December 11, 2016, Lectionary

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Last Updated: Saturday, 10 December 2016 09:34
Published: Friday, 09 December 2016 12:57
Written by Wilma Zalabak

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How about a highway, or life pathway, where even a non-techie, non-political, blindered and skittish person like me can't go wrong? Isaiah 35:1-10

The God of Israel is my God, the One who created everything before there was a nation, the One who will reign forever despite nations. Psalm 146:5-10

Be patient like waiting for the harvest. Be patient in hope. Be patient with your siblings. Be patient like the prophets. James 5:7-10

To someone seriously questioning belief, there's no argument, there's only testimony. To the mockers there can be argument. Matthew 11:2-11

Thoughts about Listening

Love so the blind can see. Talk so the deaf can hear. Clear the way so the lame can leap. Listen so the mute can sing. Isaiah 35:1-10

Justice for oppressed, food for hungry, freedom for prisoners, sight for blind, lift for low, protection for aliens, relief for orphans and widows. Psalm 146:5-10

Cultivating the personal character traits of patience and hope will aid against sibling grudges, church feuds, and systemic injustice. James 5:7-10

Might be onlookers gaining hope from your attitude toward people experiencing troubles, illness, loss, and poverty. Matthew 11:2-11

Bible Reading Group Homework

1.    Talk together about patience. What is it? Where is it seen? When did you last experience it?

2.    Read or listen to James 5:7-10. Circle or list the instances of the word “patience.” Discuss each mini-context, trying to understand and describe the various nuances of the word. Consider how verse 9 fits with the topic “patience.”

3.    Read or listen to Psalm 146:5-10. Discuss how God or his work might be like a farmer or gardener waiting for the harvest (see James 5:7).

4.    Read or listen to Isaiah 35:1-10. How does a fine highway establish hope? What are the promises about the highway described here? (Compare James 5:8.)

5.    Read or listen to Matthew 11:2-11. (Compare James 5:10.) Research and tell John’s story of suffering, affliction, patience, and endurance. Then consider and discuss what Jesus said about John. Notice the difference between what Jesus said TO John and what Jesus said ABOUT John. Discuss the attitudes in the crowds to whom these words were spoken. Patience is often ridiculed today. What is God asking you to wait for?

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1. Hablemos juntos acerca de la paciencia.  ¿Qué es? ¿Dónde  se encuentra? ¿Cuando fué que la experimentó por última vez?

2. Leer o escuchar Santiago 5:7-10. Subrayar o hacer una lista de los ejemplos de la palabra "paciencia". Discutir cada mini-contexto, tratando de entender y describir los diversos matices de la palabra. Considere cómo encaja el versiculo 9 con el tema "paciencia".

3. Leer o escuchar el Salmo 146:5-10. Discuta cómo  Dios o su obra podrían  ser como un granjero o jardinero  esperando la cosecha (vea Santiago 5:8).

4. Leer o escuchar Isaías 35:1-10. ¿Cómo es que una buena carretera puede crear esperanza? ¿Cuáles son las promesas descritas aquí sobre la carretera? (Compare Santiago 5:8).

5. Leer o escuchar Mateo 11:2-11. (Compare Santiago 5:10). Investigue y cuente la historia de sufrimiento, paciencia y resistencia de Juan. Después considere y discuta lo que Jesús dijo acerca  de Juan. Observe la diferencia entre lo que Jesús dijo A Juan y lo que Jesús dijo ACERCA de Juan. Discuta las actitudes de las multitudes a quienes les fueron dichas estas palabras. Hoy a menudo se ridiculiza la paciencia. ¿Qué es por lo que Dios le pide que espere?