Readings for October 3 2010

Because of my everything going on I will keep this fairly brief today.

Lamentations 1:1-6 - This and the corresponding "psalm" from Lamentations is the only time we read these in church. All of Lamentations is the mournful cry of witnesses who saw the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonian Army.

Lamentation 3:19-26 - Even in the midst of destruction the writer says, "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope; the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end."

[OR Psalm 137 - This Psalmist is not David or Solomon because it opens with "By the rivers of Babylon . . . we remember Zion (another name for Jerusalem)". This is a very difficult Psalm written by someone in deep mourning who wonders what is there to be happy about. He closes, "Happy shall they be who take your little ones and dash them against the rock!" Definitely not a Psalm to read to your children or grandchildren.]

[Alternate Readings: Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 - Prophet: "Why is there so much evil and where is the justice?" God: "Soon the appointed time will come." And Psalm 37:1-9 - Don't worry about the wicked; trust in God."]

2 Timothy 1:1-14 - There is a lot to think about in these verses. Paul greets Timothy and remembers his faith which was handed down from his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice. He tells Timothy not to be ashamed of the Gospel. You may recognize another Gospel Hymn in verse 12.

Luke 17:5-10 - Verses 5 and 6 are pretty straight forward - having the faith the size of a mustard seed you can command mulberry tree to move and replant itself. The mulberry tree stands about 20 feet and has a very extensive root system making this a nearly impossible task. Verses 7-10 seem like they come out of left field and make me what to say "Wuh?" The skipped verses, 1-4, are more important and may inform the reading of 5-10. These verses also follow on the heals of "The Rich Man and Lazarus"

Since this coming Sunday is World Communion Sunday I will be using Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15 and John 6:22-35 as my focus for the Bread of Life.

Have a Great Week in the Service of God's Kingdom!