Lection Reflections: The 2nd Sunday in Lent

"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!

There is the potential for a lot of heavy lifting in Sunday's lectionary.

Genesis 22: 1-14 records Abraham's intention to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, in obedience to God's command to do so. It is hard for modern-day readers to grasp the idea that a good God would ask a faithful man (Abraham) to kill an innocent child (Isaac), and I would wager that most preachers will pass on using this passage as a sermon text. It is extremely difficult to challenge ideas that have taken root about a passage encountered long ago by most people in the pew. But blessings on the preacher who takes-up, yet again, a story that explores the foundations of faith in God, and the role of obedience.

Psalm 16 exalts the Lord as the psalmist's portion in life; and his deliverer in death. This is a good psalm to recall the comprehensiveness of God's love, faithfulness, and mercy.

Mark 8: 31-38 reminds us of the exacting cost of Christian discipleship. One cannot read it honestly and not be challenged by its requirements: Self-denial, cross-bearing, and obedience. It almost -- almost -- goes without mentioning the proliferation of groups in the Christian Church that promote self-actualization over self-denial; blessing-seeking over cross-bearing; and self-satisfaction over divine obedience. Again, heavy lifting for anyone bold enough to deal with the text on its terms.

Finally, Romans 8: 31-39, which includes the oft-quoted verse (28) about all things working for good to those who love God, and are called according to His purposes, is a reminder (a) that there is often suffering for those who choose to follow Jesus; and (b) that we are ultimately victorious over these mortal impediments, because nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (39).

While there is the potential for heavy lifting in the exploration of these readings, the real work is the application of God's word in our living. It is work, to be sure, to live faithfully according to God's plan, in God's time, and to work in God's way; but it is work that is true and rewarding. Or, as Jesus asks in day's Gospel reading: "For what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mark 8: 37)

Have a great Sunday!