ISSL Reflections July 7 2024 Lamentations 3:16–24 Post 2

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IV.
Let’s turn our attention today to any positive or uplifting images in this Scripture.

As you spend time with these words, take time to deeply notice what gives rise to hope for you.

V.
Lamentations 3:16-24 (NRSVue)

He has made my teeth grind on gravel;
     he has made me cower in ashes;
my soul is bereft of peace;
     I have forgotten what happiness is;
so I say, “Gone is my glory
     and all that I had hoped for from the Lord.”

The thought of my affliction and my homelessness
     is wormwood and gall!
My soul continually thinks of it
     and is bowed down within me.
But this I call to mind,
     and therefore I have hope:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
     his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
     great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
     “therefore I will hope in him.”

VI.
Did you notice –

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope.”

Yet immediately before that “homelessness, wormwood and gall” are all mentioned.

What do you think begins the transition from his sense of homelessness, and the loss of peace, happiness, and hope?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Desu ibi est}

ISSL Reflections July 7 2024 Lamentations 3:16–24 Post 1

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I.
This passage comes from a place of deep grief and pain –
“… I say, ‘Gone is my glory and all that I had hoped for from the Lord.”

On your initial readings of this passage pay attention to the words and images that are used to describe this loss of hope.

II.
Lamentations 3:16-24 (NRSVue)

He has made my teeth grind on gravel;
     he has made me cower in ashes;
my soul is bereft of peace;
     I have forgotten what happiness is;
so I say, “Gone is my glory
     and all that I had hoped for from the Lord.”

The thought of my affliction and my homelessness
     is wormwood and gall!
My soul continually thinks of it
     and is bowed down within me.
But this I call to mind,
     and therefore I have hope:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
     his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
     great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
     “therefore I will hope in him.”

III.
Which images of the prophet’s’ pain connect most with you?

Have you been there – “bereft of peace,” “forgotten what happiness is,” “my homelessness,” and even, “Gone is … all that I had hoped for from the Lord.”

What words/images would you use to describe the place of hopelessness?

Do you know someone who is in that place now?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections June 30 2024 Acts 26:1–11 Post 3

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VII.
In the final paragraph of this week’s focus passage, Paul recounts some of his actions toward the followers of Jesus.

Pay attention to what he reports he did and think about what the impact might have been?

VIII.
Acts 26:1-11 (NRSVue)

Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began to defend himself:

“I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, because you are especially familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews; therefore I beg of you to listen to me patiently.

“All the Jews know my way of life from my youth, a life spent from the beginning among my own people and in Jerusalem. They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I have belonged to the strictest sect of our religion and lived as a Pharisee. And now I stand here on trial on account of my hope in the promise made by God to our ancestors, a promise that our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship day and night. It is for this hope, Your Excellency, that I am accused by Jews! Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?

“Indeed, I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And that is what I did in Jerusalem; with authority received from the chief priests, I not only locked up many of the saints in prison, but I also cast my vote against them when they were being condemned to death. By punishing them often in all the synagogues I tried to force them to blaspheme, and since I was so furiously enraged at them, I pursued them even to foreign cities.”

IX.
What might have been the impact on the followers of Jesus in the actions Paul mentions?

How might these actions have impacted him? For the better or for the worse?

He said he was “furiously enraged by them.” How does one get past such hostility? Does one? Did Paul?

How have you had occasion to move beyond hostility toward others? Maybe acceptance or even some level of caring?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections June 30 2024 Acts 26:1–11 Post 2

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IV.
Paul contends it is “hope” that has brought him to Agrippa. What hope?

V.
Acts 26:1-11 (NRSVue)

Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began to defend himself:

“I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, because you are especially familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews; therefore I beg of you to listen to me patiently.

“All the Jews know my way of life from my youth, a life spent from the beginning among my own people and in Jerusalem. They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I have belonged to the strictest sect of our religion and lived as a Pharisee. And now I stand here on trial on account of my hope in the promise made by God to our ancestors, a promise that our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship day and night. It is for this hope, Your Excellency, that I am accused by Jews! Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?

