January 6, 2019

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for January 6th: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7,10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12 Theme: Epiphany Isaiah: This is a lesson in hope. We are now in the midst of winter. The darkness is upon us, and We look to the heavenly skies for any sign of new light. This lesson announces that that light has come. We have a reason to have hope in our lives. We celebrate this verse during epiphany, as a realization that the light, that hope is in the presence of Jesus Christ. Now that Jesus is here, things will start to look better for our community. As things get better for our community, people will come from miles around to see what is making a difference. Others will want to live in that light as well. The good news is that the light of God is available to all, and all are welcome to be a part of that light, that healing. Life is so much better for us all in the light. The light of God is in our spirit, so it cannot be extinguished. Matthew: The twelve days of Christmas ends with epiphany. The Wise men finally arriving in the manger to bring gifts to baby Jesus. Of course in Matthew, they did not come to a manger, they came to a house. This scripture is important, because it reminds us that the Christmas story is not just for the church, but for everyone. And that the message can touch the soul of anyone, who is looking for a change in the way the world is. We do not really know who the wise men are, or where they really come from. But they can recognize a sign from God. They can also recognize a person who does not have good intentions. They know that Herod does not mean this child any good, and they want nothing to do with him. God speaks to all of us in mysterious ways. Some of us are able to listen and learn, and others cannot. They listened and learned to worship this child who would bring about a change, and knew enough to avoid the plans of Herod. But the epiphany is the point where we all realize that God is speaking to us in the events and person of our time. Questions: What is the great epiphany (realization) that will make a difference in our world today? How do you show the light of Christ to the rest of the world? What presents would modern day wise men bring Jesus?

December 23, 2018

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for December 23rd: Micah 5:2-5; Luke 1:47-55; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45: Theme: 4th Sunday of Advent Luke: I think that it is relevant that women have a prime role in the story of salvation. Even though Christ is male, it is the women who come before him that open the door for God’s coming to earth. In this scripture, Mary has travelled to see her older cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth is carrying a miracle baby, but as soon as Mary comes into her presence the baby jumps – at the bigger miracle that Mary is carrying. Elizabeth blesses Mary and her part in turning the world upside down. The importance of women continues as Jesus life unfolds. But as we are approaching the arrival of the Christ child – today we focus on his mother Mary. On her life, her faith and her willingness to be used by God. She is a model for all of us – to become vessels of God’s love to the world. Micah: The world turned upside down seems to be an endearing theme throughout the history of the old testament. This is part of a prophecy saying that a new king will arise out of Bethlehem, the birthplace of David. That the fortunes of the country will be restored. It appears that this prophecy fortells the coming of Christ into the world. Christ is a descendant of David. His birth is fortold. He is able to bring the people of Israel together, and yet his rule spreads throughout the whole world. Advent is the time when we anxiously await his coming anew into the world and we still look to Christ for peace that will change the fortunes of the whole world. Questions: How to we honor the contributions of women in today’s story of salvation? How do we bless the faith of Mary today? What part did Mary play in Jesus life as he grew up and lived out his destiny? What peace is needed in the world today? How is Jesus the new King of Israel?

December 16, 2018

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for December 16th: Zephaniah 3:14-26; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18; Theme: Third Sunday of Advent Luke: John speaks more about repentance and baptism. John makes a cry in the wilderness, but he is surprised when the people of the community start to come and to ask what should we do. The masses seem to realize that life has to change, and that they have to do something different. This gives John a chance to tell them that we have to care about other people. We have to treat one another differently. John then tells people to wait for something better. We can prepare for salvation, but we cannot give salvation. It takes God’s presence to do that. John says that something better is coming, but we have to prepare our hearts for it. Today, even though we know Christ’s presence, we still ask what must we do this year to be saved? Who is it that we are supposed to be helping, what are the ways that we need to repent to get ready for the gifts of God. Preparing for Christmas is not just about getting the house ready, it is also about getting our hearts ready. It has been a long year, how to we put the year aside and get ready for a new day? Isaiah: The world is full of uncertainty. If you look at the headlines, that is easy to see. There are things going on in all parts of the world, that effect us, but we can do nothing about. The names change year after year, but it seems that the situation does not. It is easy for us to see that this world needs God to step in and change things. Our world is not much different then the world that Isaiah was writing to 5000 years ago. Isaiah sings a song – telling us to trust in God in the midst of the world’s uncertainty. He sings a second song thanking God for faithfulness. Isaiah encourages us to sing, when we are worried. We can listen to the news, but we don’t have to put our trust in the newscast. No matter what problems are affecting us, we can still pray, worship and praise God. That is why we go to church, that is why Christmas is such a special time. God is our light in a dark world. Questions: What does repentance mean in your life? How do you trust in God in uncertainty?

