It is glorious to witness people putting into action what they believe. I find it convincing beyond measure to see someone back up words with action. This short letter provides just such a view. We see firsthand that Paul the preacher of the faith is also Paul the practitioner of...

Lord God, move in my life so that my faith in you will make me bold to speak and act in love for all people. Amen.


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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.