“Indeed, I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And that is what I did in Jerusalem; with authority received from the chief priests, I not only locked up many of the saints in prison, but I also cast my vote against them when they were being condemned to death. By punishing them often in all the synagogues I tried to force them to blaspheme, and since I was so furiously enraged at them, I pursued them even to foreign cities.”

VI.
Does he hope to be exonerated from the accusations against him?

Does he base his hope on his claim that King Agrippa is familiar with the “customs and controversies of the Jews”?

Does he hope King Agrippa will send a report back to Governor Festus to dismiss the accusations against him?

Does he place his hope in the “promise made by God to [his] ancestors”?

And for that matter – What “promise”?

And what does the idea that “God raises the dead” have to do with his hope?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

PS – Some how the opening sentence of the last post was left out. You can view the corrected post at –

ISSL Reflections June 30 2024 Acts 26:1–11 Post 1

ISSL Reflections June 30 2024 Acts 26:1–11 Post 1

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I.
We find Paul before King Agrippa (at the request of the Roman Governor Festus) so he can present some defense against the accusations of some who are, to put it explicitly, out for Paul’s blood.

Read how Paul begins his defense of himself. What does Paul tell us about himself?

II.
Acts 26:1-11 (NRSVue)

Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began to defend himself:

“I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, because you are especially familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews; therefore I beg of you to listen to me patiently.

“All the Jews know my way of life from my youth, a life spent from the beginning among my own people and in Jerusalem. They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I have belonged to the strictest sect of our religion and lived as a Pharisee. And now I stand here on trial on account of my hope in the promise made by God to our ancestors, a promise that our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship day and night. It is for this hope, Your Excellency, that I am accused by Jews! Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?

“Indeed, I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And that is what I did in Jerusalem; with authority received from the chief priests, I not only locked up many of the saints in prison, but I also cast my vote against them when they were being condemned to death. By punishing them often in all the synagogues I tried to force them to blaspheme, and since I was so furiously enraged at them, I pursued them even to foreign cities.”

III.
What about Paul’s defense stands out to you the most vividly?

That –

  • He begins by praising King Agrippa
  • He thinks all his Jewish accusers are familiar with his back story
  • He confesses how strict he was in his religions practices
  • He tried to get followers of Jesus to blaspheme
  • He was willing to condemn followers of Jesus to death
  • He might believe it is very conceivable that God raises the dead

Taking all he says into account, how would you characterize the personality of Paul?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections – June 23 2024 Hebrews 6:9–20 Post 3

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VII.
This reading begins with encouragement that those receiving this message “not become sluggish” in their “work and the love [they] showed … in serving the saints”

What encouragement do you find in this passage?

VIII.
Hebrews 6:9-20 (NRSVue)

Even though we speak in this way, beloved, we are confident of better things in your case, things that belong to salvation. For God is not unjust; he will not overlook your work and the love that you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do. And we want each one of you to show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope to the very end, so that you may not become sluggish but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

When God made a promise to Abraham, because he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and multiply you.” And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Humans, of course, swear by someone greater than themselves, and an oath given as confirmation puts an end to all dispute among them. In the same way, when God desired to show even more clearly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it by an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God would prove false, we who have taken refuge might be strongly encouraged to seize the hope set before us. We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus, a forerunner on our behalf, has entered, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

IX.
In your service and work for God’s people do you ever become tired, “sluggish,” or worn out?

What do you do?

What “refuge” do you find that “strongly [encourages you] to seize the hope set before us”?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections – June 23 2024 Hebrews 6:9–20 Post 2

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IV.
In the previous post I asked you to consider the idea of having “a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.”

Today let’s consider what it can mean to “realize the full assurance of hope.”

As you spend time with this passage, see if the thought of “hope” and “anchors” opens up anything in the passage to you.

