Lessons for October 21, 2007 – Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

The first lesson

Genesis 32:22-31
 
    But during the night Jacob got up and sent his two wives, two concubines, and eleven sons across the Jabbok River. [23] After they were on the other side, he sent over all his possessions. [24] This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until dawn. [25] When the man saw that he couldn't win the match, he struck Jacob's hip and knocked it out of joint at the socket. [26] Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is dawn." But Jacob panted, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."  [27] "What is your name?" the man asked. He replied, "Jacob." [28] "Your name will no longer be Jacob," the man told him. "It is now Israel, because you have struggled with both God and men and have won." [29] "What is your name?" Jacob asked him. "Why do you ask?" the man replied. Then he blessed Jacob there. [30] Jacob named the place Peniel—"face of God"—for he said, "I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared." [31] The sun rose as he left Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip.  (NLT)

Psalm 121 

L.  I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? 
C.  My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth!
L.  He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. 
C.  Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps.
L.  The Lord himself watches over you!
C.  The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. 
L.  The sun will not hurt you by day, nor the moon at night. 
C.  The Lord keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. 
L.  The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, 
C.  both now and forever.  (NLT)

The second lesson

2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 

    But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. [15] You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. [16] All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. [17] It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.[4:1] And so I solemnly urge you before God and before Christ Jesus—who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: [2] Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. [3] For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. [4] They will reject the truth and follow strange myths. [5] But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at bringing others to Christ. Complete the ministry God has given you. (NLT)

The Gospel Lesson

Luke 18:1-8
 
    One day Jesus told his disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer and to show them that they must never give up. [2] "There was a judge in a certain city," he said, "who was a godless man with great contempt for everyone. [3] A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, appealing for justice against someone who had harmed her. [4] The judge ignored her for a while, but eventually she wore him out. 'I fear neither God nor man,' he said to himself, [5] 'but this woman is driving me crazy. I'm going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!' " [6] Then the Lord said, "Learn a lesson from this evil judge. [7] Even he rendered a just decision in the end, so don't you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who plead with him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? [8] I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when I, the Son of Man, return, how many will I find who have faith?"  (NLT)