February 10. 2019

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for February 10th: Isaiah 6:1-13; Psalm 138; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Luke 5:1-11 Theme: the things are faith is made of. 1 Corinthians: This is Paul’s witness to the gospel message. Paul testifies that even though he was not an original disciple, the Jesus did come to him. Paul is a witness to the spiritual resurrection. He is recounting not how Jesus died, but why Jesus died. Jesus died to free us from our sins. He was making a sacrifice for us. We are forgiven when he is resurrected. That is why it is so important for us to follow Jesus and to live out his mission. We need to tell our story of salvation, but we need to make that story available for others. The spirit of Christ appeared to Peter, then to Paul and now to you and me. There is still work that needs to be done, that is why Jesus is still alive and working within us. Luke: This is the story of how Jesus came to meet the disciples and to get them to follow hm. They were fishers, Jesus comes and watches them at work. At first they are discouraged because they have not caught anything. Jesus is not a fisherman, but Jesus tells them how to get more fish. When they are successful, Jesus says that they will become fishers of men. Jesus does not know much about church growth – but he knows what it is that attracts people. – Love and care. This boat belongs to Peter, and Peter eventually becomes bishop of Jesus church. He starts out skeptical, listening to Jesus, but not understanding a word. He continually doubts Jesus, but time and time again, Jesus comes through and helps Peter to understand what true faith means. Questions: Why do we celebrate the resurrection? How do we tell the faith story to new people? How are we like Peter, questioning everything that Jesus says? What does it mean to become fishers of men? When was the last time when our efforts made a difference and saved lives?