March 24, 2019

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for March 24th: Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalms 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9, Theme: Lenten repentance Luke: Jesus, first answers the question of why do bad things happen to good people. As we watch the news, we can see countless stories all over the world where innocent people who are involved in tragedies that they did not create. We can’t help but to wonder why God allowed this to happen. Jesus is addressing a mass killing in his time – a group of Galileans who were killed when they entered into Jerusalem. – did they deserve to die? No, Jesus says that they did not deserve to die. God loves them just as he loves everyone. But Jesus uses this as an example of why we need to repent and return to God while we can. Lent is the season of repentance – of renewing our relationship with God. It is our chance to use our personal strength in order to change. He goes on to talk about a fig tree, which gets a second chance to produce fruit. The tree has been given grace, and God grants us second chances in order for us to have a chance to blossom. Isaiah: God starts out this passage with a promise of fulfillment. God is the source of well being, so God invites others to come, make God the center of your life and all that you are missing will be fulfilled. This promise comes as the end of the part of Isaiah where God has promised a savior, who will be the earthly agent to fulfill those promises. I love the end of this verse, why God reminds us that our ways are not his ways. We don’t always think like God does. We can get comfortable thinking about ourselves, rather than thinking about others. We can fill our pockets, and watch others who have empty pockets. God says that when God fulfills, it is in a way where everyone is happy and fulfilled. The promises of God extend to all people, not just some. But in order for us to be a part of those promises, we have to repent and make the walk back into God’s good graces. We have to put aside our ways and accept God’s ways. Questions : How do you pray about the victims of senseless violence? When have you been given a second chance? What promises do you need to see fulfilled in your life?