Lectionary Discussion for August 10

August 10, 2008 Ordinary Time/Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Here are the passages for the week:
Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 "Here comes this dreamer.” Joseph’s being loved more by his father, and his previous dream gets him into trouble with his brothers. They conspire to first kill him, but then sell him into slavery. Jacob’s patterns are passed on to his own children. How do we treat the dreamers in our congregations? How do we deal with conflict in our families? Our church? Our world? Where are you focusing in this text today?

Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b (UMH 828) 4 Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually. 5 Remember the wonderful works he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered, and then brings us to the story of Joseph.

Romans 10:5-15 “Beautiful Feet” Lots to preach on in these passages; righteousness that comes from faith instead of righteousness that comes from the law, confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved, there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him, and "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Then Paul’s rhetorical questions that leads to; "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Do we believe that the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him? Do we believe there is no distinction? Are our feet beautiful for bringing the good news to others?

Matthew 14:22-33 “Water Walker” The disciples are in trouble out in a boat in a storm, and Jesus comes walking toward them on the waves. Brave Peter asks Jesus to command him to come to prove it is him. Peter gets out of the boat, walks a way on water, but when he notices the wind starts to drown. Jesus admonishes him for his little faith and doubts. Only when Jesus gets into the boat and the water and wind is calmed down do they all worship him and recognize him for who he is. Are we water walkers or stay in the boat kind of people? What takes our eyes off of Jesus? And when we recognize him do we worship him? What are the storms battering our lives these days? Our Churches? What does this passage have to say to your congregation? Where are you focusing? the night? the trust to step out onto the water? the wavering? or the going on after sinking? Or the worship?

One question that comes from the Preaching Helps is; What does a preacher do with miracle stories two or more weeks in a row? How will you help people in your congregation see the sacred in these stories? How will you deal with Jesus’ strong words of rebuke to Peter? Are they words for us today?

What direction will you go with these passages?

Now its your turn.