September 3, 2017, Lectionary
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Several things were tokens or signs in the Old Testament: rainbow, circumcision, worship at Horeb, blood on doorpost, etc. Exodus 3:1-15
In the midst of praise, the psalmist says God turned their enemies hearts to hate and trick His people. I'd rather God than an enemy do it. Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45
If someone else's lack makes room for us, how much more their fullness would bless us! Romans 12:9-21
The disciples' confession of faith opened the way for Jesus to bless them in the form of warnings they didn't want to hear. Matthew 16:21-28
Thoughts about Listening
Words are only signs and imperfect signs, at that. So keep listening, and re-phrasing, and paraphrasing. Exodus 3:1-15
Motives for praise: because you're awestruck, to win favor or favors, to empower that person toward his or her best good. Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45
There is no space for boasting or sense of superiority over those who didn't get or use the opportunities we have. Romans 12:9-21
No one gets to see obvious success to every part of every attempt. Keep on attempting! Matthew 16:21-28
Bible Reading Group Homework
1. Tell about a time when you believed and received what you asked God for. Or find and tell such a story from the life of George Muller or J. Hudson Taylor or Gladys Aylward.
2. Read or listen to Exodus 3:1-15. Scan chapter 2 and discuss what happened when Moses thought he was capable of delivering Israel. Then discuss why he may not have felt capable by chapter 3, and what God gave him to boost his sense of capability.
3. Read or listen to Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45. Ponder together especially verse 25. Describe your feelings about it.
4. Read or listen to Romans 12:9-21. How might Paul’s view of Israel have been influenced by the story of Moses at the burning bush?
5. Read or listen to Matthew 16:21-28. Read it several times, sometimes aloud together. What do the sayings of verses 24-28 have to do with the happening in verses 21-23? React: You have to allow yourself to be crucified, lose your life, lose the world, and keep on working. In the future you’ll be rewarded for your work, and even in this life you’ll see some successes.
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1. Cuente un momento en que creyó y recibió lo que le pidió a Dios. O encontrar y contar una historia parecida de la vida de George Muller, J. Hudson o Gladys Aylward.
2. Leer o escuchar Éxodo 3:1-15. Escudriñe el capítulo 2 y discuta lo que sucedió cuando Moisés pensó que era capaz de conducir a Israel. Después discuta por qué en el capítulo 3 puede que no se haya sentido, y lo que Dios le dió para para aumentar su sentido de capacidad.
3. Leer o escuchar el Salmo 105:1-6, 23-26, 45. Escudriñarlo juntos, especialmente el versículo 25. Describa sus sentimientos al respecto.
4. Leer o escuchar Romanos 12:9-21. ¿La visión de Pablo sobre Israel, cómo podría haber sido influenciada por la historia de Moisés y la zarza ardiente?
5. Leer o escuchar Mateo 16:21-28. Leerlo varias veces, juntos en voz altos. ¿Qué tienen que ver los versículos 24-28 con lo que sucede en los versículos 21-23? Reaccionar: Debe permitirse ser crucificado, perder su vida, perder el mundo y seguir trabajando. En el futuro será recompensado por su trabajo, e incluso en esta vida verá algunos éxitos.