Sunday, November 1, 2009

November 8, 2009

Scriptures for November 8th – Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17; Psalm 127, Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44

Ruth
Lineage was very important for a Jewish family. If you could trace your lineage back to the twelve tribes, that was important. In Jesus lineage, there are 4 women names along with the fathers. Ruth is one of those women. And Ruth is not Jewish, she is a foreigner. But her story is about the definition of dedication. She refused to give up her connection to her mother in law, even though her husband was dead. At that time women were nothing, they had no definition in society at all. In order to survive, she had to remarry into the family. A distant cousin, Boaz is willing to take on that responsibility. They marry and live happily ever after. Their son, is the grandfather of David – the greatest lineage of all – the lineage of Kig Jesus.
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Mark:
Jesus has lots of problems with the politics of the temple. He feels that the religion of the people has tended to favor the rich and pass over the needs of the poor. The Pharisees get credit for being important and the people are belittled. The rich are rewarded for what they have donated, the poor are marginalized. Yet one woman comes and turns the tables for Jesus – a widow with very little to give, but she gives what she has and she gives it faithfully. And she makes all of the difference in the world. In God’s eyes, the people do matter. God rewards our faithfulness, not our pocketbooks.

Questions:
What does it mean to be a part of the family? What are the duties? What are the responsibilities? What does it mean to be a part of God’s family? Do you really have to do anything special? Who are the poor who give all that they have today? When has what you have been just enough?

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