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October 24, 2018

Seeing, and Seen, Through Suffering

Martha C. Highsmith   |   Read Psalm 34:1-8, 19-22

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Lectionary Week
October 22–28, 2018
Scripture Overview

Sometimes we can look back and see why challenging things happened to us, but this is not always the case. Job never fully understood his story but finally submitted his life to God in humility. In Job’s case, God restored with abundance. The psalmist also rejoices that although the righteous may suffer, God brings ultimate restoration. The reading from Hebrews continues celebrating Christ’s role as the compassionate high priest. Unlike human high priests, who serve only for a time, Christ remains our priest forever. A man without sight in Jericho knows of Jesus compassion and cries out for it, despite attempts to silence him. He asks Jesus for mercy, physical healing in his case, and Jesus granted his request because the man has displayed great faith.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Job 42:1-6, 10-17. What are your happy and unhappy endings? How do you acknowledge both?
• Read Psalm 34:1-8, 19-22. When has an obstruction or impediment influenced your relationship with God?
• Read Hebrews 7:23-28. What distinction do you draw between sacrifice and offering? Which do you prefer?
• Read Mark 10:46-52. When have you been unable to see the blessing right in front of your eyes?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 34:1-8, 19-22

1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise will always be in my mouth. 2 I praise the LORD let the suffering listen and rejoice. 3 Magnify the LORD with me! Together let us lift his name up high! 4 I sought the LORD and he answered me. He delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to God will shine; their faces are never ashamed. 6 This suffering person cried out: the LORD listened and saved him from every trouble. 7 On every side, the LORD’s messenger protects those who honor God; and he delivers them. 8 Taste and see how good the LORD is! The one who takes refuge in him is truly happy! 19 The righteous have many problems, but the LORD delivers them from every one. 20 He protects all their bones; not even one will be broken. 21 But just one problem will kill the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be held responsible. 22 The LORD saves his servants’ lives; all those who take refuge in him won’t be held responsible for anything.

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

Psalm 34 is an acrostic. With a few exceptions, each verse begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet in order from beginning to end. Why did the psalmist shape the poem this way? Perhaps it was a device to help people remember the song, to fix in their minds...

God of the love that is without beginning or ending, when the sorrows of the world and of my own life threaten to blind me to your presence, remind me that you are with me always. Amen.


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