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September 15, 2016

Lessons in Respect

Lee Escobedo   |   Read Psalm 4:1-8

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Lectionary Week
September 12–18, 2016
Scripture Overview

Three of the texts for this Sunday deal with intercession; although they certainly will not make praying any easier, they may make it more hopeful. The readings from both Jeremiah and the psalm depict the anguish of one who identi es with the pain of God’s faithless people. Prophet and psalmist grieve with and for the people and join in the persistent and impatient plea for health and renewal. But God turns out not to be an impassive or distant deity but one bound up with the anguish of the prophet and the anguish of the people. Likewise, the psalmist discovers that the God who refuses to tolerate Israel’s faithlessness nevertheless cannot nally abandon the chosen community. First Timothy also challenges readers to offer prayers of intercession and speci es that they be made for those in positions of political leadership.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Jeremiah 8:18–9:1. Jeremiah weeps for the self-will and disrespect of his people toward God. What do you see in the contemporary world that causes you to weep?
• Read Psalm 4. How do you, like David, acknowledge God’s guidance in your life?
• Read 1 Timothy 2:1-7. Paul reminds us to pray for everyone, no matter their relation to us. How can you be more inten- tional in praying for others?
• Read Luke 16:1-13. In what ways can you take more per- sonal responsibility in being a steward for the things God bestows to humanity?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 4:1-8

1 Answer me when I cry out, my righteous God! Set me free from my troubles! Have mercy on me! Listen to my prayer! 2 How long, you people, will my reputation be insulted? How long will you continue to love what is worthless and go after lies? Selah 3 Know this: the LORD takes personal care of the faithful. The LORD will hear me when I cry out to him. 4 So be afraid, and don’t sin! Think hard about it in your bed and weep over it! Selah 5 Bring righteous offerings, and trust the LORD! 6 Many people say, “We can’t find goodness anywhere. The light of your face has left us, LORD!” 7 But you have filled my heart with more joy than when their wheat and wine are everywhere! 8 I will lie down and fall asleep in peace because you alone, LORD, let me live in safety.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

One of my Bible teachers noted that humanity’s attitude is this: “Lord, tell me once, maybe twice, and I'll take it from there.” It reminds me of a young child telling his or her parent, “I do it myself.” Positive thinking and our self-help culture tempt us to believe we...

Father, may I learn to keep my attitude focused on you, not me. Amen.


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