Welcome to the third post this semester of the newly launched Center for Faith & Culture at Lindsey Wilson College. One of the helpful items our team will be sharing with you this semester are thoughts for the upcoming Sunday's lectionary Scripture readings. Interestingly during this season, we find ourselves drawn to the threads that tie these seemingly random passages together.
Whether for your sermon, or a seed to share in a Bible-study at church, we hope our thoughts will, at least on occasion, be the icing-on-the-cake you need for Sunday.
25th Sunday of Ordinary Time/16th Sunday after Pentecost
Exodus 16:2-15 (Manna & Quail)
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 (About Remembering)
Philippians 1:21-30 (“in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”)
Matthew 20:1-16 (Parable of the Vineyard Workers)
Yes! Psalm 105 was included in the lectionary reading just three weeks ago. Why again?! That actually seems odd. There must be a reason. We were drawn to
“make known” in verse 1;
“tell of all His wonderful deeds” in verse 2;
“seek His face always” in verse 4;
“remember the wonders” in verse 5.
Next the Psalm’s verses 37-45 recall the history presented in the Exodus passage, but in a much different light - from the perspective of time.
We must ask ourselves, “If I were one of the vineyard workers, looking back years later at this difficult experience, how do I view my reaction to what happened?” What did I learn from the experience?
Since most of our church services are online now, ask your congregation to discuss/share at home a reflective exercise. Encourage looking back and reviewing initial responses to difficult situations. Ask: Did you “conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ”? (Phil 1: 27). What practices can we put in place to do so?
The Center for Faith & Culture team at Lindsey Wilson College,
Gerald Chafin with Ryan Engle, Kayla Koerner, Kelsey Redford, Jerrica Townsend
