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November 9, 2016

Telling a New Story

Ashlee Alley   |   Read Psalm 118:1-20

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Lectionary Week
November 7–13, 2016
Scripture Overview

Isaiah 65:17-25 looks toward God’s creation of “new heavens and a new earth.” Jerusalem itself is not to be restored but created anew, a place in which life will be revered and protected and in which God will permit no harm to any of creation. The New Testament lessons remind us of the reality— the sometimes painful reality—of the present. Second Thessalo- nians 3:6-13 warns against the disorderly conduct of those who believe that the newness of the eschatological future permits them license in the present. Luke 21:5-19 adds an element of sobriety to the singing of new songs and the expectation of a new future. The faithful are called to bear witness to God’s future in the present, precisely when the new future cannot be seen and even when it seems most improbable.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Isaiah 65:17-25. How does the promise of the new heavens and new earth encourage to tell a new story?
• Read Psalm 118. Which story will you tell? The one of your captivity . . . or the one of your salvation?
• Read 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13. Where in your life do you need to be more disciplined so that you do not deceive yourself?
• Read Luke 21:5-19. What signs from God are you seeking instead of trusting in what you know about God’s character?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 118:1-20

1 Give thanks to the LORD because he is good, because his faithful love lasts forever. 2 Let Israel say it: “God’s faithful love lasts forever!” 3 Let the house of Aaron say it: “God’s faithful love lasts forever!” 4 Let those who honor the LORD say it: “God’s faithful love lasts forever!” 5 In tight circumstances, I cried out to the LORD. The LORD answered me with wide-open spaces. 6 The LORD is for me—I won’t be afraid. What can anyone do to me? 7 The LORD is for me—as my helper. I look in victory on those who hate me. 8 It’s far better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust any human. 9 It’s far better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust any human leader. 10 All the nations surrounded me, but I cut them down in the LORD’s name. 11 Yes, they surrounded me on every single side, but I cut them down in the LORD’s name. 12 They surrounded me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns. I cut them down in the LORD’s name! 13 I was pushed so hard I nearly died, but the LORD helped me. 14 The LORD was my strength and protection; he was my saving help! 15 The sounds of joyful songs and deliverance are heard in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s strong hand is victorious! 16 The LORD’s strong hand is ready to strike! The LORD’s strong hand is victorious!” 17 I won’t die—no, I will live and declare what the LORD has done. 18 Yes, the LORD definitely disciplined me, but he didn’t hand me over to death. 19 Open the gates of righteousness for me so I can come in and give thanks to the LORD! 20 This is the LORD’s gate; those who are righteous enter through it.

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

The single most important event of the Old Testament, the story that the Hebrew people told about themselves, was that of the Exodus, their release from captivity in Egypt. They go to Egypt willingly because of famine in their country; God uses Joseph to prepare for the famine (Gen. 37–41)....

O God, I praise you because you deliver us from our captivity, both individual and corporate. I remember that you release me from that which binds me and for that I say, “Praise the Lord! [Your] steadfast love endures forever!” Amen.


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