Lectionary Notes - 10-30-05

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Lectionary Notes -24th Sunday after Pentecost

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Readings for 24th Sunday after Pentecost, 10/30/05:

Joshua 3:7-17, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12

Joshua 3:7-17:

A new chapter for the people, and a new leader - God declares that God will be with Joshua as God was with Moses.
How well do we handle leadership transitions in the church? So often we focus on the particular person instead of on the ways God is working through people in leadership.
Another expression of God's presence being made known through strange things happening with water. How many times does water play a significant role in scripture stories? When/how has water played a role in your faith life? What does it mean for our faith when some in our world are without clean, drinkable water?

Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37:

Theme of the psalm: God's love is steadfast.
Steadfast, according to dictionary.com is "Firmly fixed or established; fast fixed; firm. 2. Not fickle or wavering; constant; firm; resolute; unswerving; steady. God's love for us is constant and unwavering. Take comfort!
Vs 36 - "And there he lets the hungry live." What a great vision of justice where the poor and least are given their own place and home and cared for.

1 Thessalonians 2:9-13:

Matthew 23:1-12:

Phylacteries are the boxes that men would tie on to their heads and arms per Old Testament law. The boxes would contain words of scripture, such as, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart . . ."
Do you think Jesus really means that we are never to call other humans teach, rabbi, father, or instructors? If he doesn't mean something literal, what is his point?
What titles do you go by? What titles do you give to others? When have you felt it important to use titles?
"They do not practice what they teach." This is a dangerous game for anyone in a position of authority. Do you practice what you teach? Does the church?
What burdens do we as the church place on others? Do we burden others with moral standards that make it seem impossible to them to be "good enough" for God and the church?

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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