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July 24, 2019

Restored

Bo Prosser   |   Read Psalm 85:8-13

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Lectionary Week
July 22–28, 2019
Scripture Overview

Hosea can be a difficult book. This prophet is called to live with an unfaithful wife as an image of how Israel is unfaithful to God. Yet even in this initial statement of judgment, God includes a promise of restoration. Psalm 85 appeals to God’s steadfast love. God has become angry with the people for their unfaithfulness, and the people appeal for God’s mercy, which they are confident they will receive. The Colossians reading warns against replacing or even supplementing the simple truth of the gospel with human wisdom, religious rules, or anything else. We have fellowship with Christ through our faith. Jesus teaches us to ask God for what we need and for what we want just as we would ask a human parent.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Hosea 1:2-10. How is God reminding you of your covenant relationship?
Read Psalm 85. When have you needed to pray for restoration in your life? in your relationships with family and friends? in your relationship with God?
Read Colossians 2:6-19. Paul teaches us the value of community. How has your community restored you as you seek to be like Christ?
Read Luke 11:1-13. How has praying regularly changed you? If you do not pray regularly, start a practice now. Look for the ways it changes you.

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 85:8-13

8 Let me hear what the LORD God says, because he speaks peace to his people and to his faithful ones. Don’t let them return to foolish ways. 9 God’s salvation is very close to those who honor him so that his glory can live in our land. 10 Faithful love and truth have met; righteousness and peace have kissed. 11 Truth springs up from the ground; righteousness gazes down from heaven. 12 Yes, the LORD gives what is good, and our land yields its produce. 13 Righteousness walks before God, making a road for his steps.

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

The haunting line woven through the first half of this psalm sets the tone for the second half. Verse 5 asks, “Will you be angry with us forever?” Can you feel the depth of despair in this line? The question lingers in the mind of the psalmist and the pain...

God, forgive me when I let fear and despair drown out my song of hope. My hope is in you from everlasting to everlasting. Help me to sing. Amen.


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