#ComeSunday #WorshipBulletin: Read the scripture and download the bulletin to prepare for 10:00 am Sunday worship and Tuesday Bible studies!
Exodus 17:1-7 (New Revised Standard Version)
From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 The people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” 3 But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” 4 So Moses cried out to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” 5 The Lord said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”
Summary:
What is God’s “end game?” for Inglewood First UMC? What is God’s “end game” for our nation and world? This sermon series explores what it means for “God’s will to be done” and how God calls, equips and empowers us all to fulfill our purpose as the church.
In this scripture, the Israelites share with Moses and God their lament in the wilderness. They are dying of thirst on their journey to “the promised land.” God does not only respond to praise, but also lamentation. #BlackLivesMatter is a lamentation that brings attention to the suffering of Black people and the hope for liberation. There is power in lament to provide hope toward the #EndGame of freedom.
Reflection Questions:
- What is a word, phrase or image that comes to mind when you read or hear the text?
- What does this scripture teach you about lament?
- What does God invite you to do, change or be through this passage?