February 7, 2021

Breaking Open the Scripture Scripture for February 7th: Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 147:1-11,20; 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 Theme: God is hope in the midst of dark times Song: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms UMH 133 Isaiah: I think that we are all going through tough times right now. I think even the most faithful of us are questioning our faith and wondering how God could let this happen to us. We look at the bible, and get frustrated that it does not apply to our life. Isaiah is telling us that he understands how we feel because he and his people have been through it. Isaiah’s response to us: surely you have known, surely you have heard, surely someone told you, surely you understand how life works. Everything that we know about faith tells us that God will provide. Life needs to change, not God. We have to remember that the dark times are temporary and will not last forever. In time we will feel better and see God in the situation, and see how God has led us to a better day. Our faith is what gives us the patience to wait, actively wait. Mark: They say there is no rest for the weary. We have been following Jesus since he has been baptized, and we have not even made it out of chapter 1 yet. Jesus picks his inner circle. Interestingly, they are willing to leave dad in the fishing boats, but want to go home and check on mom. When they get to Capernaum, mom is not doing well. Jesus is the guest, but he does not hesitate to heal mom so that she can get up an cook that delicious dinner that he was promised. Not even mom gets to rests, she gets up and gets to work. We too are reminded how important it is for us to keep working, there is an awful lot that needs to be done. After dinner, Jesus tells the disciples that they need to head to the other side of the lake, there are too many people who need to hear the good news of healing. Who is it that is waiting on us, so that they can hear the good news and change? Questions: How have you been discouraged by the pandemic? Where do you find God in the process? What is it about being a Christian that makes you tired? Why is it important for you to keep working?