Have you ever blamed God when things did not go as you thought they should? That tone of accusation against God leaps out from this week’s reading in Lamentations. Even though Israel’s disobedience in dealing with Egypt planted the seeds of this destruction, the poet sees God as the villain.  Look at Lamentations 2:5: God is like an enemy. Look at Lamentations 2:6: God has destroyed the temple. Look at Lamentations 2:7: God has delivered the holy places into the hands of the enemy. At a minimum, we can say, “This ain’t going to look too good on God’s resume!”

Interestingly, even though the writer plops all the blame onto God, these verses still call upon the people to make pleas to God for help. Lamentations 2:18 begs for Israel to pray to the Lord. Lamentations 2:19 calls for prayer night and day. Lamentations 2:20 asks God to ponder what has happened to God’s people. The text of Psalm 130 is the kind of prayer that one might offer in such a time of distress.  

Guess what. The biblical evidence in these verses is that we can be open and honest and authentic in our prayers to God. Did we somehow think that God did not know what we were actually thinking and feeling? God’s judgment would not be against what we are feeling, but against our failure to acknowledge it before God.

This is not to say that any attitude or prejudice or anger is acceptable to God. It is just to say that there is more authenticity in my prayer when I do not try to hide it when, as the title of this session says, I am “broken, cut down, and scorned.”

When I see the honesty in these Lamentations verses that blame God, I get increased confidence in the report of the more powerful and loving actions by God.  A relationship with God has little meaning unless we bring all of who we are.

Some congregations have a tradition of not singing “Alleluia” during these days of Lent. Lamentations helps us see that some prayers indeed are real simply because they do not include a claim of “Alleluia.”  

What Someone Else Has Said: Kel Groseciose (Why Did God Make Bugs and Other Icky Things?, Dimensions for Living) wrote: “It is quite possible for people of all ages to pray with childlike trust and openness. Children aren’t the only ones capable of using simple, direct language. “

Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “Here’s what I’m thinking, Lord…”

For the first weeks of Lent, we shall be walking in the Book of Lamentations. As a whole, it must be one of the saddest books in the Bible.  Jerusalem has fallen and the steady question of “Why? Why?” goes unanswered. It is a lament about hunger, rape, dying children, rejection, destroyed property. As the title of this week’s lesson says, comfort seemed far away.

Most of Lamentations is written as a poem.  One dimension that is lost in translations is that in the original Hebrew, lines of the poem appear in alphabetical order…something like this:

Always I am

Beaten, but

Can I say to

Divinity, will I

Ever be able to

Find and enjoy

Growth in life?

As I was typing this, my phone rang. It was a former student who now serves as a pastor in a hurricane-damaged area.  He said his wife and son were ignoring him. His neighbor was blaming him for yard trash caused by a fallen tree.  No one in his congregation had checked on his well-being.  He even went to the town office and found the place was closed. Equipment needed to clear the debris was too expensive to buy or rent. He closed the call by saying, “Thank you. I just wanted to tell someone.” Truth to tell, I was honored that he felt free to dump all this on me.

I mention this incident because I think God must have been pleased that the writers of Lamentations felt free to lay their genuine thoughts and feelings on God. I don’t have to pretend in front of God.  I can unload my deepest hurt, my newest doubt, my daily weariness onto God’s open ears. What a gift! I don’t have to pretend in front of God!

What Someone Else Has Said: In The Christian Art of Dying (Eerdmans), Allen Verhey says “…Christian hope is not inconsistent with lament.” Then, he quote Clifton Black: “The spine of lament is hope: not the vacuous optimism that ‘things will get better,’ which in the short run is usually a lie, but the deep and irrepressible conviction in the teeth of present evidence, that God has not severed the umbilical cord that has always bound us to the Lord.”

Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “Let me be truthful with You, Lord. Right now, some things are not going well. Where are You?...”

 This week’s lesson closes out these reflections on Paul first letter to the Thessalonians.   The apostle speaks again of the coming again of Christ. As we wait for that Good Day, we are to be patient and helpful with all (vv. 14-15). We are to live a life of thanksgiving (v. 18).  We are to refrain from evil (v. 22). We are to share this word with all (v. 27).  

Earlier today, a friend of mine said he was going to come to visit me tonight. So, I made sure I had on hand his favorite diet drink, a magazine I knew he enjoyed, and had the TV set on the game I knew he would want to watch.  It worked.  We had a delightful time.

But, suppose I had not known when he was going to come. Would I have had the caffeine-free Diet Coke in the refrigerator? Would I have pulled Our State magazine off the rack? Would I have bothered to find out which channel was carrying his ball game?

