Weekly Lectionary Texts
Job 23:1-9, 16-17
Psalm 22:1-15
Hebrews 4:12-16
Mark 10:17-31
Monday, October 5. All these horrible things have happened to Job. He has heard the suggestions of his peers. Now in fear and trembling he lays his case before God in chapter 23. Read the whole chapter. How do Job’s feelings change? What frightens him about God? What frightens you about God?
Tuesday, October 6. The writer of Hebrews says that Jesus does not “sympathize with our weakness” because he has been “tested as we have.” How does that statement change your understanding of what God wants from you? How does it change your image of the Christ?
Wednesday, October 7. Read “Can I Present Myself, Lord?” and think about your own understanding of renewal. What does it mean to you that God can use you right now just as you are? What will you do with that grace today?
Thursday, October 8. Jesus quotes part of Psalm 22 from the cross. What does this tell you about his suffering? How is his suffering like Job’s? How is his suffering like yours?
Friday, October 9. The author of “God’s Call: Not What You’d Think (or Hope For)” suggests that suffering is part and parcel of God’s call. What do you think of this idea? When has following God’s call caused you to suffer?
Saturday, October 10. In Mark 10:17-31 a rich man wants to know what he needs to do to be saved. Jesus tells him to “go, sell, give, and follow.” What does that instruction require of you? What is the most difficult part of the instruction? Today choose a way to “go, sell, give, and follow.”
Sunday, October 11. Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. As you read “All of You” ponder who in this story you are most like – the rabbi or the rich man. Imagine the rabbi speaking the words to you. What would be your response? Would you stay frozen in place or follow the Holy One?
Prayer
Lord, give me the faith to go, sell, give and follow. Take what I have and use it to transform me so that I do not stay frozen. Amen.
Nancy Ferguson is a Presbyterian minister and certified church educator. Her ministry experiences range from seminary instructor to pastor to curriculum developer to camp director to outdoor ministries consultant. She is the author of six books and a frequent workshop leader. Nancy is an articulate advocate for experiential faith formation and experiences beyond the walls of the church. She lives in Accomac County, Virginia near Chincoteague Island where she focuses her attention on creation of educational and spiritual resources for congregational members, church leaders, and camps.
You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org
Re Tuesday, October 6: I believe that Jesus does sympathize with our weakness because he was tempted. He understands our being tempted and he shows us a way to handle temptation–He is the role model for overcoming temptation. But when we do sin, He forgives.
Knowing this, I am not ashamed to approach Him begging for strength
and mercy, because He knows me and loves me.