Stone Soup

There are times when I think the lectionary choices bear some resemblance to Stone Soup. This week is one of those times. “What scriptures haven’t we used? You know, the end of the church year is fast approaching…” Just toss it all in, and hope something good comes out in the end. 

After diving deep into Haggai 2 in worship yesterday I am at a loss as to how to connect the strands of meaning and come up with anything that hangs together. At all.

So I’m left with questions. 

First question: how does the message from God, through the prophet, to work on the temple—ostensibly humans are going to provide the labor—connect to Psalm 98? The psalm is focused on the marvelous things the LORD has done, but the command is to go do something. I might be confused. 

Second question: moving on to the Thessalonians passage I want to know what is the reason for a dissertation on the second coming of Christ? 

Third question: and what’s up with an extended and complex theological debate in Luke between Jesus and some Sadducees looking for a fight? This all connects to Haggai how?

This week will be ragged and uneven, and so will my writing. Extend some mercy, friends, and Spirit may yet impart something tomorrow. In fact, Spirit had better ‘cause I got nothing. 

Well look at that, God—I’m admitting my utter poverty and watching my pride evaporate in the face of writing devotions. Experience reminds me that you seem to work with me better when I’m out of ideas. 

Victoria Owens