A college student once told me that he had undergone a certain rite of passage. “Now that I’m old enough, my mom is sharing all the family secrets with me,” he said with a chuckle.

Biblical texts about violence or extreme suffering are usually omitted from children’s Bibles and Sunday...

Faithful God, I know that you will be with me this week. Be with me in my reading, in my prayer, and in my relationships with others. Be with me especially when I feel far from you. Amen.


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Lectionary Week
September 27–October 3, 2021
Scripture Overview

This week we read about Job, an upright man who faces severe trials but never loses his faith. Job’s story brings us face-to-face with the fact that living a godly life does not make us immune to suffering. Like Job, the psalmist wonders why he suffers, even though he lives according to God’s standards. Hebrews presents Jesus as the ultimate example of unwarranted suffering, yet because of his perseverance he is ultimately glorified. In Mark, some Pharisees test Jesus on the interpretation of the law concerning divorce. Jesus makes strong statements about marriage, but his larger concern is that their hearts have become hard. He contrasts them with little children, who model faith by receiving God with an open heart.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Job 1:1; 2:1-10. What helps you to live with integrity?
Read Psalm 26. Do you feel free in your prayer life to honestly share with God all that you are feeling?
Read Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12. In what ways does God speak to us in our day?
Read Mark 10:2-16. What qualities found in children do you try to cultivate in your spiritual life?

Respond by posting a prayer.