August 18, 2018

The Quest for Wisdom

Kyndall Rae Rothaus | Read Ephesians 5:15-20

(Image by: Pixabay)

Lectionary Week

August 13–19, 2018

Scripture Overview

If you could ask God for one thing, what would it be? God offered this chance to Solomon, and the king asked for wisdom to rule God’s people well. God honored this request by giving Solomon many other gifts too, as long as the king followed God’s ways. (Later on, unfortunately, Solomon lost his way.) The psalmist tells us that wisdom begins with understanding who we are and who God is. Ephesians addresses practical implications of wise living: follow the will of the Lord, be filled with the Spirit, encourage one another, and be grateful to God. The Gospel passage continues Jesus’ metaphorical description of himself as the bread of heaven. Here Jesus anticipates the sacrament of Communion, in which we partake of his body and blood by faith.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14. Why are you afraid to ask God to meet your needs or show you your call?
• Read Psalm 111. What actions dominate your quest for God? Do you remember to stop and delight in God’s love for you?
• Read Ephesians 5:15-20. How do you make the most of your time with God? How do you show others that you are filled with the Spirit?
• Read John 6:51-58. In Communion we recall Jesus’ offering of his body and blood. How has that concept been a stumbling block to you?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Get drunk on God, on music, on conversation—this is what God’s word recommends, especially when the days are evil. Unlike being drunk on wine, this sort of intoxication isn’t a form of escapism but a form of engagement, a way to resist, and a communal pledge to keep going. Think...

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God of justice, we know you see the suffering that exists all around us, and we confess there are days we feel swallowed up by it all and wish for a means of escape, a way to feel numb, a place to hide. But with music and song, community and friendship, you draw us back into the world to do our work. Thank you. Amen.

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