Prayer: Dear God, when you turn the tables in life, help us see how at times we are either sellers or buyers truly in need of your gift of your Grace. Amen.
Reading: John 2: 13-22 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: Just ask my family. I am not a shopper. And I especially don't like to feel like I am being targeted, manipulated or brainwashed to buy anything. So, I would have been right there with Jesus turning over the tables and driving the sellers out of the Temple. Or at least cheering him on. Or would I? Might I have been one of those sellers? Have I ever held anyone to a certain expectation of what it takes to be right with God? Not that I have anything to sell, mind you, but have I ever tried to make someone "buy into" what I think is the right way to live or to worship? Might I have been one of the buyers? Have I ever felt like I just didn't measure up to God's expectations? Have I thought I need to be more or do more to stay in good graces with God? Ah, there is the key word: Grace. God's love can't be bought or sold. Just let God love you and everyone. And you? Simply love God; love others. --Ruth Gates, Camp Mount Luther Family Camper
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