Contradictions

All four of this week’s scripture readings invite us to consider the holy practice of acceptance. Both the psalm and the passage from the prophet Isaiah express in verse the reality of trials and pain as well as the deliverance that comes from the Lord. The abundance of pain and the abundance of joy require equal measures of courage to face. Likewise, the Gospel passage from John has us take seriously the needs of those actually in front of us and give of our precious attention and care. Finally, in the epistle to the Philippians, the apostle Paul encourages us to give up, saying that letting go will often bring us closer to God than our desperate grasping for rightness or status. The life of Christ is one that faces pain and hardship seriously, receives blessing openly, and cares for others generously.

• Read Isaiah 43:16-21. How do you respond to this God who insists on doing new things for the sake of the people?
• Read Psalm 126. Pray this psalm three times: (1) pray all the verbs in the past tense in thanksgiving; (2) pray all the verbs in the future tense as a prayer for help; (3) pray verses 1-3 in the past tense, verses 5-6 in the future tense. Which was hardest to pray?
• Read Philippians 3:4b-14. What props or credentials do you need to let go of?
• Read John 12:1-8. What motivations does your discipleship reflect?