September 16, 2019

Search after Freedom

Charles Perry | Read Jeremiah 8:18-22 , Read Jeremiah 9:1

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There is a continual search after freedom of one kind or another throughout the world. In South Africa, the long search after political freedom eventually came in 1994. On April 27, 1994, a new era dawned as every eligible adult gained the freedom to vote.

In his prophecy Jeremiah tells...

Together with the prophet Jeremiah I cry out, O God. Hear my cry to be healed and set free. Help me to look to you as my source of life and hope. Amen.

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Lectionary Week

September 16–22, 2019

Scripture Overview

The “weeping prophet” grieves for the plight of his people. They have provoked God’s judgment by following foreign gods, and now there is no comfort to be found. The psalmist cries out to God from a similar situation of despair. Foreign nations have overrun the land, destroyed Jerusalem, and killed many of its people. The psalmist cries out to God for compassion and restoration. The author of First Timothy gives his readers two commands. They should pray for and honor their leaders, and they should be faithful to the one true God, with whom they have a relationship through Christ Jesus. Jesus in Luke tells a strange parable about a dishonest manager who is commended for his shrewd business sense, but Jesus turns his story to a teaching about good stewardship.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Jeremiah 8:18–9:1. When have you called out to God in your distress?
Read Psalm 79:1-9. As you search after a solution to life’s problems, how do you demonstrate God’s call to love and to justice?
Read 1 Timothy 2:1-7. How do you pray for your local, state or province, and national leaders with whom you agree? with whom you disagree?
Read Luke 16:1-13. How do you negotiate the complexities of Jesus’ call to be a good steward of your resources as you seek to serve God rather than money?

Respond by posting a prayer.