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October 31, 2023

Pressing Forward

Kimberly C. Orr   |   Read Psalm 107:33-37

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Lectionary Week
October 30–November 5, 2023
Scripture Overview

An overarching theme of the All Saints Day lectionary texts is “Keep pressing forward, despite observable challenges, because God is still at work among us.” Joshua seeks to bolster the sojourner’s faith by linking the present moment with the rescuing actions of God in the past. The psalm is a song of corporate thanksgiving, a deep inhalation and a collective sigh of relief from the those who were drowning in the dark waters of exile. In Thessalonians we read an apostolic plea to allow the word of God to continue its revelatory, good-news work among believers. And in Matthew we hear the charged opening of Jesus’ final discourse, as he sharply warns against religious arrogance and hypocrisy that can hinder God’s work of kingdom justice.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Joshua 3:7-17. When have you had to trust leaders for the good of your community?Read Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37. Recall difficult times in your faith journey. How did you experience God’s steadfast love through these times? Read 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13. What daily practices give you insight into God’s word? How do you encourage others in their life of faith?Read Matthew 23:1-12. Do your leaders live what they preach? If you are a leader, how do you strive to live the gospel?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 107:33-37

33 God turns rivers into desert, watery springs into thirsty ground, 34 fruitful land into unproductive dirt, when its inhabitants are wicked. 35 But God can also turn the desert into watery pools, thirsty ground into watery springs, 36 where he settles the hungry. They even build a city and live there! 37 They plant fields and vineyards and obtain a fruitful harvest.

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

The interweaving of the impact of human choices with God’s creating and un-creating activities is evident in today’s passage. The psalmist briefly draws on imagery from the Noah story: “The LORD saw that the wickedness of humankind was great in the earth” and determined to “destroy them along with the...

Creator God, forgive us for too often living more in alignment with the forces of chaos than with stewardship for your creation. As we await the new heaven and earth, may we work to honor you and one another through reverent use of the resources you have left in our care. Amen.


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