Podcast: Reading in Church & Other Distractions

The readings for Sunday, November 24, 2019. The three year lectionary cycle comes to an end with The Reign of Christ Sunday. Jeremiah offers some clever wordplay in Jeremiah 23. Mike offers some thoughts on the beginning and end of Luke, and all things are redeemed in Colossians. Jeremiah 23:1-6 Luke 1:68-79 Colossians 1:11-20 Luke…

The readings for November 17, 2019. Both Old Testament readings focus on the end times, and both in Isaiah. 2 Thessalonians finishes by telling folks to get to work. And Jesus focus on the end times, but not the way you’d expect…or actually the way you should expect…but not the way you usually expect…because we…

The readings for November 10, 2019. Someone finally listens to a prophet. The psalms sorta come to an end in Ps 145. The end times are a topic in 2 Thessalonians, and another group thinks they can outsmart Jesus. Haggai 1:15b-2:9 Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 Luke 20:27-38

The readings for November 3, 2019. We read Rob’s favorite scripture in the Bible and read even more Psalm 119. Mike opens the discussion of 2 Thessalonians and challenges the traditional readings of Zacchaeus. Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 Psalm 119:137-144 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 Luke 19:1-10

The readings for October 20, 2019. In a quick moving podcast, Rob & Mike ACTUALLY discuss Jeremiah’s “Book of Comfort.” They take a manageable bit of Psalm 119. Paul gives his last exhortations to Timothy. And a good-for-nothing judge, actually does good. Jeremiah 31:27-34 Psalm 119:97-104 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 Luke 18:1-8

The readings for October 13, 2019. Rob gets to talk about his favorite verses in Jeremiah. Memory is participatory in Psalm 66. Paul writes some beautiful confessions, or he copies them, we aren’t sure which. And the Samaritans maybe aren’t so bad in Luke after all. Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 Psalm 66:1-12 2 Timothy 2:8-15 Luke…

The readings for October 6, 2019. Mike and Rob work through some dark (and light) texts the Old Testament readings, including the darkest worship song ever. Paul offers his last words to Timothy, and Jesus tries to teach the disciples to ask the right question. Lamentations 1:1-6 Lamentations 3:19-26 Psalm 137 2 Timothy 1:1-14 Luke…

The readings for September 29, 2019. Jeremiah buys real estate in a buyer’s market. God speaks in the psalms. Money is a sticky topic of conversation in 1 Timothy and in Luke 16. Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 1 Timothy 6:6-19 Luke 16:19-31

The readings for September 22, 2019. Things are pretty depressing this week. God laments in Jeremiah 8 (probably). The psalmist laments in Ps 79 (definitely). Paul sets up his argument to deal with church division in 1 Timothy. And the worst parable Jesus ever told is in Luke 16. Jeremiah 8:18-9:1 Psalm 79:1-9 1 Timothy…

The readings for September 15, 2019. Back after another break caused by life circumstances! Jeremiah sees creation unraveling. The psalmist worries about those who live lives without regard for God. Paul is the chief of sinners in 1 Timothy, and the lectionary focuses on the first two guys who walk into the bar, omitting the…

The readings for August 11, 2019. The guys have a new streak going, 2 in a row. Rob deals with the same text in two books. Mike talks about Hebrews and Jesus is still on a journey. Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 Luke 12:32-40

The readings for August 4, 2019. Back and better than ever! Or at least back & better…okay…we’re back. We read about God’s rough breakup in Hosea. Book V begins in Ps 107. We are hidden with Christ in Colossians, and Jesus has some unpopular ideas about materialism in Luke. Hosea 11:1-11 Psalm 107:1-9, 43 Colossians…

The readings for June 7, 2019. Elisha pulls a power move against Naaman. The psalmist praises God. Paul wraps up Galatians, and Jesus sends out a crack team of 70ish missionaries who shame the 12. Also, don’t miss what’s become a weekly segment: “Rob & Mike’s Moving Drama” 2 Kings 5:1-14 Psalm 30 Galatians 6:(1-6),…

The readings for June 30, 2019. Elijah gets his dramatic exit. The psalmist struggles with exile. Paul tries to get a church to focus on the Spirit, in his own quiet understated way. And Jesus stars a long journey that culminates in Mike’s syllabus. 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20 Galatians 5:1, 13-25 Luke…

The readings for June 23, 2019. Elijah has a rough day. The Sons of Korah start singing in the Psalms. One of Paul’s most quoted verses might not be saying what people think it is saying. And the guys have one last swing at Gary the Gerasene. 1 Kings 19:1-15a Psalm 42 and 43 Galatians…

The readings for June 16, 2019. It’s Trinity Sunday. Woman Wisdom works in Proverbs 8. Humanity is celebrated in Psalm 8. Mike spends more time in Eastern theology in Romans, and Jesus wraps up his sermon in John 16. Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 Psalm 8 Romans 5:1-5 John 16:12-15

