Text Study for Sunday, December 8, 2024

Series Theme: According to Your Word

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Second Sunday of Advent

Reading: Joel 2:12-13, 28-29

Connecting Question

Tell about a time it was hard to say, “I’m sorry.”

Why are public apologies from leaders sometimes met with skepticism?

Prayer for Illumination

God for whom we wait, you come to us in the broken bread and the cup we share. Make us ready always to welcome Christ into our hearts and send us forth to be your people in the world. Amen.

CONTEXT

How do we live in trust and hope according to God’s words? Our sermon series, According To Your Word, looks at how God’s promises have always been with us, guiding us, challenging us, and foretelling the coming of Jesus! Our title comes from Mary’s conversation with the Angel Gabriel, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Though we may not be asked to do a big thing like this – but then again, we don’t know. God makes big promises and does big things. It is our joy to be a part of it. Join Easter this season to prepare for Christ’s incarnate arrival in the world.

From Tyler Mayfield at EntertheBible.org:

Much of the book of Joel concerns a terrible locust plague that causes starvation for animals and humans. Joel takes this as a sign that people should lament and repent. God responds positively beginning in 2:18. After 2:29, the book moves from historical events to conjecture about the end time, a time when the world will be changed and when strange and frightening signs will appear (2:30-32). In the new age, all people will prophesy (2:28-29). This section of Joel is quoted in the account of the Pentecost experience in Acts 2:17-21.

Look at the Book

Open to Acts 2. What is happening in this part of the church’s life?
Read Acts 2:14-21. Who is speaking? He quotes the prophet Joel!
What was Peter trying to say by quoting Joel?
Turn to Joel 2: 12-13. What are we invited to do? Why would we do this?
To demonstrate grief, people in Joel’s time would tear their clothes. What are ways we publicly demonstrate grief today?
Joel’s encouragement is to “rend/tear your heart.” What does this look like? What is heartbreaking today?
What might prompt a community to make a confession?
In verse 13, we are given a core promise of God’s character. What is it?
The end of verse 13 uses the word “relent.” Rabbi Alter says this is God changing God’s mind. How might that be good news?
Read Joel 2:28-29. Is it just people with money who get the gift of the Holy Spirit? How is this good news?
Notice that many generations are named. Why is it powerful that many generations are represented in the church?
Slaves are mentioned and slavery was a reality. They would have been powerless, but not in God’s eyes. What is Joel saying by including them?
Who might be included in a list today of “least likely” to receive the Spirit? And yet, God chooses to be expansive about who is given this gift. What does this say about God’s character?
How might we honor the gifts shared in verses 28-29 in church today?
One way to describe the church is that we are “gathered and scattered.” How is this good news given verse 28-29?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

Taking it Home

What is a gift you see in someone else that the church needs? Encourage this person to share their gift—not simply within the walls of the church—but in the weekly habits, spaces and places you go.

God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Grow Guide | December 8, 2024