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Discussion Questions
- How are officials in China preparing for a possible calamity? Why are
they taking these measures? What else might they do?
- Have you and your family taken any of the precautions recommended for
the natural emergencies in your area? Why or why not?
- Have you ever experienced a natural disaster? What kind of disaster? How
did you stay safe?
- Obviously, suffering people have physical needs, but what about
spiritual needs? How might the individual and the church go about dealing
with spiritual devastation, as well as physical suffering?
- How does being prepared for something like a natural disaster or an
emergency change how you go about your daily life? (i.e., carrying a cell
phone, knowing where the exits are on a plane or in a movie theater, paying
attention to the weather, being ready to dial 9-1-1, knowing how to give CPR
or first aid, etc.)
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Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, August 19, 2007.
(Text links are to
oremus Bible
Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings
for Year C at
Lectionary Readings.)
Jeremiah 23:23-29
Psalm 82 (8)
Hebrews 11:29—12:2
Luke 12:49-56
For lectionary humor and insight, check
the weekly comic
Agnus
Day.
Gospel Reflection
Jesus has just been talking about being prepared for they day when we
will meet him, either through death or when he returns to earth. Now he warns of
the need to prepare for something else. While our service to his kingdom
certainly brings about much joy and good, our loyalty to God and enduring
service to others will just as certainly cause conflict. Friends, classmates,
cultural or social pressures, or even family members might want us to compromise
or question our faithfulness to God. “It wouldn’t hurt just this once to….” “Did
Jesus really say…?” “Can’t you just relax and…?” “You can’t be expected to….” If
standing up for our faith or making an unpopular decision because of our faith
would mean social embarrassment, loss of status, or the end of a job or
relationship, we would rather not make waves.
But Jesus’ words are clear: We must remain faithful to God and be prepared in
life, no matter how difficult it might be or what conflicts it might create.
The prophets proclaimed that the Messiah would perform signs. The blind would
see, the lame would walk, and much more. The people had read the prophets and
watched Jesus perform these very miracles. Yet, they were still better at
interpreting the signs of the weather than knowing and trusting the promises of
Jesus and the Word of God.
As we prepare for the upheavals of nature and life, so we must also be
prepared for all that our faith demands of us each day. God has given us real
signs and a task: The empty cross and empty tomb are signs of God’s love for us
through Jesus Christ; the task for us is spreading the good news and promises of
the gospel message to the ends of the earth. Let us always turn to God to
prepare us for the work and ministry we have been called to. And let us give
thanks for a future that is certain—in an often uncertain world—because of God’s
unselfish love for us, now and forever.
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Discussion Questions
- Have you, or anyone you know, suffered conflict or division with others
because of your faith in Christ or how it has guided your life, decisions,
and actions? How did the conflict play out? If it still exists, how do you
handle it now?
- Look at today’s Old Testament lesson,
Jeremiah 23:23-29. What
does God say about those who lie or deceive when claiming to speak for him?
How can we prepare ourselves and each other to know when someone is trying
to deceive us or lead us away from God’s Word? What clues or actions lead
you to suspect someone is not being honest with you?
- Look at today’s New Testament lesson,
Hebrews 11:29-12:2. Look
over all of chapter 11 to find the heroes of faith mentioned there. How can
these heroes inspire and prepare us to live a life faithful to Christ?
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Activity Suggestions
Preparing for the unexpected
Part of preparing to resist compromise and live boldly in faith is to decide on
a course of action in advance and work from it. Hoping that something or someone
will come to you in the middle a difficult or tempting situation doesn’t always
work, so imagining and talking through what you'll do can help.
Outline some specific circumstances or situations at home, school, and in
social situations in which your faith in Christ or how you live your life as one
who follows Christ might be challenged. Talk about what responses or courses of
action might be appropriate and helpful. Write the situations in one column and
the possible actions or responses in another on a marker board or flip pad. Also
talk about what people in your life would be of help in each situation. (People
whose faith and lives are an example and encouragement to you. People who you
would trust in a difficult or unfamiliar situation.)
Suggested Songs:
- Great Is Thy Faithfulness (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, #733)
- Lift High the Cross (ELW, #660)
- Soon and Very Soon (ELW, #439)
- Lord of All Hopefulness (ELW, #765)
Closing Prayer
Mighty and victorious God, we know that you do not send us into
life unprepared. We have your Word, each other, and your Holy Spirit to inspire,
support, and care for us. Bring us always to our knees in your presence, seeking
your inspiration, guidance, and care. Thank you for being with us throughout the
week and for surrounding us with your power and love. In the name of Jesus
Christ our Lord we pray. Amen
Contributed by Sylvia Alloway
Granada Hills, CA
Permission
to reproduce for local use. Copyright © 2007 Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America. ELCA Youth
Ministries. 1-800-638-3522, ext. 2447. To offer your comments or responses to Faith Lens,
e-mail: rod.boriack@elca.org.
Program Resources
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