March 18, 2018, Lectionary
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It seems to me that God's promises are limitless and all-encompassing. This new covenant in the Old Testament has always drawn me in. Jeremiah 31:31-34
David said, "I have sinned." That's not a popular way to talk, but it's a way to talk that spells relief. Psalm 51
Through His prayers and sufferings, Jesus became the perfect Author of eternal salvation for you and me. Hebrews 5:5-10
Repentance and confession can feel like dying, a total change, death to the current life direction, giving up on self-image as "a good person" or some other favorite descriptor. Jesus said death allows new life. John 12:20-33
Thoughts about Listening
When I wish, metaphorically speaking, that I could open up someone's head and just pour in all the knowledge I have that they need, I remind myself how I got my knowledge. It's a process. Jeremiah 31:31-34
For offering a listening heart toward a hurt I caused, I stay in I language, keep it simple, and remind myself that explaining why may merely sound like making excuses. Psalm 51
I think it is sometimes possible to pick out of a crowd the persons who have experienced great trouble and come through with a willingness to help others. Hebrews 5:5-10
There is anecdotal evidence in several fields that giving up can allow a breakthrough. John 12:20-33
Bible Reading Group Homework
1. Tell someone who will listen, where do you find hope when you’ve really messed something up?
2. Read or listen to Jeremiah 31:31-34. Please ponder the promise here. Read the words aloud and together listening to each other as you go. If you could see daily evidence of the working of this promise, how would you feel?
3. Read or listen to Psalm 51:1-17. Read this aloud together, also. What are your favorite phrases in this Psalm?
4. Read or listen to Hebrews 5:5-10. What makes Jesus the perfect Author of our salvation? Discuss: Though Jesus never failed of acting in accordance with God’s law, it was through His suffering that He was made able to connect with us in our remorse for our sins, and thereby provide a way out.
5. Read or listen to John 12:20-33. Draw, dance, or dramatize this scene in Jesus’ life with special emphasis on the words Jesus said about the seed. Discuss how admitting a sin or big mistake might be sort of like dying. What is there that you need to admit and confess today?
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1. Dígale a alguien que le escuche, ¿Dónde encuentra esperanza cuando realmente ha hechado a perder algo?
2. Leer o escuchar Jeremías 31: 31-34. Por favor, reflexione sobre esta promesa . Lean juntos en voz alta escuchándose a medida que avanza. Si pudiera ver la evidencia diaria de como funciona esta promesa, ¿Cómo se sentiría?
3. Leer o escuchar el Salmo 51: 1-17. También lea esto en voz alta. ¿Cuáles son sus frases favoritas en este Salmo?
4. Leer o escuchar Hebreos 5: 5-10. ¿Qué es lo que hace a Jesús el Autor perfecto de nuestra salvación? Discutir: Aunque Jesús nunca dejó de actuar de acuerdo con la ley de Dios, es a través de su sufrimiento que pudo conectarse con nosotros en nuestro remordimiento por nuestros pecados y, por lo tanto, proporcionar una salida.
5. Leer o escuchar Juan 12: 20-33. Dibuje, baile o dramatice esta escena en la vida de Jesús, con especial énfasis en las palabras que dijo Jesús acerca de la simiente. Discuta cómo es que puede sentirse como si muriera al admitir un pecado o un gran error. ¿Qué hay que admitir y confesar hoy?