January 20, 2019, Lectionary

Count the metaphors! By many metaphors God through the prophet tried to tell how much God loves and delights in God's people. Isaiah 62:1-5

The promises are fabulous. My heart reaches for them. Then I read that they are for the "upright in heart." I remember I am short, stooped, and crooked in heart. So in surrender I fall again on the Lord's mercy and lovingkindness. Psalm 36:5-10

Among those who call Jesus "Lord" are multiple differences and diversities, all endorsed and empowered by the same God and Holy Spirit, for the benefit of all. A mystery. 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Jesus' first miracle wasn't even a healing, but a speeding up of natural processes, using earth/stone and water to make grape product. I wonder if any of my requests could be done by speeding up natural processes. John 2:1-11

Thoughts about Listening

Listen to the hope around you. Isaiah 62:1-5

So many gifts available to me. Reflection question: Do I bear my gifts with humble generosity or with flaunting entitlement? Psalm 36:5-10

Really it is quite a mystery, our deep unknowable differences and our strong delightful connections. 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

What are you holding out for your spouse, child, or supervisee to do to prove him or herself? Is there something else that could increase your trust in him or her? John 2:1-11

Bible Reading Group Study Guide

1.    For what group do you feel the most concern to keep the group together?

2.    Read or listen to Isaiah 62:1-5. The Lord through the prophet promised great blessings to and through Israel. List the blessings and ponder the metaphors.

3.    Read or listen to Psalm 36:5-10. Here are more blessings and metaphors of blessing that the psalmist claims are promised to the “upright in heart.” List the blessings and discuss who can claim them. Read these verses aloud together.

4.    Read or listen to 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. List some of the diversities and differences that appear in the church all under the one Lord and Holy Spirit. Discuss how such diversity can work together.

5.    Read or listen to John 2:1-11. Read together with different voices, or dramatize the story. Discuss what actually happened, and its effect on the various people mentioned. Try to imagine deeply the feelings of one of the characters and share your insights.

January 27 Bible Readings:
● Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10  ● Psalm 19
● 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a  ● Luke 4:14-21