Lent Daybook 16: Bought With A Price

Look:  Christ Presented To The People (Ecce Homo), Rembrandt - Source 

Listen*: No More Auction Block, Khari Wendell McClelland - Lyrics | Spotify | YouTube  

Read**:  Psalm 75, 76; Genesis 43:16-34; 1 Corinthians 7:10-24; Mark 5:1-20 

Excerpts:

"We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds.

"At the set time that I appoint I will judge with equity. When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars." Selah

*

"Glorious are you, more majestic than the mountains full of prey. The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil; they sank into sleep; all the men of war were unable to use their hands. At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both rider and horse lay stunned.

But you, you are to be feared! Who can stand before you when once your anger is roused? From the heavens you uttered judgment; the earth feared and was still, when God arose to establish judgment, to save all the humble of the earth." Selah

*

"When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Bring the men into the house, and slaughter an animal and make ready, for the men are to dine with me at noon.” The man did as Joseph told him and brought the men to Joseph's house. And the men were afraid because they were brought to Joseph's house, and they said, “It is because of the money, which was replaced in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may assault us and fall upon us to make us servants and seize our donkeys.

... When Joseph came home, they brought into the house to him the present that they had with them and bowed down to him to the ground. And he inquired about their welfare and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” They said, “Your servant our father is well; he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads and prostrated themselves. And he lifted up his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, and said, “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me? God be gracious to you, my son!” Then Joseph hurried out, for his compassion grew warm for his brother, and he sought a place to weep. And he entered his chamber and wept there. Then he washed his face and came out. And controlling himself he said, “Serve the food.” They served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians could not eat with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians. And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth. And the men looked at one another in amazement. Portions were taken to them from Joseph's table, but Benjamin's portion was five times as much as any of theirs. And they drank and were merry with him."

*

"Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ. You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men. So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God."

*

"They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. Now a great herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.” So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea."

- Psalm 75:1-3 * Psalm 76:4-9 * Genesis 43:16-18, 26-34 * 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 * Mark 5:1-13 (ESV)

Pray & Do: 

Each week during Lent, we will devote Saturdays to connecting with An American Lent from The Repentance Project. It's God's kindness that leads us to repentance, and in His kindness and provision for reconciliation, He invites us to make confession and ask for forgiveness on behalf of not only ourselves but our forefathers and mothers. We carry a heavy load of guilt and grief in our nation as a result of centuries of grievous sin and unrelenting injustice against African Americans.

Go here to download a PDF or subscribe to receive daily reflections from An American Lent.

Begin with prayer:

Here I am, Lord. With this breath that you’ve given me, I lift my voice to you. As the deer pants for water so my soul longs for you. My whole being thirsts for you. You are my shelter and sustenance. You are the word made flesh that dwells among us. I want to feast on your truth today. Come, fill me afresh. Let the wellspring of my heart pour out more of your goodness, your compassion, and your justice. Amen.

Spend time today reading through the reflections for Week 3: Christian Opposition to Slavery. I especially noticed Thursday’s reflection “Jim Crow and the God Who Hates” by Rev. Darryl Ford and Saturday’s reflection “Voices of Protest and Voices of Reason” by Rev. Sylvester “Tee” Turner. 

From Rev. Darryl Ford:

  • Read Proverbs 6:16-19 and 20:23 .

  • Read carefully the history of Jim Crow - click through the links.

  • Read Jemar Tisby’s article for the Washington Post: “This Black History Month, don’t pretend racism has disappeared from the church

  • Respond: “Take some time to consider the difference between individual and structural racism. How does your heart align with God’s heart concerning unjust measures? Where have you sensed discomfort or conviction as you read today’s reflection? Write down your thoughts, questions, and feelings. Ask God to align your heart with His.”

From Rev. Turner’s reflection:

  • Read carefully

  • Respond: “Ask God to show you how he might be inviting you to be both a voice of reason and of protest in the battle against racial injustice. Perhaps your invitation is to first “reason” with those who share a different perspective or life experience—pursue a family member, friend, colleague, or neighbor who does not share your views on race. Engage in difficult conversations, seeking first to understand, then to be understood. Practice the art of “reasoning together.”

Close with prayer:

Father, I confess my desperate need for you. I esteem others for their status and wealth, while you esteem those who are poor in spirit. You uphold the cause of the oppressed and afflicted. Teach me to love as you love. Teach me to love without partiality. Amen.

You might also enjoy: Mockingbird History Lessons for Adults on Patreon

* Listen to my entire playlist on Spotify - Lent: Spirituals & Gospel Songs. Add it to your account by clicking ‘Save to My Library.’

** Sunday Scripture readings are taken from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year A). Daily Scripture readings are taken from the Book of Common Prayer (Year 2).