December 9, 2018

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for December 9th: Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6; Theme: Second Sunday of Advent Luke: We begin with the theme of the world turned upside down. God is known for turning the tables in life. When it happens in the life of those who are faithful, they celebrate. This is the song of Zechariah. Zechariah had been trying to have a child. In their old age, he and his wife are blessed. Zechariah is not able to speak until the baby is born. When his son John, this is his celebration. Zechariah celebrates three things in this blessing: God remains faithful to God’s promises, God’s way is the way to salvation and God is a God of peace. All three of these statements are the message of Advent. But before God can do God’s work, God has to change the powers that be. Malachi: This passage is the inspiration for Handel’s message that no one can stand before the Lord and that the Lord shall purify and forgive the faithful so that they can stand during the Day of the Lord. It continues many of the advent themes: that there is a time of tribulation, but the faithful will endure. God wants us to return from the sin of the world and life with Him as our center. As we move closer to advent, we are getting closer to the beginning of the Christian story – the birth of Christ. But this message is that before we can get that close to God we need to take a look at our lives, and to repent from our worldly ways and live a life faithful to a God who is faithful to us. Questions: When has God turned the tables for you and your life? How have you celebrated God’s blessings in your life? When was the last time you have asked for God’s forgiveness? How are you spiritually preparing for Christmas?

December 2, 2018

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for December 2nd: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36; Theme: First Sunday of Advent Luke: Advent always starts with the end in mind. So Jesus is talking about how things will happen at the end of the world, the end of time. Whereas Mark says that the end will come when the Jewish temple is destroyed, Luke does not say when it will end. He says that no one knows but God when the end is near. In the meantime we have all experienced the signs that he mentions: signs in nature, panic over climate change, people being affected by those natural disasters, and yet we are all still here. Christ has not come yet. But we can still head Luke’s message to be alert and not to get too caught up into what is going on in the world. As Christians, we are encouraged to always stay alert, to always be prepared for Christ returned, and to live as if this is your last day. That is who we are. 1 Thessalonians: The Thessalonian people lived as if the end was near. They actually quit their jobs, sold their possessions because they thought they didn’t need them anymore. So Paul had to encourage them to slow down. No one can know when the second coming will come. But it will be a normal life. We should keep the faith, and continue to show love to all. It is that love that will strengthen us and get us through the dark times. For Paul the key to being a disciple of Christ was not in being ready to go, but in showing love to others. As long as Christ finds us showing love, then he will be happy when he returns. Questions: What are your beliefs about the end times? How do you prepare for the second coming of Christ? During advent do you schedule time to retreat and spend time with God? How do you show love to other people? How has helping others helped you to become more faithful?

November 25, 2018

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for November 25th: 2 Samuel 23:1-7; Psalm 132:1-12; Revelation 1:4-8; John 18:33-37; Theme: Christ the King John: Jesus has been captured and is bought to trial. The charge against him – being the King of the Jews. So now Pilate asks that question of Jesus – Are you the King of the Jews. Jesus has to explain once again that he has no intention of being an earthly king. He has not intention of ruling. And he is definitely not trying to threaten the power of those in charge. But in willingly going to the cross, Jesus shows us what it means to care for your people – what it means to make the ultimate sacrifice. What it means to be a spiritual king. A king has to have a kingdom. Those who follow Jesus are a part of that kingdom – the church. Christ the King teaches us to reflect on the kingdom of God and our part in it. What is Christ calling us to do for the world? How are we to follow his example? What is our role as subjects of the kingdom? 2 Samuel: Last week we read the beginning of the Samuel books, one week later we read the end. Samuel the kingmaker, has anointed David as King. David has lived a very full life and now it is time for him to pass on his legacy. He is grateful for God’s favor and mercy. He declares that the house of David shall last forever, and that there shall always be a king from his house. Little does he realize at that point that the real King – Jesus Christ should come from that house and make that prediction true. Jesus turns that prediction on its head, because he is not interested in ruling a nation, but in ruling the hearts of men. David excludes everyone else from his family, Jesus included everybody in the kingdom. David was not perfect but God loved him anyway. Jesus was perfect and God used him to increase the kingdom. It is funny how the twist and turns of history always leads us to the truth of God’s reign in our world and in our lives. Questions: What is the role of a King? If we have a president, does the metaphor of a king fit our time?

November 18, 2018

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for November 18th: 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Hebrews 10:11-25, Mark 13:1-8; God works with unlikely people 1 Samuel 2: Many times we think of prayer as something that we ask for, but prayer is also a celebration of how God answered us. Hannah had been praying a desperate prayer for years for a child. And when she gave birth, it was her confirmation that God cared for her. She thanked God for what God did for her in the present, but also for what God will do in the future. This prayer was not just about her needs, it was about the needs of her people, and all people of the world. She praises God for all that God is to all of us. And eventually she returns God’s gift back to God- her son is raised to live in the priest house. Just as Mary thanks God when she learns that she is pregnant, this prayer of Hannah is a important poem for our faith. 1 Samuel 1: This week we have another story of a woman who has fallen through the cracks of society. Hannah is married and her husband loves her very much, but she is still unhappy, she still has no status in this society. Her husband had sons by another wife. If he were to die, they would inherit all that he has, and she would be nothing. She feels like a nobody, a third wheel in an otherwise happy family. She has no one to turn to but God. So when the family travels to the temple to pray – she prays for a son. She seeks council from the priest. She asks God to deliver her. She does give birth to a son, so she knows that in God’s eyes she must be somebody. God cares for her. And that is all that she really needs to know. She can return her gift to God and live in peace – knowing that God cares. Questions: How many of us remember to thank God when our prayers are answered? How does God give to the world through your life? Do you think that you are important in God’s eyes? When has God answered an Important prayer for you? How did you say thank you?