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The Present Word
What does it mean to be the people of God? How are our lives to be structured, and what guides our actions and attitudes? What kinds of things should we say and do? Even more, why does it matter what we say and do?
For the prophets of ancient Israel and Judah, these were critical questions that pointed the way to faithful living. Time and again, they revisited these issues in a variety
of ways, always seeking to enlighten those who called themselves the covenant people. The thirteen lessons of The Present Word (summer quarter 2007) invite each of us to revisit the questions and, in so doing, to strengthen and renew our discipleship.
Looking ahead to the lessons
The printed texts for the summer quarter come from several Old Testament prophets, the poetic book called Lamentations, and one from 2 Kings. For those who would like to place these readings more solidly in their historical context, the background Scripture often includes passages from 2 Kings or 2 Chronicles. Despite the span of years represented by the prophets (eighth century B.C. to the Exile), this study shows their voices united in a single concern: the call to responsibility that comes with the privilege of being in relationship with God.
Unit I introduces the theme “Life as God’s People”
in its four sessions. Lesson 1 lays the groundwork by establishing the need for justice and echoing Amos’s concern that we are called to fight the attitudes and behaviors that lead one part of society to ignore the needs of another (Amos 5:10–15, 21–24). The second lesson builds on the concept of our responsibility by pointing out that God holds us accountable for our actions, even though God also always works for our redemption
(Hos. 4:1–4; 7:1–2; 12:8–9). Turning to the fullness of relationship that God offers, Lessons 3 and 4, respectively, look at the experience of pure and meaningful worship (Isa. 1:10–11, 14–20) and the abundant life that God offers (Isa. 55:1–3a, 6–11).
The five lessons in Unit II then ask more specifically, “What Does God Require?” Lesson 5 focuses on the prophet Micah’s beautiful response to this question by highlighting justice, kindness and the love of God as standards to guide our actions (Mic. 3:1–4; 6:6–8). Lesson 6 serves as a reminder that God will act justly, bringing both punishment and redemption (Zeph. 3:1–5, 8–9), while Lesson 7 affirms that the source of our hope lies in the fact that the God who will not tolerate injustice is the same God who works for salvation (Hab. 2:6–14). Lesson 8 emphasizes the consequences of our actions, both good and bad (Jer. 7:11–15; 2 Kings 23:36–37), and Lesson 9 closes the unit with a look at how to remain faithful even in the midst of loss and pain (Jer. 29:1–14).
Unit III explores the topic “How Shall We Respond?” in four lessons. The first three lessons emphasize hope, personal responsibility and repentance as appropriate responses for those who are committed to doing right. More specifically, Lesson 10 says that we have reason to hope in the midst of despair because of God’s unfailing love and care (Lam. 3:25–33, 55–58); Lesson 11 discusses how we each are responsible for our deeds (Ezek. 18:4, 20–23, 30–32); and Lesson 12 highlights how we find wholeness and happiness when restored to God (Zech. 1:1–6; 7:8–14). The unit and the study end in Lesson 13 with the reassurance that God’s judgment is just and the promise that God will come one day to judge the world and to set all things right (Mal. 2:17—3:5; 4:1). |
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