A Curious Grace: Week 1 (Curiousity)

 

Introduction

Our Lenten theme for 2025 is: A Curious Grace.  The grace, forgiveness, and way of life demonstrated by Jesus are curious things--so curious that even the most faithful Christians have trouble coming to terms with them.  This Lent, we are going to open ourselves to the curious nature of Christ's grace by asking some questions designed to help us dig deeper into what grace is, how it is reflected in our lives, and what that means for our interactions with God, one another, and the world.  May each week's reading, music selections, and questions help you become more receptive to the fullness of God's grace and more intentional in how you share the Good News of that grace with the world.

Scripture for Week 1

Isaiah 58: 16-19 

“Wash and make yourselves clean.
Put away the evil of your deeds
    from before My eyes.
Cease to do evil.
17 Learn to do good,
    seek justice, relieve the oppressed,
defend the orphan,
    plead for the widow.”

18 “Come now, let us reason together,”
    says Adonai.
“Though your sins be like scarlet,
    they will be as white as snow.
Though they be red like crimson,
    they will become like wool.
19 If you are willing and obey,
    you will eat the good of the land.
20 But if you refuse and rebel,
    you will be devoured with the sword.”
For the mouth of Adonai has spoken.

Option 1:

What is one thing in the Bible that makes you curious?

Option 2:

What is one thing in life that you would like God to help you reason out or guide you through?