October 10, 2021, Lectionary

Job wanted to face his judge. He felt confident that God would be fair. Job 23:1-10, 16-17

Pondering how this psalm came into being and was preserved. Did David foresee Jesus on the cross and write it in the first person for Jesus? Did David have experience of this deep humiliation and write it in metaphor as poets do? And what experience of a gathered community would make them want to sing it in worship and preserve it for centuries? Pondering. Psalm 22:1-15

The Word of God is living, active, piercing, and dividing. He is available and empathic,--plenty of reason to spend time in Bible study and prayer. Hebrews 4:12-16

The man came running up to Jesus, and Jesus loved him. Do come to Jesus today even if you fear you may turn from him in the future. Mark 10:17-31

Thoughts about Listening

When was the last time you avoided a conversation? Do you still think this was better than stating how you felt or believed? Job 23:1-10, 16-17

When you're being bullied, do you write poetry? Make music? Psalm 22:1-15

Pondering, is my empathy available or is it exhausted? Hebrews 4:12-16

Listening deeply to the second exchange often yields a more effective interchange than merly barking a response to the first question. Mark 10:17-31