The Fourth Week of October
We Read…
Restoration is a big theme throughout the Bible. Humans encounter brokenness in community, in relationships, and in life, but God restores what has been broken and redeems what once felt useless. Job’s story ends with God restoring all the things he had lost, the blind man in Mark has his sight restored by Jesus, and even our psalmist proclaims that God delivers us, redeeming us in the moments that feel like too much.
It’s important to see that God’s redemption and restoration don’t mean our lives will be perfect. Job and the blind man both spent days, months, and years in their situations. But even in the midst of this, God was with them. God brought redemption from what they had been through. When we find restoration and redemption in God, we can look back and see God’s faithfulness and share the good news with the people around us.
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Job answered the Lord:
2 I know you can do anything;
no plan of yours
can be opposed successfully.
3 You said, “Who is this darkening counsel
without knowledge?”
I have indeed spoken about
things I didn’t understand,
wonders beyond my comprehension.
4 You said, “Listen and I will speak;
I will question you
and you will inform me.”
5 My ears had heard about you,
but now my eyes have seen you.
6 Therefore, I relent and find comfort
on dust and ashes.
17 Then Job died, old and satisfied.
Psalm 34:1-8, 19-22
1 I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be in my mouth.
2 I praise the Lord—
let the suffering listen and rejoice.
3 Magnify the Lord with me!
Together let us lift his name up high!
4 I sought the Lord
and he answered me.
He delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to God will shine;
their faces are never ashamed.
6 This suffering person cried out:
the Lord listened and saved him
from every trouble.
7 On every side, the Lord’s messenger
protects those who honor God;
and he delivers them.
8 Taste and see
how good the Lord is!
The one who takes refuge in him
is truly happy!
19 The righteous have many problems,
but the Lord delivers them
from every one.
20 He protects all their bones;
not even one will be broken.
21 But just one problem
will kill the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous
will be held responsible.
22 The Lord saves his servants’ lives;
all those who take refuge in him
won’t be held responsible for anything.
Hebrews 7:23-28
23 The others who became priests are numerous because death prevented them from continuing to serve. 24 In contrast, he holds the office of priest permanently because he continues to serve forever. 25 This is why he can completely save those who are approaching God through him, because he always lives to speak with God for them.
26 It’s appropriate for us to have this kind of high priest: holy, innocent, incorrupt, separate from sinners, and raised high above the heavens. 27 He doesn’t need to offer sacrifices every day like the other high priests, first for their own sins and then for the sins of the people. He did this once for all when he offered himself. 28 The Law appoints people who are prone to weakness as high priests, but the content of the solemn pledge, which came after the Law, appointed a Son who has been made perfect forever.
Mark 10:46-52
46 Jesus and his followers came into Jericho. As Jesus was leaving Jericho, together with his disciples and a sizable crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, Timaeus’ son, was sitting beside the road. 47 When he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was there, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, show me mercy!” 48 Many scolded him, telling him to be quiet, but he shouted even louder, “Son of David, show me mercy!”
49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him forward.”
They called the blind man, “Be encouraged! Get up! He’s calling you.”
50 Throwing his coat to the side, he jumped up and came to Jesus.
51 Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
The blind man said, “Teacher, I want to see.”
52 Jesus said, “Go, your faith has healed you.” At once he was able to see, and he began to follow Jesus on the way.
We Think…
What stands out to you in these verses?
Does anything confuse you or not make sense?
How do these verses compare to your own experience in life or in the church? What are you considering? What questions come to mind?
What does it mean to restore something? Redeem something?
Why did the blind man in Mark continue to yell out to Jesus, even when others told him to be quiet?
We Feel…
What emotions are you experiencing today? How are you making space for these feelings?
Where have you seen God today or this week? What is pointing you to God (maybe it is something in creation, a friend or adult that cares for you)?
What has God made new in your life? In your heart?
When has God restored or redeemed something in your life? How does that make you feel?
When have you cried out to God like the man in Mark?
How has God been present in these moments?
We Believe…
We believe that Jesus was human but also perfect and blameless. Jesus lived a real, human life, but he never sinned. The mystery of the incarnation of Jesus is something that Christians have marveled at since he arrived here on earth! We believe that Jesus is the second Person of the Trinity, that he came to earth as fully God and fully human, and that he died, rose again, and intercedes for us now. Our Hebrews passage shows us that we can come to God because Jesus became our high priest, intercessor, and sacrifice.
We Practice…
What has God redeemed or restored in your own life?
What hardships have you encountered that God used for good?
When did you feel overwhelmed but remember that God was with you?
It’s important to reflect on these moments both so that when we face hardships again, we can recall the times God was faithful, but also so that when others go through tough times, we can show them how God was with us and redeemed our situations. Make a list of these moments that you can look back to. Then, reflect on who in your life is facing a challenge.
How can you encourage them? Can you write them a note or join them for coffee? Can you text them to encourage them today?
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