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What’s So Good About Being Older?
The comedian George Carlin joked that only children get excited about growing older. Many people dread Read More
Jessica LaGrone | Read Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19
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Sign Up TodayToday’s setting feels like déjà vu all over again to those of us who spent the last two days in Isaiah 5. We’re back on the farm. Once again Israel is the vine that God has planted, and the psalmist locates a tender shoot under the watchful eye of a...
Lord, shine on those in pain and grief. Restore us to light and life. Amen.
Isaiah compares the people of Israel to a vineyard that God has planted. However, the grapes that grow there have become wild. There is no justice, no right living in the vineyard so God is considering letting it be destroyed. The psalmist bemoans the state of God’s people using the same metaphor. The vineyard has been overrun, burned, and cut down. The psalmist appeals to God to restore the vineyard. The author of Hebrews presents many more examples of people of faith in past times. All these exemplars now surround us and cheer us on in our life of faith. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus cautions that following the gospel requires full commitment. For some, this will mean tension in relationships, even within families. Following Jesus is not a commitment of convenience.
Read Isaiah 5:1-7. Recall a time when you lovingly prepared a place. What would prompt you to destroy it?
Read Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19. How has God restored you when you have been at your most vulnerable?
Read Hebrews 11:29–12:2. Who makes up your personal Faith Hall of Fame? How does each person cheer you on in your spiritual journey?
Read Luke 12:49-56. What does it mean for your life of faith for Jesus to have come to bring division?
Respond by posting a prayer.
“For the past two years, I have used Journey to the Table to cultivate community with young adults in Nashville. The rhythm of Journey to the Table with preparation, prayer, listening, silence, and discussion created space for young adults to reflect, grow in their faith, and build relationships. The topics are extremely relevant for emerging adulthood, and the activities and schedule are adaptable for different contexts. We invited the participants to continue the relationships built at Journey to the Table through year-round life groups and affinity groups. I’m looking forward to next year’s Journey to the Table – it truly sets a table for building relationships and growing in our faith.” Learn more about Journey to the Table.
