Fourth Sunday in Lent
Readings from the Revised Common Lectionary
This is not the first time the Israelites complain to Moses about food. It seems they are still yearning for the “abundance” of Egypt instead of what God provides for them in the desert. In what ways are we, like them, so quick to re-interpret our past captivity in a better light, imagining it to be preferable to the life of faith? Why does that happen?
In 2 Kings 18, the bronze serpent made by Moses is transformed into a false idol. In what ways do we also take things that God has used in our lives and turn them into idols? What would be helpful as we seek to keep that from happening?
Jesus references this story in his interaction with Nicodemus in our reading from John 3. Read that story and reflect on the “lifting up” of Jesus and how it functions in our life as the serpent did for Israel.
Verse 2 invites the “redeemed of the LORD” to tell their story of their salvation. What stories of God’s steadfast love have been formative in your own journey of faith? In what ways have you been able to share your story?
In what ways is God’s word a healing presence, as pictured in verse 20?
What “songs of joy” have been important in your walk of faith? Are there hymns or songs that tell the story of God’s deliverance in a powerful way that have been particularly meaningful for you?
In verses 1-5, Paul describes our journey of faith in Christ as being one from “death to life.” He reminds us who we were, what God has done, and who we are now in Christ. Spend some time reflecting on your own experience of these, and let that reflection lead you into a prayerful expression of gratitude.
The relationship between works and grace is central to verses 8-9. How do we struggle with that relationship, even after putting our faith in Jesus? What can keep us centered in grace?
Even though we do not depend on works, Paul reminds us in verse 10 that we are created for good works. How do you understand the “good works” for which God has prepared you? What is needed on our part in order for them to bear fruit in our lives?
Why do you think John 3:16 is seen as such a wonderfully succinct presentation of the gospel? What elements and invitations of the gospel story are included in this one sentence?
How do you understand the relationship between condemnation and judgment? Do we get those confused at times, and if so, what danger comes from that?
Spend some time praying that light may shine in the darkness of these difficult days, and that the world might see the church of Jesus Christ doing “what is true” (v.21) and know that it is God at work in them.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As you finish, choose one of these four texts and let it guide you into a time of prayer.