April 14, 2019, Lectionary

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They were so happy to arrive at Elim, a place of 12 wells and 70 palm trees, that they camped there. I wonder if the children ran around counting wells and palm trees. Exodus 15:22-27

I used to think His mercy was available to me once, and then I shouldn't need it much more. The "forever" of His mercy was for anyone else whenever they were ready to use it. Now I think I need His mercy every day, and I'll be claiming it still in eternity. Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

The palm tree is used by the psalmist as a beautiful picture of blessing and fruitfulness throughout the life cycle for those who trust in God. Psalm 92:12-15

Compare what was said during Jesus' triumphal entry with what was said at Jesus' birth (Luke 2:14). Who said it? With what results? Luke 19:28-40

Thoughts about Listening

Sometimes, when something turns out much better than I had feared, that's when I can listen better. I'd like to listen better even in the midst of fear. Exodus 15:22-27

I'll look for the doors that are open to me today. I'll do my best to use well today's opportunities. Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

I think listening well can help me live well all the way to ending well. Psalm 92:12-15

If we don't learn to listen across our differences, the rocks might cry out. Luke 19:28-40

Bible Reading Group Study Guide

1.    It’s Palm Sunday. Do you know what the reference to Palms means? Discuss with your group.

2.    Read or listen to Exodus 15:22-27. What did Israel find at Elim that made them happy? Re-tell the story in your own words.

3.    Read or listen to Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29. What pieces of this reading do you recognize from previous hearings? How is God’s mercy abundant and enduring for you?

4.    Read or listen to Psalm 92:12-15. Who is like a palm tree and with what characteristics, according to this psalmist?

5.    Read or listen to Luke 19:28-40. Compare the words sung here with the words sung in Luke 2:14. In what ways are they similar and why do you think that is so? Compare the sending of the disciples with the sending in Luke 22:7-14. In what ways are they similar, and in what ways different? What might account for those similarities and differences? How will you respond today to Jesus’ sending?

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1.    Hoy es el domingo de Ramos. ¿Sabes lo que significa la referencia que se hace sobre las Palmas? Discuta con su grupo.

2.    Leer o escuchar Éxodo 15: 22-27. ¿Qué encontró Israel en Elim que los hizo felices? Vuelva a contar la historia con tus propias palabras.

3.    Leer o escuchar el Salmo 118: 1-2, 19-29. ¿Qué piezas de esta lectura reconoce de audiencias anteriores? ¿Cómo es que la misericordia de Dios  es abundante y duradera para ti?

4.    Leer  o escuchar el Salmo 92: 12-15. ¿Según el salmista, quién es como una palmera y con qué características?

5.    Leer o escuchar  Lucas 19: 28-40. Comparar las palabras aquí cantadas con las palabras cantadas en Lucas 2:14. ¿De qué manera son similares y por qué cree que es así? Comparar el envío de los discípulos con el envío en Lucas 22: 7-14. ¿De qué manera son similares y de qué manera son diferentes? ¿Qué podría explicar esas similitudes y diferencias? ¿Hoy, cómo responderá  al mandato de Jesús?