The apostle Paul reminds the Thessalonians that they do not know when the Lord will return (v. 2). They simply must be prepared at all times—day or night. Always keep caffeine-free Diet Coke in the refrigerator! We stay prepared for our Lord’s return by wearing the breastplate of faith and love (v. 8). We stay prepared for the Lord’s return by the way we live with (and for) each other (vv. 11-15). We stay prepared for the Lord’s return by accepting the peace of assurance that God will give us (v. 23).

Today I went to a nearby library to cast my votes in the early voting of the upcoming General Election. I was astonished that even though the signs pointed the way (“Vote Here”), there was no one in line. Usually in early voting, I take my place at the back of a slowly moving line. Maybe I had hit the timing jackpot! I reached for the door that would lead to the voting booths. The door was locked. I tried another door. It was locked. As I turned in mystery, a woman opened her car door, stepped out and said, “If you are looking for early voting, it starts tomorrow.” I wanted it today, but it comes tomorrow. I’ll be ready.

Will I be ready for the “tomorrow” of our Lord’s return?

What Someone Else Has Said: Bruce Metzger (Breaking the Code, Abingdon) wrote: “…the central truth… is the clear and direct affirmation: Christ will return, as he had promised, and will destroy the forces of evil and establish God’s eternal kingdom.”

Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “Come, Lord Jesus! Come, Lord Jesus! Help me to live with the joy of expectancy. Help me to live with the opportunity of present-day serving…”

The emphases in 1 Thessalonians 4 might have “Twenty-first Century” stamped on them. (1) There is the issue of sexual holiness (vv. 3-7). Does that sound like today? (2) There is the issue of how to relate to those outside our usual culture (vv. 11-12). Can you name those who come to engage our culture?  (3) There is the issue of the torment of missing loved ones who have died (vv. 13-18). Whose name is on your list?

[1] Paul is clear that appropriate sexual behavior is not defined by society; it is defined by God (v. 8). Some folks might be surprised to note that the apostle understands that sexual expression can be exemplary of holiness (v. 4). Obviously, those in the Thessalonian church were in a culture where abuse of sexual gifts was common. (Look at 1 Corinthians 5:1, 6: 13, 18 for other examples.) Paul says, “Let your sex life be holy!”

[2] Evidently, Paul noticed that some in the congregation at Thessalonica were slacking off work responsibilities and taking advantage of what he called “outsiders.” How do you define “outsider”? Might it be by language? Might it be by place of birth?  Might it be by religious vocabulary? Might it be by economic measurement? The Twentieth Century New Testament renders 1 Thessalonians 4:12 this way: “so that your conduct may win respect from those outside the Church.” How do you relate to outsiders?

[3] In the closing verses of this chapter, Paul offers a word of hope and expectation to those who have lost loved ones. He is saying, “It ain’t over. Death does not have the final word.” This would have been a big question for that first-generation church. They might have been wondering, “Even if Christ saves those who have died, what about us who have not died? If Christ comes back before we die, will He save us too?”  The living and the dead are all alive in Christ.

Wow! There are at least these three issues in this chapter: sexuality, outsiders, death of loved ones. Paul may have been writing to Thessalonica, but his message surely has my Zip Code on it!

What Someone Else Has Said: Carl Michalson (Faith for Personal Crises (Scribners), wrote: “To be like God is not our responsibility; it is our sin…To be responsible to God is our task, .and that task defines our very being as a human being.”

Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “Thank You, grace-giving God, for moving in this very world where I live, to challenge me, to support me, to comfort me. You are with me so I do not travel this journey alone…”

Just days before I write this, a major hurricane (Helene) tore across western North Carolina, destroying buildings, damaging property, and even killing people. Friends who had family or colleagues in that area were often tormented in not knowing how their kin and acquaintances were doing. Were they hurt? Had they survived? Did they have food to eat? The usual systems of communication were out. Access was limited. Anxiety was the order of the day.

Finally, the news began to filter through the distress, and in many, if not most, cases, the realities of what had happened to loved ones became available.

I thought of that as I read in 1 Thessalonians 3 how Paul was greatly disturbed about what might be happening to that early Christian community in Thessalonica. He worried that persecution had taken a toll on the believers (v. 4). He was tormented by the possibility that many in that congregations had given in to worldly temptations (v. 5).

Evidently, the email system was down so Paul knew that someone had to go in person to Thessalonica to find how things were going, so he sent Timothy to check it out. Can’t you feel his nervousness, his torment, as he waited for a report? But, the news was good (v. 6). The believers in Thessalonica had been faithful, still had an appreciation of Paul, and had come through times of distress with faithfulness. Hooray!

