Looking into the lectionary - Online dating and ancient wisdom

August 10, 2025 Genesis 15:1-6 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost "Count the stars." Imagine if this was God’s response to your inquiries about what lies ahead. How would it make you feel if, when seeking comfort amidst the unknowns of the future, God asked you to undertake an impossible task: counting the stars? Abram was obedient. The kind of guy who quietly and faithfully did as God asked him to do. As Daniel M. Debevoise writes in his Feasting on the Word commentary, “The biblical picture of God and Abram’s relationship is fairly straightforward. God speaks; Abram listens. God promises; Abram believes. God commands; Abram obeys. There comes a point, however, when Abram finally says, ‘Wait a minute. I have a question.’” Genesis 15 marks a crucial moment where Abram seeks further assurance from God. He’s worried about his future, as his people’s survival relies on having descendants. But he and Sarai still have no children. Abram questions God, seeking clarity: How will this situation resolve? What does the future entail? How will your promises be fulfilled? Abram’s questions still hold relevance today. Given recent events, the future seems unpredictable. There’s widespread concern about the stability of our democracy. Each new natural disaster prompts us to consider the impacts of climate change and ponder what lies ahead for our planet. We frequently hear about—and some of us are—individuals juggling multiple jobs but still struggling to afford rent and provide for their families. Scripture consistently reassures us of God’s promise to take care of us, illustrating how God acts on our behalf, guiding us towards the peace and abundance of the Promised Land. Yet, we eventually find ourselves questioning with Abram, “So, how will this actually work out for us?” Uncertainty is uncomfortable. ... Read the rest of the commentary at pres-outlook.org. Order of worship — August 10, 2025, by Teri McDowell Ott Horizons — Finding resilience, joy and our identity in Jesus Christ by Rosalind Banbury Rethinking psychological evaluations in the PC(USA) ordination process by Jane L. Holtzclaw 20 years after Katrina, this New Orleans church is still rebuilding hope by Harriet Riley Want the worship resources for August 3, 2025? You can find them here. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Union Theological Seminary President Serene Jones to retire after 18 years of leadership Following a sabbatical, she’ll return to Union to teach and write. — Union Theological Seminary The Emperor of Gladness "Ocean Vuong’s richly imagined characters push back against the material and spiritual scarcity of their surroundings, recognizing collective strength in shared rejection." — Ross Fogg Big truths for little readers Three new children’s books explore big faith questions with beauty, joy, and hope — from Miriam’s dancing to a magical lunchbox and what the Bible really is. — Various contributors [ … ] Poems In "[...]," a Palestinian American author dedicates his poems to “the relatable and unrelatable, the translatable and untranslatable Palestinian flesh.” Andrew Taylor-Troutman offers a review. What a wisdom text taught me about online dating A modern search for love meets ancient insight as Katy Shevel seeks wisdom for navigating friendship, faithfulness and dating apps.