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You will want to listen to these lessons with an open ear; as among many Christians in impoverished nations, we have a representative from the dark side of suffering in the first lesson; in the second lesson we encounter the unifying core that creates the context for Christian fellowship-Christ who suffered for us; and in the gospel lesson we observe Jesus fighting for children’s rights to be loved and blessed.

Job 1:1; 2:1-10-That Which I have Greatly Feared Has Come Upon Me

Job from the land of Uz is one who walks blameless before God. Yet, lingering in the background is a theological conversation between God and Satan about this impeccable man. Seems Satan is convinced that such good behavior is based solely on all the perks that come with righteousness-wealth, land, family, and prestige. "Oh sure, your man Job seems like a straight arrow but just you pick at his life-remove his props-and he’ll certainly curse you to your face." Thus the stage is set for the suffering of Job that will push him to the very edge of sanity and faith. Over the next four weeks we will listen to the dialogue that swirls around the question, "why do the righteous suffer?" We’ve visited the conventional wisdom of Proverbs and Esther in which good triumphs; now we move to the dark side of wisdom-what we’re left with when, despite the blessings of the godly life, life comes crashing down around us.

Hebrew 1:1-4; 2:5-12-When Words Gave Way to The Word

The Word came through prophets in the past, says an early unknown Christian teacher, but now the Word has been uttered through a Son. So begins the book of Hebrews which will occupy our attention for the next seven weeks. This lesson provides a fabulous opening paragraph that could provide ample theological fodder for a month. Today we enter our most sustained christological discussion of the three-year cycle. The second part of the lesson (2:5-12) contrasts Jesus with the angels. Though God’s vision has "all things" placed under angelic feet and under their control (2:8), the reality still reveals a "not yet" status quo. But, says the writer, Jesus-who during a wrinkle in time-condescended lower than the angels has now been "crowned with glory and honor" (2:9). The reason for Jesus’ glorification is related to his identification with humanity; his suffering has gained us salvation.

Mark 10:2-16-Relationships

The gospel lesson includes two relational episodes for our reflection. The first story (10:2-12) is a conflict narrative over the issue of divorce and the interpretation of the Law of Moses. The second involves a conflict of a different kind. People who bring their children to Jesus are rebuffed by concerned disciples. Typically, Jesus surprises them with an opposite reaction-he welcomes the children and scoops them up in his arms and blesses them.