Can I be a Timothy? Can I be one who finds where God’s presence and power is still at work, even in those places that are threatened by pressures of the world and challenged by those who choose not to live by love? Can I give evidence of the initiative of God in a setting that seems devoid of divine caring? Sometimes it is hard to be a comfort to those in distress, but God’s Light shines in ways and places where we least expect it.

The prayer that closes this chapter (vv. 11-13) gives us a handle for being a sign of God’s continuing, abiding presence. What would love (v. 12) look like this this situation? What would holy living (v. 13) look like in this situation? Thanks be to God for such gifts!

What Someone Else Has Said: Karl Barth (God in Action, Roundtable Press) wrote: “(The Church) arises from the election, decision, and disposition of God toward (humankind).”

Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “Thank You, Lord, for continuing to bless us with the Church. You bless us within the Church and You bless the Church to be for others…”

In this letter to the church at Thessalonica, Paul refers to himself and the rest of his team as “apostles” (1 Thessalonians 2:7). The New Testament word is apŏstŏlŏs, a word that means “delegate” or “representative.”  They came on behalf of Jesus Christ.  

I got curious about how languages other than English had translated apŏstŏlŏs. In Spanish, it is apóstol. That word is usually translated “chief disciple.” In French, it is apôtres, a word often rendered “advocate for a cause.” The Russian word is anoctophbl, which some folks have said means “enthusiast.” In German, this verse uses apostel; one way to translate that is “someone who is sent out.”  The Chinese word shĭtũ is sometimes said to mean “follower” or “protégé.”  

 Each of these translations opens up an emphasis on what an apostle is and what an apostle does. One way that encourages me is to realize that apostles of Jesus Christ have one thing in common; that one thing is Jesus Christ. That means that the ways in which we express that relationship with Christ will vary from time and place and person. We are gifted in different ways and express our relationships with Jesus Christ in differing ways.

Acts 17:1-9 tells of a visit Paul and Silas made to Thessalonica. It did not go well. Some of the leaders of the town accused Paul and Silas as coming to turn the world upside down (Acts 17:6). They meant that as an insult and a legal charge against Paul and Silas, but I cannot help but wonder if we Christians might actually have a calling to turn the world upside down.  The world’s values are not the values of Jesus Christ.  In a Sunday School class I attended we got into a major discussion, comparing “profit” and “prophet.” The world judges by profit; the Gospel judges by prophet.  

I met some values in this focal text. There is value in expressing thanks for the richness of our community relationships. There is value in letting others know how much they mean to you. There is value in renewing contacts that have nourished us. There is value in letting others know of the spiritual gifts we see in them.  No wonder Paul wanted to go back to Thessalonica!

What would Paul write to your congregation?

Many students of the Bible think that 1 Thessalonians is the first book written for the New Testament. Some even pin it down as early as 51 AD. That would be about two decades after the death and resurrection of Jesus. And, already these believers are looking forward to the return of Jesus (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

It is interesting that this early New Testament book is already teaching about the doctrine of the Trinity, God in three persons. The authors greet the Thessalonians in the name of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:1) and then proclaims all that has been done by the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:5-6).  It is almost like a trinitarian doxology!

Many in the church in Thessalonica had been pagans, worshipping idols (1 Thessalonians 1:9). But check out Acts 17:1-4 and see that Paul also went to a Jewish synagogue in Thessalonica and preached in a way that converted some of the Jewish community. The folks in the Thessalonian church brought differing backgrounds to their journey with Christ.  

Does your congregation reflect that kind of welcoming hospitality for differences? I got to thinking about the church that I attend. Of course, I do not know everyone’s life story, but I think over the pews and I see life-long members; I see a friend who was baptized at age 50; I see other colleagues who grew up in other faith traditions; I see couples who once would not have a place at the Table because of their sexual identities; I see one fellow who is still much in a searching mode; I see a youth who comes because he was told to; I see a first-time visitor who does not seem to be comfortable following the order of service; I see a family with one member who grew up in a non-Christian community outside the United States; I see one whose native language is not English; I see a couple who escaped a Communist takeover in their native country; I see a woman who appears to be a street-wanderer looking for help…well, you get the idea. Differences, but now sharing in the life of the Church. Look around your pews. I am thinking that God has done some remarkable assembly work there too!

These familiar verses in John 15:1-17 are filled with surprises and difficulties. There are lots of places where the meaning is not easy to find. Join me on a journey to figure out some of it!

