This week’s passages are from Psalm 66:1-9 & Luke
10:1-11.
Psalm 66:1-9
Psalm 66 celebrates the absolute sovereignty of God over both
Nature and Time. Miracles of the Exodus are recalled, emphasizing God’s ability
to overcome natural obstacles and historical issues. The psalm begins with an
exhortation of all people everywhere throughout the Earth to praise God for His
mighty deeds. The writer continues his theme by cheerfully relating about how
God saved his people.
The second part of the psalm (vv13-20) becomes more personal and
ritualistic. Sacrifices and vows, promises and rites are described as the means
of securing God’s favor. The psalmist believes that God listens to his prayers,
simply because the right sacrifices have been made.
Questions for study and
reflection
The psalm begins with a
call for the whole earth to worship God. What does this tell us about Who God actually is?
The psalmist mentions
the great deeds that God had accomplished in Israel’s past. Why did the writer
do this? What was he hoping that other worshipers would feel about God?
God's ability to save the
people, as well as the psalmist, is mentioned several times throughout the
psalm. Why is this praiseworthy? Have you experienced anything that is similar
to this?
If God is God of all the
Earth, then why do people worship Him differently? What should the Church be
doing about this?
Luke 10:1-11
Today’s Gospel passage gives us an insight
into Christ’s leadership tactics. He divides His followers into 36 pairings and
sends them out before Him into the local towns and villages. Because Christ
mentions harvest, this may have occurred towards the end of the year, so Jesus
may have been winding down His ministry due to the onset of winter.
Jesus warns His followers that their
mission could be dangerous. Some of them will be welcomed by the local people,
but others may receive an indifferent or even hostile welcome. If they are
warmly welcomed, then Christ instructs His disciples to give the people a
peaceful blessing. If they are rejected, then they are to wipe off the dust of
their shoes as a mark of God’s judgment on those unwelcoming people.
Questions for study and
reflection
Why did Jesus send
followers ahead of Him? What was the purpose of sending them in pairs?
Jesus mentioned the
harvest as being plentiful, but the workers were few. What harvest was He
talking about? How are we involved in this?
Jesus said He was
sending them out like lambs among wolves, and that they could not take any
money with them. What was He trying to teach His disciples? How would this affect
their future ministries?
Jesus talks about peace
being a great part in the success of these appointed missions. Why was this so
important? How is this ‘peace’ experienced in Church life and mission today?
Why do you think Jesus
talked about leaving a peaceful blessing or a mark of judgment on the towns
that the disciples visited? Do we still practice this today?
Have you ever experienced
‘being sent’ into a place, event, or situation by Christ? If so, what was the
outcome? If not, are you willing to go where He sends you?
Any other thoughts or questions?
Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm
25:1-10 & Luke 10:25-37
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