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February 21, 2019

Looking for the Bigger Picture

Chebon Kernell   |   Read Psalm 37:7-11, 39-40

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Lectionary Week
February 18–24, 2019
Scripture Overview

Joseph had experienced betrayal by his brothers and then had been sold into slavery. At the time, he no doubt had felt abandoned by God. However, after God raises up Joseph in Egypt, Joseph is able to provide for his family in a time of drought. Although others have acted with evil intentions, God uses it for good. The psalmist offers a similar encouragement. We struggle in the real challenges that face us, but we believe in a God who can carry us through them. In First Corinthians, Paul explains that God carries us even through death to resurrection glory on the other side. Jesus teaches us to respond to evil with mercy. Because we believe in a God who will ultimately bring justice, we do not need to serve as judge and executioner.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Genesis 45:3-11, 15. How would considering your children’s children to seven generations change the way you make decisions?
Read Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40. What is your relationship to the land on which you live now and the land on which you lived as you grew up?
Read 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50. How do you live out the characteristics of God’s imperishable realm?
Read Luke 6:27-38. How do you respond to Jesus’ call to love your enemies as an individual? How does your community of faith follow this gospel requirement?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 37:7-11, 39-40

7 Be still before the LORD, and wait for him. Don’t get upset when someone gets ahead someone who invents evil schemes. 8 Let go of anger and leave rage behind! Don’t get upset—it will only lead to evil. 9 Because evildoers will be eliminated, but those who hope in the LORD they will possess the land. 10 In just a little while the wicked won’t exist! If you go looking around their place, they won’t be there. 11 But the weak will inherit the land; they will enjoy a surplus of peace. 39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their refuge in times of trouble. 40 The LORD will help themand rescue them rescue them from the wicked—and he will save them because they have taken refuge in him.

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

Who owns this land? This question was foreign to many Native American tribes as they encountered European explorers. They often responded, “How does one own the land?” Or, “How does one own the air of the sky or the water that surrounds us?” Ownership of the natural world was a...

You who has given us the breath of life, walk with us as we remember those characteristics of this journey that respect all members of creation. Help us to be meek and humble and to resist anger and violence. Amen.


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