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October 4, 2017

God’s Grace in Life’s Disorder

THOMAS EDWARD FRANK   |   Read Psalm 19:1-14

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Lectionary Week
October 2–8, 2017
Scripture Overview

The Decalogue in Exodus 20 need not be considered a litmus test of righteousness or religious purity but rather a declaration that lies near the heart of the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel. The Torah is the way the people say yes to God’s saving initiatives. Psalm 19:1-6 links the gift of the Torah to other acts of divine creation. The balance of the psalm celebrates the strength and beauty of the Torah and moves the reader behind the Torah to its Giver, thereby proclaiming the gospel of the well-ordered life. In Philippians 3 Paul speaks of himself as leaning into the future in response to the manner in which Jesus Christ has invaded his own life. The parable in Matthew 21 presents a direct and bold affinity for living in accordance with the gospel, producing “fruits of the kingdom.”

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20. If you are unable to live out the Commandments, which ones would you remove from the list?
• Read Psalm 19. If you monitored your speech for a day, how would you describe the tone and content? What one gift would you petition God for?
• Read Philippians 3:4b-14. How is your church and its people a sign for those who need hope and new life?
• Read Matthew 21:33-46. Where in your church, among the members and in the various meetings and activities, have you seen evidence that folks “have forgotten who owns the vineyard”?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Psalm 19:1-14

1 Heaven is declaring God’s glory; the sky is proclaiming his handiwork. 2 One day gushes the news to the next, and one night informs another what needs to be known. 3 Of course, there’s no speech, no words their voices can’t be heard 4 but their sound extends throughout the world; their words reach the ends of the earth. God has made a tent in heaven for the sun. 5 The sun is like a groom coming out of his honeymoon suite; like a warrior, it thrills at running its course. 6 It rises in one end of the sky; its circuit is complete at the other. Nothing escapes its heat. 7 The LORD’s Instruction is perfect, reviving one’s very being. The LORD’s laws are faithful, making naive people wise. 8 The LORD’s regulations are right, gladdening the heart. The LORD’s commands are pure, giving light to the eyes. 9 Honoring the LORD is correct, lasting forever. The LORD’s judgments are true. All of these are righteous! 10 They are more desirable than gold than tons of pure gold! They are sweeter than honey even dripping off the honeycomb! 11 No doubt about it: your servant is enlightened by them; there is great reward in keeping them. 12 But can anyone know what they’ve accidentally done wrong? Clear me of any unknown sin 13 and save your servant from willful sins. Don’t let them rule me. Then I’ll be completely blameless; I’ll be innocent of great wrongdoing. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

Nowhere in scripture is the unity and order of God’s creation more eloquently displayed than in Psalm 19. Nature and humanity exist in perfect harmony. For humanity’s part, the law of the Lord provides a trustworthy order of life that is righteous, sure, clear, pure, true. Such a life tastes...

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In “the meditation of my heart,” how am I learning to trust God, Creator of beauty, Redeemer of a troubled world?


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