Jesus says He is the true vine (v. 1). Usually, when I think of a vine I think of a weed that grows where I don’t want it. Jesus is talking abut a plant that provides fruit.

God is the vinegrower (v. 1). Other translations say “vineyard keeper,” “vinedresser,” “gardener,” “cultivator,” “husbandman.” No matter which version you have, it is clear that God is taking care of the plant.

God gets rid of those who don’t believe (v. 2). Yes! God has a plan called “free will.” If I do not accept His gift of salvation, I am free to move on without it. Some traditions teach that God elects some to be saved and some not to be saved (predestination), but our tradition says that the choice is ours and God will honor our decision.

God trims those who do believe (v. 2). Yes! If I do believe, I am set free to move into the world bearing the fruit of peace, the fruit of justice, the fruit of service. Good fruit bears more fruit and keeps on living. My rough edges are pruned so I can stay connected to the vine for nourishment.

I get anything for which I pray (v. 7). Good! A new car! Extra money for the season basketball tickets!  Political election! Uh, there is a proviso on this promise from God. The prayer has to be according to the Word and will of God….”…if you abide in me, and my words abide in you.”

There is more here for reflection. What about friendship with Jesus (v. 14)? Is Jesus speaking of His own death when He says there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (v. 13)? What kind of fruit will last instead of turning bad (v. 16)? How do the commands of Jesus enable us to love one another (v. 17)?

Scripture that makes me keep pondering is a special gift.

When I read this week’s focal text and saw the title (“I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”), I got curious. So, I pulled my exhaustive concordance from the shelf. Using the King James Version, it is supposed to list every time a word appears in the Bible. So, if Jesus is the Way, how many other times has that word appeared in the biblical text? How many times does the word “way” appear? I guess I was wondering: “How many ways are there?”  Now, before I tell you in the next paragraph, why don’t you make a guess?

If I counted correctly (and these 88-year old eyes do occasionally fail to read correctly!), the word “way” is used in the Scriptures 769 times! Over against that immense competition, Jesus says that He is the Way (John 14:6).

Jesus is speaking of an eternal presence in the house of God (John 14:2-3). And the Good News is that there are a lot of dwelling places in God’s house (John 14:2). Jesus is the Way to get there.

One thing I like about this week’s focal text is the way the disciples push back when they don’t understand. After Jesus speaks of a way to get to God’s house, Thomas asks, “How can we know this way?”  After Jesus talks of getting to know God the Father, Philip sputters, “Show us how to do that.” These verses invite me to do more than just repeat the words of Jesus; I am invited to struggle with them—and with Jesus—until I live with them as Truth. Jesus is the Way and the Truth.

Jesus gives meaning and purpose to our living; in fact, He is Life. We who believe in Him are likely to do good works (John 14:12), not in order to gain His approval, but because such good works grow out of our relationship with Him. We don’t do good works in order to gain His friendship, but we do good works because we are already friends with Him.

These verses stir in me again the clarity of how John begins the gospel story, John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and lived among us.” Jesus is what it is like to have God in our midst.

Merry Christmas! I just looked over our notes on last week’s focal text and I see that I did not even mention that those reflection were for study just before Christmas Day. My excuse is that I was writing this in August 2024 and it’s 90 degrees today. Nevertheless, these verses about Jesus are indeed the fulfillment of the Christmas story.

Of course, the nativity scene often shows the shepherds who slipped into Bethlehem to see the Messiah the angels had described (Luke 2:8-20). What an irony! Shepherds who come to see the Good Shepherd! Shepherds who left their flock to visit the Shepherd who never leaves His flock!

The Old Testament word that is translated shepherd (râꜤâh) means “to tend to” or “companion.”  The New Testament word that is translated shepherd (pŏŏimēn) is sometimes rendered “pastor.” What clear and great ways of describing Jesus as our shepherd!  

Ezekiel 34:1-6 describes a different kind of shepherd, one who has put self first, one who has ignored the needy, one who did not look for the lost sheep. What a contrast with the Good Shepherd!  

Revelation 7:9-17 depicts a vision of God’s ultimate victory. The Lamb whose blood has been shed will be the Shepherd who guides those who gather to the water of life. Jesus, the Shepherd, is for the living and the dead!

Ezekiel 34:11-16 talks about God as a shepherd. The text says God will search for His sheep (v. 11) and rescue them (v. 12). God’s sheep will then live in good ways (v. 14). Do you remember Wesleyan theological language? What Ezekiel has just described is what our theology labels prevenient grace, justifying grace, and sanctifying grace.  No wonder we celebrate the birth of Jesus as the birth of the Good Shepherd!