3_15_2-2 Responses

Have a volunteer read this:

There's a discussion in the book of Romans about approval - who needs it, who gets it, and where it comes from, that pulls a quote written 750 years earlier by the prophet Isaiah.

Then, everyone read this:

“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’”

Romans 14:11 / Isaiah 45:23

Have a volunteer read this:

What kind of words are these? Are they a threat from a powerful God, making the point that there is no use in resisting, for in the end his eminence will demand audience?

Then, everyone read this:

“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’”

Romans 14:11 / Isaiah 45:23

Have a volunteer read this:

What kind of words are these? Are they a challenge to the ignorant, the stubborn, or the doubting? Should those who hear them question themselves and their beliefs?

Then, everyone read this:

“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’”

Romans 14:11 / Isaiah 45:23

Have a volunteer read this:

What kind of words are these? What if they aren't words of challenge or threat at all? What if they're words meant to include in ways nobody imagined inclusion could work?

Then, everyone read this:

“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’”

Romans 14:11 / Isaiah 45:23

Have a volunteer read this:

What kind of words are these? These are words of promise. They are words of invitation. They are words meant to call to those who feel included or feel excluded and say that there is no distinction between them.

Then, everyone read this:

“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’”

Romans 14:11 / Isaiah 45:23

Have a volunteer read this:

What kind of words are these? These are words that Jesus makes true by being the great servant of all, who shows the love we yearn for but, too often, struggle to show to one another.

Then, everyone read this:

“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’”

Romans 14:11 / Isaiah 45:23

Have a volunteer read this:

What kind of words are these? These are words about Jesus, too.

Then, everyone read this:

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:9-11

Have a volunteer read this:

What kind of words are these? They are words that remove barriers and purity tests. If you have knees, if you have a tongue, if you're able to be loved by this Lord, these are words said for your comfort and belonging.

Then, everyone read this:

“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’”

Romans 14:11 / Isaiah 45:23

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