August 4, 2019

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for August 4th: Hosea 11:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9,43; Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21 Theme: a world where everyone is equal Colossians: Paul talks a lot in his writings about the difference between a spiritual life and an earthly life. As Christians we are spiritual beings, and we look beyond what the eye can see. We don’t act like people in the world. But I think that the most important message is at the end of this scripture. We are all equal in God’s eyes. God looks at our hearts, and not out physical appearance. Christ came to save us all – and wants all different types of people to be present in the kingdom of God. What would it be like if we lived like that on earth? What would that mean? We have to remember that our Christian life is about who we are inside. Inside of our hearts. But our hearts have been with us all along. So the Christ has been with us all the time, but sometimes it takes time to manifest it. Hosea: The beginning of Hosea was the lament, the bad news, now Hosea is giving a message of hope that things will get better, and God will show mercy on his children, no matter how bad they have been. Sometimes we have to ask ourselves what it will take for things to change. What will it take for people to have a change of heart and be willing to seek God out, instead of walking away. Hosea prophesies that the people will be exiled from their land. But then they can hear the voice of God and welcome God’s presence. For the people in Hosea’s time it took a war devastating their land, to give them the determination to rebuild. God was with them throughout all of it. God is the light at the end of the tunnel. And once the sunshine is present, God will not punish them again. Jesus gives us all hope for a better life. And if we repent, that grace is always waiting for us.

July 28, 2019

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for July 28th: Hosea 1:2-10; Psalm 85, Colossians 2:6-19, Luke 11:1-13; Theme: prayers to God Luke: More than any other gospel, Luke shows us the meaning of prayer. Jesus prays constantly. He prays alone, and he takes painstaking detail to teach his disciples to pray. Prayer is a way of talking to God about what we need, even though God always knows. God always answers our prayer, but not always in the way we expect. When we pray, God may say yes, no, or not right now. But the point is that God always answers. God has promised that God will provide for our needs. The story of the friend who comes knocking on you door at midnight is an example. It was expected that you would help that person. If you help your friends, God will do even more for you. Jesus was an example of how God answers prayers – he went to God in all things going on in his ministry – even when he went to the cross – his last words were a prayer. Hosea: The prophets seemed to go through great lengths to get the message of God to the people. They did whatever they needed to do to get people’s attention. Hosea is still a little extreme. He uses his marriage and his children to get the message that the people have broken their covenant with God. Hosea marries a women with a reputation of being a prostitute. He says that is like the relationship between God and his people. They have been unfaithful. He gives his children strange names to demonstrate the negative behavior of the people of Israel. Many of the prophets are still giving that negative message that the people will pay for the way that they treat God. They are trying to get the people to repent. But you attract more flies with sugar than with vinegar. When there is repentance, God also shows grace. Yet even in the message of grace in the words of Jesus – Hosea’s message of the consequences of sin still is important today. Questions: How is your prayer life? Do you feel connected to God when you pray? What would Hosea say to Christians of today?

July 21, 2019

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for July 21st: Amos 8:1-12; Psalm 52; Colossians 1:15-28; Luke 10:38-42: Theme: We are a sinful people Amos: The prophet Amos seems to have a knack for the dramatic. He loves to make examples that people can relate to . This time is a basket of summer fruit that is the example. Just as fruit spoils easily, so do the consequences of our actions. Amos tries to find as many ways as he can to help the people Israel understand that when they do not take care of the less fortunate, then they are like spoiled fruit. God will hold all of us accountable. Our luck will eventually run out. Amos is from the country, and he goes to the city to warn people that they are so concerned about themselves, that they do not attention to others. In a sense, he predicts the exile from their homeland as punishment and a lesson for not caring about others. He says that people are laughing now, but they will soon cry. Amos just wants people to become aware of their own insensitivity, and to do somethings different. Luke: Jesus has been busy teaching the crowds as he is making his way to Jerusalem. As he is traveling he is grateful that 20 miles out of town, he can drop in on his old friends Mary and Martha (and Lazurus). His friends go out of their way to make Jesus feel welcome, when they realize that he is coming to visit. But the two sisters have two different views of good hospitality. Martha want the house to be clean and everything perfect, and Mary wants to spend time with her guest. Jesus wants us to know that both styles of hospitality are important. It is important for us as Christian to work hard, but to also take some time and to study to word and to interact with others. Jesus needs both forms, sometimes even from the same person. Questions: What sins do our society need to turn away from? What sins do our congregation need to be aware of? How much time in your schedule do you allow for study? What preparations do you do when guest are coming to your house?