October 24, 2021, Lectionary

I find a chuckle in the end of Job's story that his daughters steal the show. Though fewer than his sons, they are the ones named in the record, their beauty is extolled, and their inheritance is confirmed. Later Zelophehad's daughters won a similar place in the record (Numbers 27 and 36). Job 42:1-6, 10-17

One of the most marvelous things about God is that he listens, he hears. I can cry or scream or whisper and he hears. The other most marvelous thing is that he delivers the brokenhearted, the humble. I don't have to prove anything to God. Psalm 34:1-8, 17-18

Jesus' job for us will never be taken over by new management. I can trust him forever. Holy, blameless, undefiled, separated, and exalted, he "always lives to make intercession" for me. Hebrews 7:23-28

Jesus' crowd was leaving Jericho in the Jordan valley, and the next chapter has them in Jerusalem, in the hills. This would mean they were heading up from Jericho to Jerusalem. Makes me remember the man going down from Jerusalem to Jericho who was robbed and beaten. Mark 10:46-52

Thoughts about Listening

When I have thoroughly and generously listened to someone, often my reaction is some recognition that I am not God, not all-knowing, and not in control. This is good for me. Job 42:1-6, 10-17

I have known people who can give me listening as a gift when I'm happy, but when I'm sad or hurt or angry, they turn away. Psalm 34:1-8, 17-18

Intermediary, mediation, intercession. They can all be marvelously helpful to communication, though direct communication is preferred if possible. Hebrews 7:23-28

Sometimes, after listening carefully and long, I need some time by myself to process and let go of what I heard. Mark 10:46-52