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February 22, 2018

Uncomfortable with Grace

Mary Lou Redding (Tennessee)   |   Read Psalm 22:1, 23-31

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Lectionary Week
February 19–25, 2018
Scripture Overview

We cannot earn God’s love. Going back to the time of Abraham, God’s blessing has been based on faith. God chose Abraham for a covenant not because Abraham was perfect but because he believed God. The psalmist reminds his audience of their ancient relationship with God and expresses the hope that it will continue through future generations. Paul reinforces the centrality of faith in Romans. Following the law was not bad, but no one should believe that following the law could earn God’s favor. In Mark 8, Jesus pushes his disciples in their understanding of faith. Trusting God means surrendering everything, including position and reputation. If we value those things more than God, then we are not displaying the faith of Abraham.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16. No rules, just relationship. How comfortable are you in your relationship with God? Upon what does it rest?
• Read Psalm 22. Which verses are most familiar to you? In what ways does your faith journey live in the interplay of shadow and light?
• Read Romans 4:13-25. How easily do you live in God’s grace? In what areas do you find yourself “reckoning” your righteousness?
• Read Mark 8:31-38. When the world asks you who you are, what is your reply?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 22:1, 23-31

1 My God! My God, why have you left me all alone? Why are you so far from saving me so far from my anguished groans? 23 All of you who revere the LORD—praise him! All of you who are Jacob’s descendants—honor him! All of you who are all Israel’s offspring stand in awe of him! 24 Because he didn’t despise or detest the suffering of the one who suffered he didn’t hide his face from me. No, he listened when I cried out to him for help. 25 I offer praise in the great congregation because of you; I will fulfill my promises in the presence of those who honor God. 26 Let all those who are suffering eat and be full! Let all who seek the LORD praise him! I pray your hearts live forever! 27 Every part of the earth will remember and come back to the LORD; every family among all the nations will worship you. 28 Because the right to rule belongs to the LORD, he rules all nations. 29 Indeed, all the earth’s powerful will worship him; all who are descending to the dust will kneel before him; my being also lives for him. 30 Future descendants will serve him; generations to come will be told about my Lord. 31 They will proclaim God’s righteousness to those not yet born, telling them what God has done.

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

I cannot read Psalm 22 without thinking of my friend Andie, whom I met when she was about seven years old. Andie grew up living her faith enthusiastically. She was funny, energetic, and mischievous—a joy to know. Just as Andie finished college, she developed cancer. After treatment she seemed well....

Loving God, for your help in the past and your grace promised for today, the future, and life beyond this life, we give you thanks. Amen.


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