Listening to Others in Our Broader Community (3/11 – 3/17)

Scripture for the Week: Luke 2:21-32

LentThemes
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As Christians, our lives, decisions and actions flow from listening (by being disciples, students, learners) to God. Those of you who have been following these weekly devotions are familiar with this theme of Listening as A Discipline of the Heart (see graphic at right).

This week’s Scripture is that beautiful song from Simeon when Jesus is dedicated in the temple. If you’ve been in a Lutheran congregation, you have almost certainly sung the Nunc Dimitis (“Lord, now let your servant depart in peace according to Your will”).

As you read this passage and some of the other Scriptures referenced below, ask yourself (or, if you’re doing this devotion with someone else, ask them) what is this passage saying about reaching out to, interacting with, and listening to those outside our congregation?

There are two words I’d like to draw your attention to:

  1. “Light” – Simeon sings “a light to enlighten the nations and the glory of your people Israel”. Light radiates. Light touches and adds its light to everything around it. Simeon in no way says or implies that Jesus takes anything away from Israel. Instead, He continues the mission of Israel to be a light (Isaiah 42:6; 49:6).
  2. Gentiles – these are “the nations”, the people who were outside the chosen people of God. The people with foreign ways and foreign gods.

If you are able to engage in the “Taking it deeper” and “Other Scriptures & Resources” sections below, you will see that there are a lot of Biblical references. Don’t be overwhelmed by them – read as many or as few as you can. As we’re dealing with concepts such as these, it is helpful to hear the collective voice of Scripture.

Taking it deeper…

  • What is the purpose of this or any local congregation? Why do we exist?
  • What do you do with St. Paul as he writes “I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some” (1 Corinthians 9:15-23)
  • Is this congregation meeting the needs of those inside this congregation? Are we meeting the needs of those outside? Is there a difference?
  • I know of no places in the Bible (Old Testament or New Testament) that speak of keeping to ourselves as believers. In the Old Testament, there are some references to not worshiping other gods or idols, but that’s it. Otherwise, what I hear through Scripture follows the Great Commandment (1) our relationship with God, and (2) our relationships with our neighbors (Matthew 22:35-40; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 10:25-28; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Leviticus 19:18; Galatians 5:13-15).

Other Scriptures & Resources:

The following resources may be helpful for your further study. If you find others that you would like to share, I invite you to use the comments feature of this blog.

prjeffwilson

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