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August 8, 2022

Believe It or Not

Ben Ingebretson   |   Read Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19

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Lectionary Week
August 8–14, 2022
Scripture Overview

Isaiah compares the people of Israel to a vineyard that God has planted. However, the grapes that grow there have become wild. There is no justice, no right living in the vineyard, so God is considering letting it be destroyed. The psalmist uses the same metaphor to bemoan the state of God’s people. The vineyard has been overrun, burned, and cut down. The psalmist appeals to God to restore the vineyard. The author of Hebrews presents many more examples of people of faith in past times. All these exemplars now surround us and cheer us on in our life of faith. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus cautions that following the gospel requires full commitment. For some, this will mean tension in relationships, even within families. Following Jesus is not a commitment of convenience.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Isaiah 5:1-7. Recall a time when you lovingly prepared a place. What would prompt you to destroy it?
Read Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19. How has God restored you when you have been at your most vulnerable?
Read Hebrews 11:29–12:2. Who makes up your personal Faith Hall of Fame? How does each person cheer you on in your spiritual journey?
Read Luke 12:49-56. What does it mean for your life of faith for Jesus to have come to bring division?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19

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! 8 You brought a vine out of Egypt. You drove out the nations and planted it. 9 You cleared the ground for it; then it planted its roots deep, filling the land. 10 The mountains were covered by its shade; the mighty cedars were covered by its branches. 11 It sent its branches all the way to the sea; its shoots went all the way to the Euphrates River. 12 So why have you now torn down its walls so that all who come along can pluck its fruit, 13 so that any boar from the forest can tear it up, so that the bugs can feed on it? 14 Please come back, God of heavenly forces! Look down from heaven and perceive it! Attend to this vine, 15 this root that you planted with your strong hand, this son whom you secured as your very own. 16 It is burned with fire. It is chopped down. They die at the rebuke coming from you. 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.

In today’s reading, Asaph, a temple musician in Jerusalem, observes the Assyrian invasion of the northern kingdom of Israel. Ten tribes are being swept away, leaving the southern kingdom of Judah exposed to the foreign threat. It is a great tragedy that shakes their faith foundations.

Under such dire circumstances,...

Today, Lord, I claim my identity as part of your vineyard, and I accept seasons of growth and pruning that you permit. Help me to deeply and fruitfully claim that identity. Amen.


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