November 17, 2019

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for November 17th: Isaiah 65:17-25, Isaiah 12, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19 Theme: being faithful in service to God 2 Thessalonians : It is a well known fact that in any community that 20 percent of the people do 80 percent of the work. So what do we do with those who are freeloading? What do we do with those who genuinely are not able to help create community? Paul says that anyone who does not help should not eat. But he says that we all have a part to play in creating community no matter how minor that part is. But Paul goes on the encourage us to all do the right thing when it comes to faith. We should not stop doing right because others do nothing. We should follow the example of our leaders who are working to make a difference. Luke: Throughout the season of Pentecost, we have been following the journey of Jesus on his way to Jerusalem. He knows what is going to happen in Jerusalem, but he goes anyway. By this time he has started speaking out and making enemies. As Jesus prepares for his fate, he realizes that he must also prepare his followers. Things will not be easy for them either. So he tells them of all of the things that are going to happen in life and how they will be individually affected. But he tells them that their faith will sustain them through the hard times. And that if they are able to remain faithful no only will things get better, but they will get a reward. Questions: How do you feel about people who do not carry their weight? How does working with these people affect your performance? What faith tribulations are you going through right now? How does it feel to be persecuted because of your faith in Jesus?