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The Wisdom of the Body
The Word became flesh and made his home among us. —John 1:14, CEB This month the Read More
Keith Beasley-Topliffe | Read Deuteronomy 8:7-18
Deuteronomy is written as a farewell address by Moses. For forty years he has led the Israelites around and around in the desert. Most of the folks who came out of Egypt have died. A new, tougher generation has grown up. Now they are about to enter the Promised Land. Moses knows he can’t go with them. But before he dies, there are a few things he wants to remind them about: They are going into a land where they will “eat food without any shortage.” There will be abundant water, grains, vines, fruit trees, rocks for building, metal for weapons and tools. “You will eat, you will be satisfied, and you will bless the Lord your God in the wonderful land that [God has] given you” (ceb).
But what if they forget that it was God’s gift? What if they become arrogant and think, My own strength and abilities have produced all this prosperity for me? Think of the old New England farmer who got a visit from the new preacher. The preacher looked at the field full of corn between firm stone walls, at the snug house and barn, and enthused, “What a wonderful farm you and the Lord have made here!” “Ayuh,” said the farmer, “but you shoulda seen it when the Lord was working it by himself!”
Thanksgiving can be hard; it can be hard to squeeze out any thanks in bad times, hard not to forget about God as we congratulate ourselves in good times. “Remember the Lord your God . . .who gives you the strength to be prosperous” (ceb).
God, we thank you for all your blessings: for health and strength and daily food; for people who have entered our lives and blessed us with their presence; for all who have long been part of our lives; and for love and grace you have poured out on us so we can be a blessing to others. Amen.
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.
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.
