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October 7, 2016

Joy and Obedience

Kate Obermueller Unruh   |   Read Psalm 66:1-12

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Lectionary Week
October 3–9, 2016
Scripture Overview

One might have expected Jeremiah to advise the exiles to maintain their independence and be ready to return to Judah. Instead, he tells them to settle in, to build and plant, to seek the welfare of Babylon, even to pray for its prosperity. The judging purposes of God call for extended exile and not impa- tient rebellion. In the story of the ten lepers in Luke, one returns to praise and thank Jesus for giving him health. Only then do we learn that he is a Samaritan. The ultimate outsider becomes the model of faith. Second Timothy bears witness to the awe- some character of God that always honors divine commitments, thereby appearing to humans full of surprises. For the psalmist, God merits the worship of all the earth.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7. When have you found yourself in exile? How did you cope with the situation? What reminded you that God had not abandoned you?
• Read Psalm 66:1-12. When has the testing of God brought you out to “a spacious place”?
• Read 2 Timothy 2:8-15. How do you ready yourself to pres- ent yourself as one approved by God?
• Read Luke 17:11-19. The writer states that Jesus’ question, “Where are the other nine?,” invites us to receive God’s healing of illness and inner wounds. What in your life needs God’s healing touch?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 66:1-12

1 Shout joyfully to God, all the earth! 2 Sing praises to the glory of God’s name! Make glorious his praise! 3 Say to God: “How awesome are your works! Because of your great strength, your enemies cringe before you. 4 All the earth worships you, sings praises to you, sings praises to your name!” Selah 5 Come and see God’s deeds; his works for human beings are awesome: 6 He turned the sea into dry land so they could cross the river on foot. Right there we rejoiced in him! 7 God rules with power forever; keeps a good eye on the nations. So don’t let the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah 8 All you nations, bless our God! Let the sound of his praise be heard! 9 God preserved us among the living; he didn’t let our feet slip a bit. 10 But you, God, have tested us you’ve refined us like silver, 11 trapped us in a net, laid burdens on our backs, 12 let other people run right over our heads we’ve been through fire and water. But you brought us out to freedom!

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

Sunny blue skies, hot chocolate on a cold day, fresh flowers, fireworks, babies—all these things bring me joy. It comes to me in a burst of energy, gratitude, and happiness that makes my heart smile, and for a moment I experience the sheer goodness of creation. These moments often last...

God of glory, help me remember and proclaim your work in my life that I may experience your joy and share it with others. Amen.


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