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October 5, 2023

Authentic Discipleship

Maria Dixon Hall   |   Read Psalm 19:1-14

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Lectionary Week
October 2–8, 2023
Scripture Overview

A common theme this week is the danger of self-absorption. When we are young, we may struggle to understand the importance of rules because we think that our individual freedom is the highest good. God gives the Israelites commandments to guide their relationships with God and others. These laws will help them thrive because God knows what is best for us. The psalmist understands this: The laws of the Lord are good and sweet. Self-absorption might also lead to pride. Paul shows that a true understanding of the gospel means laying aside our rights in the knowledge that God will reward us. In a parable about the rejection of the prophets and Jesus, servants seek to seize a vineyard for themselves, unwisely ignoring that the owner will eventually reclaim what is his.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20. Recall your earliest experiences with the Ten Commandments. How do they continue to shape your understanding of God’s expectations?Read Psalm 19. How does the natural world call you to follow God?Read Philippians 3:4b-14. Whom do you emulate? What would it mean for you to emulate Christ in life and in death?Read Matthew 21:33-46. When have you participated in or witnessed the rejection of one who could be God in disguise? How might things be different if you had recognized that person as a potential cornerstone of your community?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 19:1-14

1 Heaven is declaring God’s glory; the sky is proclaiming his handiwork. 2 One day gushes the news to the next, and one night informs another what needs to be known. 3 Of course, there’s no speech, no words their voices can’t be heard 4 but their sound extends throughout the world; their words reach the ends of the earth. God has made a tent in heaven for the sun. 5 The sun is like a groom coming out of his honeymoon suite; like a warrior, it thrills at running its course. 6 It rises in one end of the sky; its circuit is complete at the other. Nothing escapes its heat. 7 The LORD’s Instruction is perfect, reviving one’s very being. The LORD’s laws are faithful, making naive people wise. 8 The LORD’s regulations are right, gladdening the heart. The LORD’s commands are pure, giving light to the eyes. 9 Honoring the LORD is correct, lasting forever. The LORD’s judgments are true. All of these are righteous! 10 They are more desirable than gold than tons of pure gold! They are sweeter than honey even dripping off the honeycomb! 11 No doubt about it: your servant is enlightened by them; there is great reward in keeping them. 12 But can anyone know what they’ve accidentally done wrong? Clear me of any unknown sin 13 and save your servant from willful sins. Don’t let them rule me. Then I’ll be completely blameless; I’ll be innocent of great wrongdoing. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

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

My passion is wildlife photography. Over the years I have learned you can’t force nature to give you a great picture. The animals and the light follow their own schedules and are not interested in making a good picture. I have lots of favorite photos, but the one that moves...

Elohim, you are a master builder. Your creation testifies to your glory. Let me bask in your artistic prowess, appreciating every detail under your skies. Allow me to reflect the earth's beauty in each beat of my heart and word from my lips. Amen.


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