"Lection Reflections" is a short review of the themes of the coming Sunday's scripture readings as written in the Common Lectionary, Year B. For more information on the Lectionary, and how it can work to aid your Bible knowledge, click here!
Any one of this Sunday's readings could easily become the text for your preacher's sermon.
The reading from the Psalms (32) addresses the blessedness of divine forgiveness, and trust in God. It begins: "How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered." Since we've all been on the wrong end of wrong, we all ought to be able to appreciate the relief of being forgiven.
Isaiah 43: 18-25 is the Old Testament reading for the day, and concerns Israel's shortcomings as regards its dealings with God, particularly in the area of what I call "relationship maintenance." To be sure, the personal nature of the divine-human relationship requires the investment of time and attention. However, Israel had become distracted, and Isaiah calls the people to repent of their ways. Certainly, the blessedness written about in Psalm 32 can, once again, become the gift of the Children of Israel -- and for us.
II Corinthians 1: 18-22 is the Epistle reading. It reminds us that Jesus is God's personal delivery on His promises.
Finally, the Gospel reading (Mark 2: 1-12) relates the story of the healing of a paralyzed man. It is a remarkable story -- not only because of the miraculous healing, which alone was God's work -- but because of the indomitable faith of the unnamed persons carrying the paralytic, who overcame human and physical obstacles to present the man to Jesus.
I hope that you will hear a message from one of these texts on Sunday, any one of which will encourage your resolve to walk more closely with Jesus. On the other hand, if your preacher chooses more than one of these texts to fully explore, eat a good breakfast. It could be a long morning.
Have a great Sunday!
The reading from the Psalms (32) addresses the blessedness of divine forgiveness, and trust in God. It begins: "How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered." Since we've all been on the wrong end of wrong, we all ought to be able to appreciate the relief of being forgiven.
Isaiah 43: 18-25 is the Old Testament reading for the day, and concerns Israel's shortcomings as regards its dealings with God, particularly in the area of what I call "relationship maintenance." To be sure, the personal nature of the divine-human relationship requires the investment of time and attention. However, Israel had become distracted, and Isaiah calls the people to repent of their ways. Certainly, the blessedness written about in Psalm 32 can, once again, become the gift of the Children of Israel -- and for us.
II Corinthians 1: 18-22 is the Epistle reading. It reminds us that Jesus is God's personal delivery on His promises.
Finally, the Gospel reading (Mark 2: 1-12) relates the story of the healing of a paralyzed man. It is a remarkable story -- not only because of the miraculous healing, which alone was God's work -- but because of the indomitable faith of the unnamed persons carrying the paralytic, who overcame human and physical obstacles to present the man to Jesus.
I hope that you will hear a message from one of these texts on Sunday, any one of which will encourage your resolve to walk more closely with Jesus. On the other hand, if your preacher chooses more than one of these texts to fully explore, eat a good breakfast. It could be a long morning.
Have a great Sunday!
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