In a world filled with people who will misuse us and hurt our
feelings, it is only the human thing to do my lashing out in
anger... or in pain at the people who seek to hurt us. But the
Prophet is telling us that it is the Lord who is keeping us. It is
he who is our judge. Not others. God will vindicate us in the end,
if we remain faithful... Hang on in there.
I will add more as I put together my sermon, but I am titling it
"Awakened". I wonder what images this title calls to your minds?
ToniWV
I will add more as I put together my sermon, but I am titling it
"Awakened". I wonder what images this title calls to your minds? I
should say, what does this title and this scripture call to you? I
know this is going to be double posted, sorry. Toni in WV
The first verse here tells me that not only am I given the "tongue
of a teacher", but also that I am to have the ear of the student.
A good reminder that I will NEVER know it all, and that I must
listen to those I minister to, and of course to the Spirit.
And then of course it reminds me of the purpose that I am
privileged to enter any pulpit and to teach any class- to sustain
the weary- not prove my "superiority". And I use those places to
sustain the weary by hopefully, opening doors to the One who
sustains and helps me, The Lord God.
Debbie in Bangor, ME
It is late and Sunday is coming! This reading has much bearing on
Mark. Jesus is the Great Rabbi, whose ears are awakened by his
Father. He teaches his disciples at Ceasarea Philippi - they have
one understanding of Messiah, he gives them another only after
letting them reveal themselves.
Jesus begins to teach them what Cross-life is like. As we begin
our Christian Education Season, this is such a powerful text: We
move away from teaching simply doctrine and dogma, and lead our
people into the experience of the Cross - where God's love is
revealed.
tom in ga
