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Lectionary Notes -
3rd Sunday after the
Epiphany
(view
sermon for this text)
Readings for 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany,
1/22/06:
Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31,
Mark 1:14-20
Jonah 3:1-5, 10:
- This is the only week Jonah appears in the lectionary,
so consider reading other sections, or expanding your focus, so that people
get the full story.
- The interesting thing about this story, not included in
today's text, is that Jonah wasn't happy that God was sparing the people. In
fact, Jonah knew that God was likely to be merciful and spare the people, and
this is what most upsets Jonah. Are you ever upset at the liberal way God
shares grace with others? Why do you think this is? Sometimes I think we act
as if God's grace will run out for us if God gives too much to others!
- How would you feel as a resident of Nineveh? Are you
open to others telling you that you are not following God? Generally, we don't
like people telling us what to do, or telling us what we're doing wrong. But
the residents of Ninevah get their acts together, and repent. And God shows
mercy. (I think God can show us mercy, obviously, even when we are
undeserving. But wouldn't it be nice to do our part for once?)
Psalm
62:5-12:
- "For God alone my soul waits in silence" - silence is
such a rare thing these days. As I type, there is the whirr of my laptop, and
my TV in the background. This is typical. Silence is rare. Will you find
silent time for God?
- "My hope is from [God.]" What's your hope? Where is it
from?
- The psalmist urges us to put our trust in God - rank in
the world is "but a breath" or "a delusion" - only God has real power.
1 Corinthians 7:29-31:
- Paul clearly is anticipating a swift return of Jesus
Christ to earth. But even though things didn't happen the way Paul was
expecting, I think his words are still meaningful.
- We're to live, in a sense, in the moment. I don't think
this means to be irresponsible, or to not make plans, or to not take care of
others, of obligations. But to live with an understanding that we have a
different main purpose - to live as God calls us - and so to not let what is
not important tie us down.
Mark 1:14-20:
-
What's the good news? Sometimes, I
think we believe the good news is that "Jesus Christ died for our sins." But
according to Mark, Jesus himself was a proclaimer of the good news, and it was
this: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent and
believe . . . "
-
"Follow me and I will make you fish
for people." Are you fishing for people? What do you think Jesus meant by
this? Evangelism? How? What kind?
-
Important: Don't forget that before
you fish for other people, you should first be following Jesus. Any
other way we try it is following only our own agenda.
-
Immediately! This is one of my
favorite words in scriptures. We like things to happen in our lives in a
convenient and fast way when it is for our own benefit - but how often do we
respond to God immediately?
For fun: Sign in on my
Google Map!
Pastor’s Note: (I use the Greek-English
Lexicon from Liddell and Scott, the “little Liddell”
and the Metzger et. al Greek New Testament in my translation work.)
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