Live the Word to Sunday

Live the Word to Sunday, a Lectionary Discussion

Preparing the way for the Lord to let God’s Word work in your life during the week to make your worship experience more meaningful. Sermons during Worship services are often based upon the Revised Common Lectionary. You are invited to log onto this site and Leave Comment on the readings presented with your questions and/or thoughts. If you have not already done so,you may register here.

Previous week (5/26/2013) Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8, Romans 5:1-5 and John 16:12-15
Prior week (6/2/2013) 1 Kings 18:20-39, Psalm 96, Galatians 1:1-12 and Luke 7:1-10
Last week (6/9/2013) 1 Kings 17:8-24, Psalm 146, Galatians 1:11-24 and Luke 7:11-17

June 16, 2013 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Biblically, this is known as ordinary time (from the word ordinal or counted time) between Pentecost and Christ the King/Reign of Christ Sunday. Our focus this liturgical year (which began after thanksgiving, in November) is the Gospel of Luke, great physician and companion of Paul. We also draw from the gospel of John, especially at the high points, such as Christ’s birth and passion. As you read, consider how the Living Word speaks to you. Jesus is calling you to respond to his Word. Consider the hopeful questions: Where does my help come from? Where do I see God active in the world? How is God calling me to live my life? These scriptures point us toward these profound questions and to faith and to the saving grace of God. It is our hope and prayer that your worship experience be enhanced as you gain a greater sense that God is with you in Jesus Christ.

1 Kings 21:1-10, (11-14), 26-21a – Later the following events took place:…

• Elijah the prophet comes to us from the time after King David and King Solomon, about 860 years before the birth of Jesus Christ.
• You’ll notice that King Ahab and Jezebel where in of the worst in the eyes of God.
• This is why God raised up prophets, to speak truth to strength!

Psalm 5:1-8 – Give ear to my words, O LORD…

• From the Psalm writer we have an attitude to try on in prayer.
• Try reading this as a prayer with you doing the praying.
• Many have suggested remembering psalms to bring up in times of need, to find words for prayer when words do not come easily.

Galatians 2:15-21 – We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners…

• Paul, once energetically putting the followers of Christ in jail, writes to one of the first churches.
• Consider Paul’s words about works and faith.
• What brings us to get the graceful forgiveness that Jesus offers?

Luke 7:36-8:3 – One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him…

• In those days the Pharisees are the ones who knew the law of Moses. It was wrong for a Rabbi or teacher to touch a woman, let alone speak with one.
• When something is considered important, it is repeated by others. Notice this story appears in all four gospels Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9 and John 12:1-8.
• So as you read this story from Luke consider what brings Jesus to show favor to this sinfuyl woman; her actions (works) or her faith?

Next week (6/23/2013) 1 Kings 19:1-15a, Psalm 42, Galatians 3:23-29 and Luke 8:26-39
Week after next (6/30/2013) 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20, Galatians 5:1, 13-25 and Luke 9:51-62
And the next week (7/6/2013) 2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30, Galatians 6:1-6, 7-16 and Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

May the Living Word dwell and lead your heart. May you hear and respond to the Word fully, by seeking to live as Jesus intended and coming to know him through his grace and healing power. May the power of Living Word bring the presence of God in you. To God be the Glory.