March 4, 2018, Lectionary

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The Ten Commandments could be seen as Ten Promises: "Love God and you won't do these things, you just won't, it won't be in you to do them." Exodus 20:1-17

I learned Psalm 19 as a child, memorized it from the King James Version, worked hard to remember the ordering of similar lines. It was worth it.

Some want a sign of Jesus' authority, and a crucified Messiah is a stumblingblock to them, a sign of His impotence. Others want wisdom, and a crucified Savior is foolishness to them, an oxymoron. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Jesus had disrupted their system so they asked to see his credentials (a sign). The only credentials needed would be His death and resurrection. John 2:13-22

Thoughts about Listening

For devoted relationship, discover what are the other person's core desires and taboos, and always honor them.  Exodus 20:1-17

Managing my own thoughts and words will make me a better listener. Psalm 19

Sometimes it feels less powerful, or less engaging, to close the mouth and listen. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

When someone is acting too cocky for his or her position or station, we say, "Who do you think you are?" or "Show your credentials!" Is there a better way? John 2:13-22

Bible Reading Group Homework

1.    Try using a metaphor or simile to describe your relationship with the Ten Commandments. Say, “My relationship to the Ten Commandments is like . . .” Or say, “To me, the Ten Commandments are like . . .”

2.    Read or listen to Exodus 20:1-17. Try reading the Ten Commandments as promises. “You won’t . . .” (Compare Psalm 91:5 for the tone to use.)

3.    Read or listen to Psalm 19. Some find it difficult to enjoy God’s law as this psalmist apparently does, because thinking about the Ten Commandments makes them feel guilty. Here’s a suggestion: Try getting forgiveness first, and then reading Psalm 19 on the other side of that step. Just ask for the forgiveness, and you have it; it’s free and ready.

4.    Read or listen to 1 Corinthians 1:18-25. Are you looking for physical evidence (a sign) or for intellectual proof (wisdom)? Jesus is both. What does Paul cite to affirm Jesus’ authority?

5.    Read or listen to John 2:13-22. Who disrupted what? And then who asked for proof of authority? To whom do you give authority to disrupt your life? Your baby can wake you at night. Your spouse can get a spontaneous date with you. Who gets to interrupt you and pull you away?

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1.     Intente usar una metáfora o una usar una palabra similar para describir su relación con los Diez Mandamientos. Diga: "Mi relación con los Diez Mandamientos es como ...” O diga: “Para mí, los Diez Mandamientos son similares a ...”

2.     Leer o escuchar Éxodo 20: 1-17. Intente leer los Diez Mandamientos como promesas. "No lo harás. . . "(Compare el Salmo 91: 5 para el tono que debe usar).

3.     Leer  o escuchar el Salmo 19. Algunos encuentran difícil disfrutar de la ley de Dios como aparentemente lo hace este salmista, porque pensar en los Diez Mandamientos los hace sentir culpables. Aquí hay una sugerencia: primero intente obtener el perdón y luego como siguiente paso lea el Salmo 19. Sólo pida perdón, y lo tendrá; es gratis y está listo.

4.     Leer o escuchar 1 Corintios 1: 18-25. ¿Está buscando evidencia física (un signo) o prueba intelectual (sabiduría)? Jesús es ambos. ¿Qué es lo que Pablo cita para afirmar la autoridad de Jesús?

5.     Leer o escuchar Juan 2: 13-22. ¿Quién interrumpió qué? Y luego, ¿Quién pidió una prueba de autoridad? ¿A quién le da la autoridad de interrumpir su vida? Su bebé puede despertalo por la noche. Su cónyuge puede tener una cita espontánea con usted. ¿Quién puede interrumpirle y alejarlo?