It’s Pentecost! The readings for June 9, 2019. People don’t like God being in charge in Genesis. Mike celebrates talk like a pirate day again in Ps 104. Pentecost comes in Acts…and also in John apparently. Genesis 11:1-9 Psalm 104:24-34, 35b Acts 2:1-21 John 14:8-17, (25-27)

The readings for June 2, 2019. Mike and Rob chose the readings for Ascension Sunday. Rob covers the place and function of Ps 93. Mike looks for Ascension language in Ephesians, and they read the two Ascension episodes from Luke and Acts, back to back. Psalm 93 Ephesians 1:15-23 Luke 24:44-53 Acts 1:1-11

The readings for May 26, 2019. Paul founds his favorite church. Rob sees some connections to Numbers in Psalm 67. The end is a beautiful thing in Revelation, and the dialogue in John points to an interesting time in the life of the church. Psalm 67 Acts 16:9-15 Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5 John 14:23-29

The readings for May 19, 2019. Mike has an ideal way to read Acts 11, though it is a little shorter. Everything is praising God in Psalm 148. Things are looking good in Revelation, and Jesus is about to show what love is in John. Acts 11:1-18 Psalm 148 Revelation 21:1-6 John 13:31-35

The readings for May 12, 2019. Rob and Mike get to do a rare “in-person” podcast. Peter is on journey of faith in Joppa. Psalm 23 is back for its sixth appearance in the lectionary. The love affair with Revelation continues. And it’s Hanukkah in John! Acts 9:36-43 Psalm 23 Revelation 7:9-17 John 10:22-30

The readings for May 5, 2019. Paul isn’t converted by commissioned in Acts 9. Translation issues bother Rob in Psalm 30. Jesus is God in Revelation 5. And John goes back to the future in John 21. Acts 9:1-6 Psalm 30 Revelation 5:11-14 John 21:1-19

The readings for April 28, 2019. The book of Acts starts taking Rob’s OT readings again. The psalmist celebrates God for who God is in Ps 150. A celebration of Revelation begins, and Mike finds a new source for John 20 which has him excited. Acts 5:27-32 Psalm 150 Revelation 1:4-8 John 20:19-31

The readings for Easter Morning, April 21, 2019. This time, Rob brings up Revelation, but to talk about Isaiah. The psalm seems familiar, but different. Peter finally understands what he means when he says “all,” and the angels treat the women like full disciples on Easter morning. Isaiah 65:17-25 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 Acts 10:34-43 Luke…

The readings for April 14, 2019. Rob & Mike opt for the passion readings this week. Rob gives a survey of the Servant Songs in Isaiah and briefly touches on Psalm 31, just long enough to reveal his frustration with the colloquial meaning of “Hosanna.” Rob and Mike share their love of the Carmen Christi,…

The readings for April 7, 2019. Isaiah remembers the Exodus. Rob works through some translation issues in the psalm of Ascents. Paul works through his resume in Philippi. John continues to tell the stories of the gospel in provocative ways. Isaiah 43:16-21 Psalm 126 Philippians 3:4b-14 John 12:1-8

The readings for March 31, 2019. Rob gives the odd context of Joshua. Mike starts horsing around in Psalm 32. Paul & Corinth try to reconcile to one another, and Mike & Rob both have a love affair with Luke 15. Joshua 5:9-12 Psalm 32 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

The readings for March 24, 2019. Rob and Mike get their podcasting groove back a little better this week. The covenant of David gets shared in Isaiah. God satisfies in the Psalm. Paul interprets more wilderness narratives in 1 Corinthians. And Jesus DOESN’T answer the question of why bad things happen. Isaiah 55:1-9 Psalm 63:1-8…

The readings for March 17, 2019. Abraham has some questions after 10 years. Things are up and down for David in the psalm. Paul has some words for his favorite church, and Jesus has some thoughts about Jerusalem. Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 Psalm 27 Philippians 3:17-4:1 Luke 13:31-35

The readings for Sunday March 10, 2019. Moses reminds Israel to remember where they came from (and who’s responsible for them being there). This week’s psalm has had some problematic use in the New Testament. Mike finally solves the Jew/Gentile question in Romans, and Jesus notices some deliciously shaped rocks in Luke 4. Deuteronomy 26:1-11…

The readings for March 3, 2019. Moses’ face shines forth in Exodus, and Rob and Mike discuss troubled translations. God’s kingships shines forth in the Psalm. Paul uses Moses to make his point in Corinth which directly connects to modern meme culture, and Jesus shines forth in Luke, where it’s all about the journey. Exodus…

The readings for February 24, 2019. Jospeh reunites with his brothers. The psalmist tries to understand why the wicked prosper. Resurrection seems important to Paul, and Jesus gives some bad financial advice which somehow reminds Mike of Revelation. Genesis 45:3-11, 15 Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 Luke 6:27-38

The readings for February 17, 2019. Jeremiah and the Psalmist share a simile. Resurrection seems to be important to Paul, and Jesus decides to “get down” with the kids in his sermon in Luke. Jeremiah 17:5-10 Psalm 1 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 Luke 6:17-26

