January 18, 2024

God’s Time and God’s Call

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Lectionary Week

January 15–21, 2024

Scripture Overview

There are two strong themes in the scriptures for this week—God’s call on our lives and the ways in which God’s time is not our time. Jonah attempts to resist God’s call, but finds himself in the belly of a great fish. He gets a second chance to follow the call, and a whole city responds in repentance. The psalmist reminds us that life is but a breath and the things that humanity places value on are not what God values. Paul also reminds us that time on earth is short and we should focus on the things of God. Finally, Mark offers us the call story of the first disciples. Jesus meets them where they are in their lives, and they drop everything to follow in a sense of urgency.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Jonah 3:1-5, 10. Think of a time when you resisted God’s call or have judged other people or groups of people as being beyond help.
Read Psalm 62:5-12. How can you put your trust in the steadfast love of God?
Read 1 Corinthians 7:29-31. Reflect on an experience that changed your perspective on what is important.
Read Mark 1:14-20. How have you responded to God’s call on your life? When have you experienced God’s voice in the ordinary moments of life?

Respond by posting a prayer.

When Jonah first hears God’s voice calling him to go to Nineveh, he does not drop what he’s doing and follow God’s lead like the disciples in Mark’s Gospel. He does the opposite. He heads in the other direction, trying to get as far as he can from God’s call....

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Longing God, you call to me in so many ways, but I do not always answer. Sometimes I even turn around and run the other way. But you remain there, longing for me to return to you. Thank you for continuing to call, even when I stray. Amen.

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