November 12, 2017, Lectionary
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Joshua said Israel cannot serve the Lord. Perhaps he knew them better than they knew themselves. Joshua 24:1-3, 14-25
Reasons to remember God's works include so that we may hope in God and keep God's commandments. Psalm 78:1-7
An amazing meeting in the air: The Lord Himself descending, the dead in Christ and we who are alive ascending. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Spiritual fervor is like the bright flame at first, then some sputtering, then trimming the flame, then a more steady burn. Matthew 25:1-13
Thoughts about Listening
I wonder who knows and manages him or herself so as to always do exactly what he or she determined to do. Joshua 24:1-3, 14-25
Every minute of my life is testimony for/against something important. This calls for awareness and intentionality. Psalm 78:1-7
May you hear words today that really do comfort you regarding those who have passed on from your life. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Asking someone to do something for me which I could have done for myself doesn't always work. Matthew 25:1-13
Bible Reading Group Homework
1. In hopeless times, what is it that stirs hope in you. Tell your group and listen to their responses.
2. Read or listen to Joshua 24:1-3, 14-25. Read the speeches dramatically, Joshua and the people in conversation. Read them enough times so you can express the feelings and inflections.
3. Read or listen to Psalm 78:1-7. Describe and discuss what two things a person will have or do from remembering God’s works (see especially verse 7).
4. Read or listen to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Draw or dance this meeting in the air. Include the three parties: The Lord Himself descending, the dead in Christ and we who are alive ascending. Talk and listen to each other regarding how you feel about this future reunion.
5. Read or listen to Matthew 25:1-13. Dramatize and act out this story Jesus told. Discuss what do you think is the theme or point of this story. Look in the surrounding context of four other parables for clues to the theme of this one. What does it take for you to “be known” by God, in a sense opposite to the ending of this story? Are you taking these steps today?
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1. En tiempos de desesperación, ¿Qué es lo que despierta la esperanza en usted? Digaselo a su grupo y escuche sus respuestas.
2. Leer o escuchar Josué 24: 1-3, 14-25. Lea los discursos dramáticamente, Josue y la gente en conversación. Lealo suficientes veces para que pueda expresar los sentimientos y los tonos.
3. Leer o escuchar el Salmo 78: 1-7. Describa y analice las dos cosas que una persona tendrá o hará al recordar las obras de Dios (véase especialmente el versículo 7).
4. Leer o escuchar 1 Tesalonicenses 4: 13-18. Dibuje o baile esta reunión en el aire. Incluya las tres partes: El mismo Señor descendiendo, los muertos en Cristo y nosotros que estamos vivos ascendiendo. Hablen y escúchense unos a otros sobre cómo se sienten con respecto a esta futura reunión.
5. Leer o escuchar Mateo 25: 1-13. Dramatize y represente esta historia que contó Jesús. Discuta cuál cree que es el tema o punto de esta historia. Mire en el contexto circundante de otras cuatro parábolas para pistas sobre este tema.. ¿Qué hace falta para que "seamos conocidos" por Dios, en un sentido opuesto al final de esta historia? ¿Está dando estos pasos hoy?