Scriptures: Nehemiah 8:1-10, Psalm 19, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, Luke 4:15-21
Background: All of our scripture pieces speak of the joy of receiving God’s call of identity. The Old Testament lesson tells the story of God’s people reclaiming their unique (holy) identity as Ezra reads words most of them have never heard–the Law which calls for holy behavior. In our Epistle reading, St. Paul spells out the ramifications of his “Body of Christ” image–that everyone has something important to contribute. In our Gospel reading, Jesus uses the words of the Prophet Isaiah to summarize his message and mission.
Think and talk: When the people of Israel hear the Law that Ezra reads, and realize that they have failed to live up to it, they are overwhelmed with grief-rather an extreme reaction to reading the Bible! Ezra tells them to rejoice instead because, as the psalm echoes, being God’s people is a gift, not a burden. Why does it seem we always hear the bad news of our failures instead of the good news of God’s loving call to relationship? Try to define for yourself what makes this call to be God’s people good news. What does the “joy of the Lord” mean to you?
Looking around: Jesus claims to preach Good News, but notice that in order to hear it, you must also need it–that is you must identify yourself as being in one of his categories of need: poor or oppressed or blind or captive. Try to imagine where in your life you might need a Good News message. Are you trapped in some way? Are you missing something important? Use this week to consider how Jesus’ words could answer this need for you.
One Response
Reverend Meg-
Yesterday’s sermon really hit home for me yesterday. When the question you posed to everyone was, “What good news do you need to hear this week?”, it was very obvious to me and what I have been praying for over the last 6 weeks. Unfortunately, I lost my job out here now with limited people to talk to. It has been somewhat of a mental grind for me. Luckily, my neighbors have been very supportive and uplifting for me during this difficult time. I know everything happens for a reason and that things will happen in His time. I will continue to do my best to remain patient and upbeat. I sincerely hope I hear that good news this week and I appreciate your support!