Lectionary
Ruminations 2.0 is a revised continuation of Lectionary Ruminations. Focusing on The Revised Common Lectionary Readings for the upcoming Sunday from New Revised
Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible, Lectionary
Ruminations 2.0 draws on nearly thirty years of pastoral experience. Believing that the questions we ask are often
more important than any answers we find, without overreliance on commentaries I
intend with comments and questions to encourage reflection and rumination for
readers preparing to teach, preach, or hear the Word. Reader comments are
invited and encouraged. All lectionary
links are to the via the PC(USA)
Devotions and Readings website.
FOR AN UPDATED AND REVISED VERSION, GO TO
THIS LINK
5:27 Who brought whom from
where? What council? Who was the high priest and what is the high
priest’s function?
5:28 What in the world is
the high priest talking about? Who is the
“we” who gave strict orders? By what
authority could they give such orders?
5:29 Why is only Peter
named? Who might be among the other
“apostles”? “We must obey God rather
than any human authority” reminds me of one of the one of the Historic Principles
of Church Order (see F-3.0101).
5:30 Note that Peter
references the God of “our” ancestors. Also note that God raised up Jesus,
Jesus did not rise. Why is the cross
often referred to as a tree?
5:31 What is the
significance of God’s metaphorical right hand? What is the Greek word translated
as “Leader” in the NRSV?
5:32 What “things”? How is
the Holy Spirit a witness? Is there a
sense that God gives the Holy Spirit as a reward for obedience?
118:14 Is there any
difference between strength and might? How shall we understand the meaning of
salvation in a Psalm compared to salvation in a New Testament text ?
118:15 When was the last
time you heard a really glad song in worship?
118:15b-16 Is this actually
the glad song referenced in 118:15?
118:17 What are the deeds
of the LORD and could you recount them?
118:18 Is death the ultimate
punishment? For what was the psalmist
punished? Does this verse presume an
angry God of wrath and vengeance?
118:19 Where are what are
the gates of righteousness?
118:20 Where is this gate?
118:21 Does the LORD ever
not answer?
118:22 What is the
difference between a cornerstone and a keystone? Why would builders reject a stone?
118:23 What is the LORD’s
doing?
118:24 I thought the LORD
made all days.
118:25 Note the transition
from the singular to the plural. What sort of “success” was the psalmist asking
for?
118:26 What does it mean to
come in the name of the LORD? Where and
when have we heard this before? Where
and when will we hear it again?
118:27 What festal
procession? What are the horns of the altar?
118:28 What is the meaning
of “extol” and how does it differ from giving thanks?
118:29 By definition, does
not “steadfast love” endure for ever?
118:14-29 Why this Psalm
this day?
1:4-8 Please note that this
reading is from Revelation, NOT Revelations!
What difference does it make?
1:4 Is there anything
special about these seven churches, besides the fact that John wrote to
them? What do you know about letter
salutations in Greek and Hebrew cultures?
What are the seven spirits?
1:5 Does this verse presume
a blood atonement theory?
1:6 How are we a kingdom? Are we a kingdom of priests?
1:7 How can those who
pierced him see him if they are dead when he comes?
1:8 Is it safe to assume
that everyone in a church pew understands the meaning of “I am the Alpha and
the Omega”? Compare this verse to verse 4.
20:19 Is the setting our
Saturday evening or our Sunday evening?
Why did the disciples fear the Jews. What sort of greeting is “Peace be
with you.”?
20:20 Why did Jesus show
the disciples his hands and side? Did the disciples not rejoice before they saw
his hands and side?
20:21 Why is the “Peace be
with you” greeting repeated?
20:22 Why did Jesus breathe
on the disciples? What is the connection
between breath and the Holy Spirit?
20:23 Does it make any
difference that this is perhaps the latest Gospel when interpreting this verse?
What is “The power of the keys”?
20:24 I wonder where Thomas
was and why he was not there. Why was Thomas called “the Twin”?
20:25 Do you know anyone
who can honestly say “I have seen the Lord”?
Rather than referring to him as “doubting Thomas” I would rather refer
to him as “I am not gullible Thomas”!
20:26 Were the doors also
locked?
20:27 Do not doubt
what? Believe what?
20:28 Jesus invited Thomas
to touch his wounds, but did Thomas actually do so? Might “My Lord and My God” be an example of
an early statement of faith?
20:29 For whom is this
verse written?
20:30 I wonder what other
signs Jesus may have done that are not written in this book. I think I feel an historical novel coming on:
“The Other Signs of Jesus”!
20:31 This also reads like
an early statement of faith. Is this verse talking about life in the here and now or a future life everlasting?
ADDENDUM
I am currently a Member at Large of Upper Ohio
Valley Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). I am a trained and
experienced Interim Pastor currently available to supply as a fill-in
occasional guest preacher and worship leader or serve in a half-time to
full-time position.
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