V.
Hebrews 6:9-20 (NRSVue)

Even though we speak in this way, beloved, we are confident of better things in your case, things that belong to salvation. For God is not unjust; he will not overlook your work and the love that you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do. And we want each one of you to show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope to the very end, so that you may not become sluggish but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

When God made a promise to Abraham, because he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and multiply you.” And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Humans, of course, swear by someone greater than themselves, and an oath given as confirmation puts an end to all dispute among them. In the same way, when God desired to show even more clearly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it by an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God would prove false, we who have taken refuge might be strongly encouraged to seize the hope set before us. We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus, a forerunner on our behalf, has entered, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

VI.
What in this passage might give you reason to hope?

  • God’s covenant with Abraham
  • There are promises to inherit
  • God is not unjust
  • The unchangeable character of God’s purpose

And one more question – What might be God’s purpose?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections – June 23 2024 Hebrews 6:9–20 Post 1

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I.
As we begin our reflections on this passage from Hebrews 6, notice that the writer speaks of
“… a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul…”

Let’s think about “anchors” this week.

II.
Hebrews 6:9-20 (NRSVue)

Even though we speak in this way, beloved, we are confident of better things in your case, things that belong to salvation. For God is not unjust; he will not overlook your work and the love that you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do. And we want each one of you to show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope to the very end, so that you may not become sluggish but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

When God made a promise to Abraham, because he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and multiply you.” And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Humans, of course, swear by someone greater than themselves, and an oath given as confirmation puts an end to all dispute among them. In the same way, when God desired to show even more clearly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it by an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God would prove false, we who have taken refuge might be strongly encouraged to seize the hope set before us. We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus, a forerunner on our behalf, has entered, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

III.
What “anchors” do you find mentioned in this passage?

Which one (or ones) of the “anchors” do you identify in your own life?

What “anchor” do you find holds fast for you in the midst of the winds of change, discouragement, and disappointment?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

A NOTE OF APOLOGY:
I apologize for my usual schedule of posts being disrupted over the last several weeks.

All I can say is that Summer scheduling has presented a few more glitches than I had expected.

Thank you for having the patience and understanding to hang in with me.

Be on the lookout for the blessings that may come our way even as the “glitches” arise.

ISSL Reflections June 16 2024 Romans 15:1–13 Post 3

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VII.
Is this the path for the Disciples of Jesus?

“We … are … not to please ourselves.”

VIII.
Romans 15:1-13 (NRSVue)

We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor. For Christ did not please himself, but, as it is written, “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the ancestors and that the gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

“Therefore I will confess you among the gentiles
        and sing praises to your name”;

and again he says,
    “Rejoice, O gentiles, with his people”;

and again,
“Praise the Lord, all you gentiles,
        and let all the peoples praise him”;

and again Isaiah says,
    “The root of Jesse shall come,
        the one who rises to rule the gentiles;
    in him the gentiles shall hope.”

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

IX.
Is it natural to start from the place of seeking to “not please ourselves”? Or, is it the natural thing to always seek to “please ourselves”?

Wait, even if we grant it is natural to try to please ourselves, is that the way of nature “always”?

We do have to grant that Paul does write, “We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”

And then he offers the goal of this behavior –
“Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor.”

How important is it to build up the neighbor? To build up the community of Disciples of Jesus?

What might be your path to building up the communities in which you participate?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections June 16 2024 Romans 15:1–13 Post 2

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IV.
Let’s take a moment to consider the first sentence of this passage.

“We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”

What evidence does Paul offer for that?

V.
Romans 15:1-13 (NRSVue)

We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor. For Christ did not please himself, but, as it is written, “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the ancestors and that the gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

    “Therefore I will confess you among the gentiles
        and sing praises to your name”;

and again he says,
    “Rejoice, O gentiles, with his people”;

and again,
“Praise the Lord, all you gentiles,
        and let all the peoples praise him”;

and again Isaiah says,
    “The root of Jesse shall come,
        the one who rises to rule the gentiles;
    in him the gentiles shall hope.”

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

VI.
He does offer the idea that “Christ did not please himself

.”

What did Christ do?

He also suggests (prays?) that “you live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus…”

Then – “Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”

Hold that image for a while – “… just as Christ has welcomed you…”

How do you experience Christ welcoming you?

How is such welcoming “for the glory of God”?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}