The readings for February 10, 2019. Rob and Mike work through their weather woes. Isaiah has a difficult call experience. David has more to say in Book V of the psalter. Paul finally addresses resurrection in 1 Cor 15. And Jesus decided to tell the fisherman how to do their jobs. Isaiah 6:1-8, (9-13) Psalm…

The readings for February 3, 2019. For old time’s sake, Rob and Mike have some audio issues (though thankfully not as serious as in times past!). But in the midst of it, they talk the call and frustrations of Jeremiah. The genuine prayer of the psalmist. The power of love and what happens when the…

The readings for January 27, 2019. Rob works through his issues with Ezra and Nehemiah. Psalm 19 puts together some different individual ideas. Paul focuses on the the body of Christ, and Jesus preaches good news for the poor, whoever that is… Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 Psalm 19 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a Luke 4:14-21

The readings for January 20, 2019. The land gets married in Isaiah. The psalmist celebrates Yahweh, but with some ulterior motives. The Spirit unifies the church in its diversity, and Jesus starts his ministry by improving the party. Isaiah 62:1-5 Psalm 36:5-10 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 John 2:1-11

The readings for January 13, 2019. Isaiah offers comfort in scary international times. Anything Baal can do, Yahweh can do better in the Psalm. Mike works through some of his questions in Acts, and Jesus is baptized in Luke, but was John even there? Isaiah 43:1-7 Psalm 29 Acts 8:14-17 Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

The readings for January 6, 2019. The guys talk about some interesting kings Isaiah and model kingship in Psalm 72. Paul wants the Ephesians to know that everyone is equal, and Matthew welcomes the Zoroastrians Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12

The readings for December 30, 2018. Samuel is overachieving in his new job. The whole of creation cries out to praise God. Paul offers a model for Christian living, and Jesus starts his temple work a little early. Though the guys do have some parenting questions. 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 Psalm 148 Colossians 3:12-17 Luke…

The readings for December 23, 2018. It’s the Christmas show! Micah looks forward to good news. The lectionary picked an unusual psalm and dips back into Hebrews, and Mike and Rob love the Magnificat! Micah 5:2-5a Psalm 80:1-7 Hebrews 10:5-10 Luke 1:39-45, (46-55)

The readings for December 16, 2018. On the third Sunday of Advent, the lectionary dips into Zephaniah and Isaiah. Mike & Rob reflect on their love for Philippians, and John the Baptist’s “good news” is a challenge to the status quo. Zephaniah 3:14-20  • Isaiah 12:2-6  • Philippians 4:4-7  • Luke 3:7-18

The readings for December 9, 2018. The lectionary dips into Malachi, then we focus on the New Testament. The Psalms reading comes from Luke. And we see Pauls thanksgiving for a church he loves. And John the Baptist starts his ministry in Luke. Malachi 3:1-4 Luke 1:68-79 Philippians 1:3-11 Luke 3:1-6

The readings for December 2, 2018. It’s a brand new year! And Mike and Rob begin Year C  with a small section from Jeremiah and a rather confusing Psalm. There’s a quick jump into 1 Thessalonians. And Mike explains how there’s a whole lot going on under the surface of the Luke reading…which we imagine…

The readings for November 25, 2018, Reign of Christ or Christ the King Sunday. David’s last words in 2 Samuel, though not exactly his last words overall. One more psalm of ascent. Mike and Rob take a deep dive in Revelation 1, and Jesus and Pilate debate kingship in John.   2 Samuel 23:1-7 Psalm…

The readings for November 18, 2018. Apocalyptic is in the air as year B winds down. Samuel’s origin story (or is it Saul’s) is followed by one of the lectionary’s few dips into Daniel. Christ’s new and living way is further explained in Hebrews, and Jesus doesn’t exactly answer the disciples’ question in Mark. 1…

The readings for November 11, 2018. The guys talk about the suggestive language in Ruth. Psalm 127 has a complicated organization. The author of Hebrews continues his argument for the superiority of Christ. And context provides an important way to read the gifts of the widow’s mites. Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 Psalm 127 Hebrews 9:24-28 Mark…

The readings for November 4, 2018. We start a brief two week drop into Ruth, with a caution about what to name your children. Psalm 146 celebrates God as king (as opposed to David). Hebrews keeps subtweeting the old cultic system. And Jesus finds an ally in an unusual place in Mark. Ruth 1:1-18 Psalm…

The readings for October 28, 2018. God apologizes in Job 42 (maybe). We get some interesting bits of an acrostic psalm in Ps 34. Our high priest is clearly better than any other high priest, says Hebrews. And the blind man can see pretty well in Mark 10. Job 42:1-6, 10-17 Psalm 34:1-8, (19-22) Hebrews…

The readings for October 21, 2018. God has come harsh answers for Job. God is celebrated as creator in Psalm 104 (with some debate about the nature of the Leviathan). High priest qualifications are worked out in Hebrews, and Mark talks about leadership. Job 38:1-7, (34-41) Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c Hebrews 5:1-10 Mark 10:35-45