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November 6, 2017

Listen to the Teachings

GEORGE HOVANESS DONIGIAN   |   Read Psalm 78:1-4

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Lectionary Week
November 6–12, 2017
Scripture Overview

This week’s passages speak of ultimate commitment or of the return of Jesus or they speak in parables that reflect a protagonist who has been delayed in an anticipated appearance. Living so far from the time of the texts makes it difficult to appreciate the urgency with which the issues arose in various communities and the crises they precipitated. Eschatology, however, is not to be thought of merely as a speculative venture in which curious religious people gamble on a time when the world will end. In the Bible, the coming advent of God demands from and warrants for the people of God a distinctive style of life. In Joshua 24, Israel receives an opportunity to de ne itself by identifying its God. First Thessalonians 4 comforts anxious believers who are worried about the fate of their deceased parents. Jesus’ resurrection is not an isolated event, Paul argues, but the beginning of the resurrection of all people. The prospect of Jesus’ return forms the basis for hope.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25. When have your ministry activities become so time-consuming that you lost your connection to God? How can you regain that connection?
• Read Psalm 78:1-7. Which of the teachers in your life are you most grateful for? Why?
• Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. How concerned are you with the end of time? What would you say to someone who claimed to know when the “end of the age” would be?
• Read Matthew 25:1-13. What part has fear played in your journey of faith? What does fear have to do with receiving God’s love?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 78:1-4

1 Listen, my people, to my teaching; tilt your ears toward the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth with a proverb. I’ll declare riddles from days long gone 3 ones that we’ve heard and learned about, ones that our ancestors told us. 4 We won’t hide them from their descendants; we’ll tell the next generation all about the praise due the LORD and his strength the wondrous works God has done.

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

Give ear . . . to my teaching,” says the psalmist. Today we choose to listen. Tomorrow we may choose another voice, but today we listen. The psalmist invites us to listen and to be
attentive to the teachings. Those teachings are the focus of the four scripture passages this...

O Holy Spirit, give us courage to endure the difficult times and love for those who do not perceive truth as we do. Amen.


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