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November 25, 2020

Trusting God’s Love Even in Bad Times

Keith Beasley-Topliffe   |   Read Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

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Lectionary Week
November 23–29, 2020
Scripture Overview

The readings from the Hebrew scriptures have a common theme: The people have sinned and turned away from God, and now they cry out for God to forgive them. Even though they have created the separation from God, the authors are confident that God will restore them. These images of longing for God are appropriate as we begin the season of Advent, and the expressions of thankfulness coincide with the celebration of Thanksgiving in the United States. Paul opens First Corinthians with thanksgiving for the Christians in Corinth. They have been richly blessed by God (although the rest of the letter shows that they, like us, are far from perfect). Again this week, the Gospel reading refers to the return of Christ, a day known only to God.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Isaiah 64:1-9. When have you treated God as a vending machine and held a grudge against God? What restored your faith or changed your perspective?
Read Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19. When have you been frustrated by others’ praises of God’s blessings? When have you cried out to God, “Restore us”?
Read 1 Corinthians 1:3-9. How do you ignore your spiritual gifts? What might your faith community look like if everyone employed their spiritual gifts?
Read Mark 13:24-37. What is your job in the household of God? How do you stay alert?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

1 Shepherd of Israel, listen! You, the one who leads Joseph as if he were a sheep. You, who are enthroned upon the winged heavenly creatures. Show yourself 2 before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh! Wake up your power! Come to save us! 3 Restore us, God! Make your face shine so that we can be saved! 4 LORD God of heavenly forces, how long will you fume against your people’s prayer? 5 You’ve fed them bread made of tears; you’ve given them tears to drink three times over! 6 You’ve put us at odds with our neighbors; our enemies make fun of us. 7 Restore us, God of heavenly forces! Make your face shine so that we can be saved! 17 Let your hand be with the one on your right side with the one whom you secured as your own 18 then we will not turn away from you! Revive us so that we can call on your name. 19 Restore us, LORD God of heavenly forces! Make your face shine so that we can be saved!

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

Do you ever get distressed when others are praising God for the blessings they’ve received? Do you feel left out in the dark while others are in the sunshine of God’s love? Perhaps you want to shout with the psalmist, “Restore us, God! Make your face shine so that we...

“Restore us, Lord God of heavenly forces! Make your face shine so that we can be saved!” (ceb). Amen.


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