October 4, 2016

Joy and Obedience

Kate Obermueller Unruh | Read Jeremiah 29:7

(Image by: Pixabay)

Lectionary Week

October 3–9, 2016

Scripture Overview

One might have expected Jeremiah to advise the exiles to maintain their independence and be ready to return to Judah. Instead, he tells them to settle in, to build and plant, to seek the welfare of Babylon, even to pray for its prosperity. The judging purposes of God call for extended exile and not impa- tient rebellion. In the story of the ten lepers in Luke, one returns to praise and thank Jesus for giving him health. Only then do we learn that he is a Samaritan. The ultimate outsider becomes the model of faith. Second Timothy bears witness to the awe- some character of God that always honors divine commitments, thereby appearing to humans full of surprises. For the psalmist, God merits the worship of all the earth.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7. When have you found yourself in exile? How did you cope with the situation? What reminded you that God had not abandoned you?
• Read Psalm 66:1-12. When has the testing of God brought you out to “a spacious place”?
• Read 2 Timothy 2:8-15. How do you ready yourself to pres- ent yourself as one approved by God?
• Read Luke 17:11-19. The writer states that Jesus’ question, “Where are the other nine?,” invites us to receive God’s healing of illness and inner wounds. What in your life needs God’s healing touch?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Shortly after beginning work for Chevrolet, I received an e-mail from one of my college professors who reminded me of the old adage that “what’s good for General Motors is good for the country.” GM’s prosperity indicated a thriving national economy; it was also his way of encouraging my work....

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Lord, show us the people who need to be seen. Empower us to serve in your name that we may brighten the world with your light. Amen.

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