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The Spiritual Discipline of Curiosity
Across Christian history, some have viewed curiosity as a distraction from faithful discipleship. Yet the witness Read More
Bradley Bunn | Read Exodus 20:7-9
When I began full-time congregational ministry, I was very fortunate to have a wonderful mentor who was my boss as well as the church’s senior minister. He took me under his wing and taught me much about ministry. We spent numerous lunches discussing how to empower members for the ministries...
Mighty God, I pray that your abundant love and compassion guide me in all your ways. Amen.
A common theme this week is the danger of self-absorption. When we are young, we may struggle to understand the importance of rules because we think that our individual freedom is the highest good. God gives the Israelites commandments to guide their relationships with God and others. These laws will help them thrive because God knows what is best for us. The psalmist understands this: The laws of the Lord are good and sweet. Self-absorption might also lead to pride. Paul shows that a true understanding of the gospel means laying aside our selfishness in the knowledge that God will reward us. In a parable about the rejection of the prophets and Jesus, servants seek to seize a vineyard for themselves, unwisely ignoring that the owner will eventually reclaim what is his.
Read Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20. Recall your earliest experiences with the Ten Commandments. How do they continue to shape your understanding of God’s expectations?
Read Psalm 19. How does the natural world call you to follow God?
Read Philippians 3:4b-14. Whom do you emulate? What would it mean for you to emulate Christ in life and in death?
Read Matthew 21:33-46. When have you participated in or witnessed the rejection of one who could be God in disguise? How might things be different if you had recognized that person as a potential cornerstone of your community?
Respond by posting a prayer.
