March 6, 2016

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for March 6th: Joshua 5:9-12; Psalm 32; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15: 1-3,11-32; theme: the stewardship practices of lent; Song: What Wondrous Love is this? UMH 292 2 Corinthians: The whole point of this Lenten journey is to be reconciled with Christ. It is for us to get out life together. No matter who far we think we come, we still have so far to go. It is time for us to become a new creature in Christ. It all starts with us, no really, it starts with God. God calls out to us, and waits for us to answer. For is to realize that we need to be forgiven. But when God forgives us, it is because he expects us to forgive others. Paul says that we are to be ambassadors of Christ. Don’t hold the trespasses of others against them. It is your forgiveness that helps them to realize that God is calling for them also. Show mercy to others. Instead of just arguing with others, why not try to solve the conflict. Come up with a solution that serves both parties, instead of trying to win. We are in unity and reconciled, then everybody wins. Luke: This is a very old story with a lesson that we need to learn time and time again. The power of unconditional love and the reminder that we are all in need of it. We are all the prodigal son with a prodigal father. We don’t realize how good we have it, until we lose it. We are spoiled children trying to make our way in this world. We have to realize that even though we may call our belongings ours, they are all a gift from God. We did nothing to deserve this love, we can do nothing to lose it. And those hard times in life are intended to bring us closer to home, not farther way. When we stop complaining, when we stop worrying, when we stop wishing for other things. Then we can settle down and do our work and make a difference in this world. And understand our place in God’s family. Questions: Where in your life do you need to receive mercy? Who do you need to show mercy? How is God working to reconcile you right now? How do you listen to God’s call for your life? What in your life are you taking for granted? How can you thank God without having to lose that thing? How can you say think you to God for giving you grace?