Abram is called into a journey he was actually already on with his family. But this time God is inviting him into a partnership as an active participant of that journey. God’s desiret from the start of Genesis is a thriving and diverse creation and humanity. Human sin consistently worked to undermine this, so God would call Abram all the families of the earth would be blessed.

The temptation of Jesus Christ demonstrates that Christ is a trustworthy, Spirit-filled Chosen one who faithfully chooses the way of the Kingdom even in the height of suffering. During lent we are reminded of the narrow path of faith, and are challenged to choose the path of faith over the way of evil.

Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Psalter. It is a wisdom psalm that is an acrostic, with each stanza beginning with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The pe stanza that we are looking at is themed around God’s Word. It is a light or guide for life. On our own strength we can’t have faith in God, follow/know God’s Word, or overcome Sin. We need God’s light, God’s blessing to guide us on the narrow path. Life of Discipleship.

Numbers 6:22-27

22 The Lord said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:

24 “‘“The Lord bless you

and keep you;

25 the Lord make his face shine on you

and be gracious to you;

26 the Lord turn his face toward you

and give you peace.”’

27 “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”

Jesus prays to the Father about how his disciples, though not OF the world, are being sent into the world. While there are places in scripture that caution us to be aware of the darkness around us, we cannot spend our days fearful and hiding, surrounding ourselves with only those who are like minded. We are sent to reflect God’s light and to serve as ambassadors, sharing the good news of reconciliation. This requires us to understand the culture and customs around us, even as citizens of God’s Kingdom.

Many in the crowds still refused to follow Jesus, wanting more miracles and signs from him. Jesus turns everything inside out saying light comes from the inside out. This is a different use of the light metaphor from last week–where we shine our light outward so others will see. Here, the light is our “eye” that fills our insides with light.

As followers of Jesus and as his community of faith, we should be flavorful and stand out by our deeds and the way we live. But standing out and allowing people to see our good deeds isn’t for pointing to ourselves but so that people “praise [our] Father who is in heaven” Be shining lights for the Glory of God.

The Prophet reminds God’s people to recount the saving work of YHWH. Remembering is an act of worship which catalyzes a healthy move forward. When we forget we fall into pitfalls. As we consider the New Year let us stake stock of what God has done for us.

Joseph described as faithful to the Law, and we see that he is one who is reflective and kind. In normal circumstances Social norms would dictate an annulment and a worse fate for Mary. But it is the Angel’s words and the unconventional moving of the holy spirit that guides Joseph’s actions. Sexual intercourse no longer becomes the definition of this strange new family.

John is wondering if Jesus is that messiah, sending his disciples to question Jesus: are you the one? Jesus speaks of his mission in one of the clearest statements in the gospels about it: “the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them”