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August 30, 2016

The Decisions of Discipleship

Ken A. Ramsey   |   Read Jeremiah 18:1-11

(Image by: Pixabay)
Lectionary Week
August 29–September 4, 2016
Scripture Overview

The Gospel lesson stresses the cost of disci- pleship. One of the costs involves family, but the implication is that there are compensations as well as costs. Belonging to God affects the way in which one belongs to others. Traditional pat- terns, kinship and otherwise, are transformed. This insight lies at the heart of Paul’s letter to Philemon concerning Philemon’s slave, Onesimus. Without directly requesting that Philemon set Onesimus free, Paul clearly suggests that the ties that bind per- sons as brothers and sisters in Christ transform traditional social patterns, including slavery. Both Jeremiah 18 and Psalm 139 af rm our belongingness to God, individually and corporately.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Jeremiah 18:1-11. How has the “word of the Lord” come to you? What obstacles prevent you from placing your- self entirely in God’s hands?
• Read Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18. How does your life evidence God’s handiwork?
• Read Philemon 1-21. What person or group needs your advocacy in the name of Christ?
• Read Luke 14:25-33. How have you counted the cost of fol- lowing Jesus?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Jeremiah responds to the Lord and goes to the potter’s house. There he witnesses the work of the potter as he shapes and molds the clay. As is often the case, the clay sometimes doesn’t take shape as intended, so the potter begins again. He fashions the clay and works...

Gracious God, I place myself in your hands today. Make and mold my life for your use. Amen.

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