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God's "X-ray" vision

Worship
Fourth Sunday in Lent - A
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Ephesians 5:8-14
Psalm 23
John 9:1-41
Paul A. Laughlin
LECTIONARY WORSHIP AIDS
Series II
Exegetical note: The key contrast in this wonderful story of Samuel's anointing of David as God's hand-picked successor of Saul as king is contained in verse 7b, which declares that God's vision is very different from humanity's, in that the latter focuses on outward appearances, while God's "X-ray" eyes see the inner person: the heart, which is to say, the spirit. In the present case, God's first choice was Samuel's least likely candidate (and would have been ours as well).

Call to Worship
(based on Psalm 23)

Leader:
UPCOMING WEEKS
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Object: The object of the lesson is a gesture you will teach the children.

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The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus warned against with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God. Through our worship today let us pledge ourselves to seek our treasure only in God.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we envy others because of all they possess.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we desire all that money can buy.
Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.... Let those who are wise give heed to these things, and consider the steadfast love of the Lord.
-- Psalm 107:9, 43

Kirk R. Webster
How do you focus on something unseen? How can we set our minds on that which we can't touch, or taste, or verify scientifically? Most practical people want proof. Abstract propositions are difficult to get our arms around, especially if they are from another time and place.
Thomas A. Renquist
This story begins with gift -- with blessed gift -- with miraculous, blessed giftedness. And I will even tell you now the theme of the story: if you keep your eye on the giftedness of everything, then you yourself can be a gift, you can be a giver, rather than a hoarder.
John W. Wurster
" 'It was I who taught Ephraim how to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them' (11:3). They did not know me. Do you?

" 'I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them.' (1:4). But they did not know me. Do you?

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