September 11, 2016

The Many Faces of God

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All three parables in Luke 15 (the lost sheep, the lost coin, the lost son) end the same way: with a big, lavish, over-the-top party! In verses 1-10, the elation of the shepherd who finds the sheep and the woman who finds the coin is so great that they invite...

Imagine God throwing a party out of love for you. Let your heart fill with gratitude for such lavish, holy joy.

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Lectionary Week

September 5–11, 2016

Scripture Overview

The apparent message of Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 is total despair, but verse 27 offers a soft note of grace. God’s redemptive purposes for the people will not ultimately be thwarted. Psalm 14 suggests that foolishness and perversity characterize all humanity, but God can gather from among sinful humankind a community of people who will nd their refuge in God. In First Timothy, the writer points to his own life as an example of God’s ability to reclaim and redeem persons. Luke 15 suggests how far God is willing to go to reclaim the lost. The par- ables of the lost sheep and the lost coin portray God as remark- ably and even recklessly active in pursuit of wayward persons.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28. When have you made a mess of things and suffered the consequences? What invitation surfaced from that situation?
• Read Psalm 14. How do you feel when you are out of touch with God’s call? What practices or disciplines do you employ to recognize God’s faithfulness?
• Read 1 Timothy 1:12-17. What can you do today that will show mercy and compassion to another?
• Read Luke 15:1-10. When have you felt God pursuing you? How did this feel like a gracious invitation rather than con- demnation?

Respond by posting a prayer.