November 1, 2023

Pressing Forward

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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.

The distillation of Torah in the Sermon on the Mount recorded by Matthew portrays Jesus as the second Moses, seated on the mountainside, calling all earnest disciples into alignment with God’s original design for humanity.

As we alluded to yesterday, the Creator intended from the beginning to cooperate with humanity...

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God of us all—those assembled in the great cloud of witnesses and those gathered on earth—today we remember those who have gone before us. May we live according to the teaching and example of Christ through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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