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October 19, 2021

Liberation

Stephane Brooks   |   Read Psalm 34:1-8

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Lectionary Week
October 18–24, 2021
Scripture Overview

Sometimes we can look back and see why challenging things happened to us, but this is not always the case. Job never fully understood his story but finally submitted his life to God in humility. In Job’s case, God restored with abundance. The psalmist also rejoices that although the righteous may suffer, God brings ultimate restoration. The reading from Hebrews continues celebrating Christ’s role as the compassionate high priest. Unlike human high priests, who serve only for a time, Christ remains our priest forever. A man without sight in Jericho knows of Jesus’ compassion and cries out for it, despite attempts to silence him. He asks Jesus for mercy, physical healing in his case, and Jesus grants his request because the man has displayed great faith.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Job 42:1-6, 10-17. What are your happy and unhappy endings? How do you acknowledge both?
Read Psalm 34:1-8, 19-22. How does God deliver you from your fears? Recall a recent experience of this.
Read Hebrews 7:23-28. What distinction do you draw between sacrifice and offering?
Read Mark 10:46-52. How do you respond to Jesus’ question, “What do you want me to do for you?”

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 34:1-8

1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise will always be in my mouth. 2 I praise the LORD let the suffering listen and rejoice. 3 Magnify the LORD with me! Together let us lift his name up high! 4 I sought the LORD and he answered me. He delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to God will shine; their faces are never ashamed. 6 This suffering person cried out: the LORD listened and saved him from every trouble. 7 On every side, the LORD’s messenger protects those who honor God; and he delivers them. 8 Taste and see how good the LORD is! The one who takes refuge in him is truly happy!

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

The background to Psalm 34 is an unusual and quite amusing story. In First Samuel 21:10-15, while David is fleeing his archenemy King Saul, David goes to Achish king of Gath, another deadly enemy. Unfortunately, Achish’s servants recognize him, and David’s only way to escape the situation is to feign...

Reflect on a time when you were delivered from a dangerous situation. How was God present in that situation? Consider writing your own psalm of praise for God's deliverance.


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