Isaiah 40:21-31 - Israel’s incomparable God

Background Information

Today’s reading comes from the beginning of the second part of Isaiah (Is 40-55) probably written in Babylon to encourage the dispirited exiles to revive their faith and return to Israel. In a series of rhetorical questions the author stimulates their hope and trust in the all-powerful God, creator of the  universe, Lord of history and powerful supporter of the weak and weary.

Questions

1. What do you find in this reading which suggests the discouraged, helpless feelings of the exiles?

2. When have you ever felt like that?

3. List all the descriptions of God’s greatness, power and universal reign.

4. Which of these words and images can help you to praise and worship God?

5. Which help encourage and empower you when you feel weak, discouraged or sorrowful?

1 Corinthians 9:16-23  - The necessity of preaching the gospel to all

Background Information

In 1 Corinthians chapter 9 Paul is defending himself against those who question his authority and behavior as an apostle (9:3).  Although a traveling apostle was entitled to hospitality and support, he is proud that he proclaims the gospel because it is God’s call and his joy, not as a way to earn money or praise (9:16-18).  In 9:19-23 he returns to an earlier topic, that a Christian is free in all respects except for the obligation to show love, respect and consideration to everyone.  He defends his adaptability as a strategy for reaching people and win them for Christ, not as a sign of inconsistency.

Questions

1. What does Paul say was his motivation and his reward for proclaiming the gospel?

2. In what ways do you try to proclaim the gospel, and what motivates you to do so?

3. Do you think it’s good or bad to try to be “all things to all people?” When is it sensitive consideration of cultural differences and when does it become compromise of principles?

4. In what ways do you go along with differences, and when must you take a stand for one side?

Mark 1:29-39 - Jesus heals, prays and proclaims the good news in Galilee

Background Information

In Mark 1:21-39 Mark describes Jesus’ many activities on one Sabbath day in Capernaum very early in his ministry. In last Sunday’s gospel Jesus healed a man who was mentally ill and taught as someone with authority. In today’s gospel Jesus heals a woman who is physically ill: Peter’s mother-in-law. After the Sabbath ends at sunset the whole city comes bringing people to be healed. At dawn Jesus seeks a quiet place for prayer, then tells his disciples that he can’t stay and meet everyone’s needs because he must go on to fulfill his purpose, reaching out to an ever widening circle of people

Questions

1. Healing of body and mind was obviously very important in Jesus’ ministry. Do people expect healing ministry of our church today?  How do we at St James do healing? Should we be doing more?

2. Jesus had to come to terms with his human limitations. But he disappointed whose who still wanted healing. What guided him? How do you deal with inevitable limitations of your time and energy?

3. In Jesus’ busy life and crowded villages how did he find time and a quiet place to pray?

4. When, where and how do you try to pray? What disturbs you and how do you manage?