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March 26, 2020

Confessions

Rachel G. Hackenberg   |   Read Psalm 130:1-8

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Lectionary Week
March 23–29, 2020
Scripture Overview

Ezekiel sets the stage for the readings this week. In a vision, the prophet sees a seemingly hopeless situation, yet God restores flesh to the bones and brings them back to life by breathing into them. The psalmist calls out to God from the depths of devastation and waits confidently for God’s redemption. Paul plays off the double meaning of the Greek word pneuma: “breath” and “spirit.” Just as Ezekiel’s dry bones are brought back through the breath of God, so are we raised through the Spirit of God. The Lazarus story provides a bookend resurrection story for the week. Here Jesus demonstrates in the physical realm the spiritual realities described in the other passages. These resurrection stories point us toward Jesus’ resurrection and ultimately the promise of our own.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Ezekiel 37:1-14. When have you heard from God directly or through others in times of devastation? How did you respond?
Read Psalm 130. How can you listen for signs of hope and look for God’s voice?
Read Romans 8:6-11. What helps you remember that you cannot save yourself and to put your trust in God?
Read John 11:1-45. When have you been disappointed in God’s timing or response? What would be different now if God had met your expectations then?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 130:1-8

1 I cry out to you from the depths, LORD 2 my Lord, listen to my voice! Let your ears pay close attention to my request for mercy! 3 If you kept track of sins, LORD my Lord, who would stand a chance? 4 But forgiveness is with you that’s why you are honored. 5 I hope, LORD. My whole being hopes, and I wait for God’s promise. 6 My whole being waits for my Lord more than the night watch waits for morning; yes, more than the night watch waits for morning! 7 Israel, wait for the LORD! Because faithful love is with the LORD; because great redemption is with our God! 8 He is the one who will redeem Israel from all its sin.

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

The psalmist reminds me of the prophet Habakkuk, who stands at his watchpost and declares, “I will watch to see what [God] will say” (2:1). Not, “I will listen to hear what God will say.” Not, “I will watch to see what God will do.” The prophet watches for God’s...

Help me watch for your words and listen for your actions, O God. Help me wait for you with my body, mind, and spirit together. Amen.


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