messiahship is? In the end who is Jesus, and who are his followers? See The Rev. Kellan Day's "Ending."

Playing Favorites

 Scripture: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 and Psalm 125  • Isaiah 35:4-7a and Psalm 146  • James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17  • Mark 7:24-37

From Jesus' encounter with the Syro-Phoenician woman, who tells him that even dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs, to James' entreaty not to favor the rich over the poor, and his warning that to those who show no mercy, no mercy will be shown, God speaks to us about showing favoritism. Does James simply critique the rich, or simply empathize with the poor? Is there something else going on here? Consider, The Rev. Dr. Trace D. Haythorn's "Standing in the Tragic Gap."

Who is deserving of God's grace? Consider this week's article of Bruce Epperly's "The Adventurous Lectionary, Living a Holy Adventure."

For the other half of today's gospel, read Debie Thomas' "He Sighed."

Do we have the Spirit of God in us?