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April 3, 2017

God’s Unfailing Love

Barry Sloan   |   Read Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

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Lectionary Week
April 3–9, 2017
Scripture Overview

These texts raise questions about who truly welcomes Jesus and under what circumstances. Isaiah 50 recalls the hostility that inevitably follows servanthood. A moment of acceptance, even welcome, will not hide from the servant the fact of the rejection to come. Psalm 118 claims that the city and the victory and the “one who comes” all belong to God. Any victory declared by human beings is bound to vanish as quickly as the day itself. The Philippians hymn asserts Jesus’ own determination to be obedient even to death and God’s conse- quent exaltation of Jesus above all creation. Even in the Gospel accounts, Jesus’ entry is one of meekness and humility rather than of power and pride.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29. How do you rejoice in “the day that the LORD has made”?
• Read Isaiah 50:4-9a. The writer notes that for Isaiah, suffer- ing does not signal divine indifference but plays a part in the world’s bigger story. When have you interpreted your suffering as part of a bigger story?
• Read Philippians 2:5-11. What earthly traits of Jesus’ are evident in your daily living? Do you see yourself living a countercultural lifestyle?
• Read Matthew 21:1-11. Where are you in the Palm Sunday story? How do you respond to Jesus as he enters?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

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!” 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. 21 I thank you because you answered me, because you were my saving help. 22 The stone rejected by the builders is now the main foundation stone! 23 This has happened because of the LORD; it is astounding in our sight! 24 This is the day the LORD acted; we will rejoice and celebrate in it! 25 LORD, please save us! LORD, please let us succeed! 26 The one who enters in the LORD’s name is blessed; we bless all of you from the LORD’s house. 27 The LORD is God! He has shined a light on us! So lead the festival offering with ropes all the way to the horns of the altar. 28 You are my God—I will give thanks to you! You are my God—I will lift you up high! 29 Give thanks to the LORD because he is good, because his faithful love lasts forever.

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

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be
glad in it.” Down through the centuries God’s children have
read, sung, and actively embodied these words from Psalm
118 in faithful acknowledgment of God’s unfailing love in and
through impossible times. These ancient words have...

Lord, help me see, sense, and experience your proactive love for me today. In the impossible situations that I face, remind me of the hope that I have in Christ, my deliverer. Amen.


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