Pulpit Preparation

 

Preparing our hearts, minds, and souls to hear and reflect upon the Word of God.

 

Prayer of focus

 

Gracious Lord God, You alone are God, there is no other. You have revealed yourself to us in many ways, through your creation, scripture and the prophets, and through your Son Jesus Christ. You have also revealed yourself to us by name, so that we can call out to you in faith, hope, and love. Help us to always remember that you are with us. In Jesus name. Amen[1]

 

Readings:

Psalm 32

Deuteronomy 5:1-11

 


 

Reflection

 

On Sunday we begin a Lenten series entitled “Back To The Basics.” This is a series based on the Ten Commandments as recorded in the book of Deuteronomy. I chose Deuteronomy for the following reasons:

  • When the Ten Commandments are mentioned or referred to our tendency is to recall Moses receiving them from God on the mountain and coming down the mountain and presenting them to Israel in the Book of Exodus. A way of life given to the Israelites as they are now freed from slavery in Egypt.
  • In Deuteronomy the Israelites are reminded of their covenant with God as the are encamped on the plains of Moab, standing ready to enter the promised land. The Israelites are reminded of their way of life with God as they now transition into the promised land.
  • The book of Deuteronomy addresses issues of modernity such as, the reconciliation of the historical distance between past and present, the tension between tradition and contemporary needs of the people, and the distinction between divine revelation and human interpretation (The Jewish Study Bible, p 339).

The Ten Commandments establish a covenant between God and Israel. A covenant is the establishment of a relationship between two parties. We observe covenants in legal contracts, marriage vows, and Baptism. When we reflect upon the Ten Commandments we do so through the lens of relationship. Our relationship with God and our relationship with one another.

 

Read Deuteronomy 5:1-11 through the lens of relationship. In reading with this lens, what do you see or hear in the Israelites relationship with God? What do you see or hear in your relationship with God? What do you see or hear in our community relationship with God?

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