February 21, 2010

Breaking Open The Scriptures

Scriptures for February 28: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; Psalm 27; Philippians 3:17 – 4:1 Luke 13:31-35 Songs: Saranam, Saranam – UMH 523; O Sacred Head Now Wounded – UMH 286; Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley – TFWS 2112

Genesis
This is a continuation of the story of the Covenant between God and Abraham. He has promised his descendents, now God promises that they will always have a land a home. A covenant requires something of both parties – both need to provide proof that they can be trusted. The sacrifice represents what we give to God. Today we fulfill our covenant through our baptism. Abraham wants to believe that God will be faithful – but he does not see how at this time. Not only does he not have land, he has no kids, but no prospects of having kids. His wife is getting older and older. Time reveals to Abraham that God does indeed fulfill his promises.

Luke
Lent is about us being willing to confess that Jesus Christ is indeed our Lord and Savior. It is about confessing our identity in Christ. It is in realizing that there are times in or lives when we are going to have to make a decision: A hard decision to claim Christ. A decision to do what we have to in order to serve as we are called. This is one of those moments for Jesus. As he confesses his identity, he knows that he has a job to do. The job can only be done in Jerusalem, that job means only death. And yet he starts out on that journey. Are we willing to go with Jesus to Jerusalem this lent. If we go, what happens to us? The same thing that happens to Christ?

Questions: How do you keep your faith when your prayers are not answered? What are the promises that Jesus has made to you? How do you keep hope as things are being worked out for you? What evidence do you have that things are indeed being worked out? Jesus wept over Jerusalem, if he were to visit Chicago, what would he weep over? What would he change? What things would be a threat to his safety?