September 27, 2020

Breaking Open the Scripture Scripture for September 27th: Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 78:1-4,12-16; Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 Theme: God responds and asks us to trust him, Song: Come Thou Font of Every Blessing UMH 400 Exodus: This is a continuation of the story of the Israelites complaining and God providing for them. Last week they were hungry, this week they are thirsty for clean water. Moses strikes a rock and water comes out. But we also learn after this event that God is tired of them complaining and never forgives them. As a matter of fact, when asked why the people were banished from the promised land, God says because they never stopped complaining. It is only human to complain when things don’t go the way we expect them. But at some point we also have to look for solutions. We have to honor our covenant with God. We have to keep up our end of the bargain. There is nothing wrong with complaining to God, but we cant let that be an open door for despair and hopelessness. God always does something to make the situation better. We have to be intentional in trusting God. Matthew: Jesus has been teaching all over Israel. People are listening to what Jesus has to say. Jesus is encouraging them (and us) to think about life in a whole different way. To think about power in a whole new way. And to think about our place in life in a whole new way. Instead of looking for power in the leaders, look for power in the vulnerable people. Instead of a leader getting the best of life, the leader is the one who is in the trenches with everybody else. Instead of waiting for permission to speak, speak from the heart. Instead of looking for power in this world, look for power in the world to come. Jesus seems to be turning the world upside down with his teaching, which makes the authorities in the world even angrier. Jesus even says that those who we look down on, are closer to heaven then we are. We as Christians have no choice to think about what it means to be loyal to God. Is it in being important? Or is it in being giving and humble? What would Jesus do in our situation? Questions: What are your present complaints to God? What is it that you need to entrust to God? Does being a Christian challenge your social status with other people? How do we need to change our hearts and minds today?