Rite 13 scripture interpretations
Amara Okechukwu
Ezekiel 37:1-14
The Valley Of Dry Bones is the story of Ezekiel
and his vision of the people of Israel. God transported Ezekiel through a vision ¨to a valley of dry bones. Here Ezekiel saw thousands of dry human bones laid out in front of him. God commanded Ezekiel to tell the bones to “Hear the word of the lord” and so he obeyed. At God’s further command, the bones came to life and formed a vast army of people. The vision from God to Ezekiel symbolized the people of Israel being held in captivity. Not just physical captivity, but mental and spiritual captivity. The Israelites had lost all hope in the word of the Lord, and in God himself. The Valley Of Dry Bones shows how God, by putting “breath” into the people of Israel, would help rescue them from bondage and bring them to the land of Israel and restore their belief and spirituality. It shows how God would “resurrect” the people’s spirituality.
Ezekiel 37:1-14
The Valley Of Dry Bones is the story of Ezekiel
and his vision of the people of Israel. God transported Ezekiel through a vision ¨to a valley of dry bones. Here Ezekiel saw thousands of dry human bones laid out in front of him. God commanded Ezekiel to tell the bones to “Hear the word of the lord” and so he obeyed. At God’s further command, the bones came to life and formed a vast army of people. The vision from God to Ezekiel symbolized the people of Israel being held in captivity. Not just physical captivity, but mental and spiritual captivity. The Israelites had lost all hope in the word of the Lord, and in God himself. The Valley Of Dry Bones shows how God, by putting “breath” into the people of Israel, would help rescue them from bondage and bring them to the land of Israel and restore their belief and spirituality. It shows how God would “resurrect” the people’s spirituality.
Will Slootmaker
Ezekiel 37:1–14
“The valley of the dry bones.” It’s a very dramatic title, and almost doesn’t seem right for some random valley. The title is accurate, as it is indeed filled with bones. However, it is apparent from reading that this valley isn’t just some ordinary valley, with a perfectly normal covering of dead bones. But if it isn’t, well, why?
For starters, there is the way that Ezekiel arrives. It isn’t every day that you hitch a ride on the Holy Spirit, ready to go to a valley filled with the remains of the entire house of Israel. The whole thing is portrayed in a very dreamlike fashion, with Ezekiel being led around the valley of bones as though visiting some odd kind of museum. It’s not really something to ponder over that much, as this of course is only the setting for the main part of the story, the resurrection of the bones.
Now the bones can be viewed differently, depending on how you interpret the passage. There is the obvious literal interpretation; God is raising the dead, helping people in need, and bringing back the house of Israel. Pretty basic stuff. But for those who look for that kind of thing, there is the implied interpretation. The bones can be viewed, not as the dead, but as the living, with Ezekiel not filling them with life, but with the holy spirit.
So what’s the lesson to be learned here? Well, the way I see it, the bones represent people who have lost hope. The time around when this was written was a time of war, and, in general, life was hard. The passage not only reminds us that, no matter what happens, we shouldn’t give up hope, but also that we too can be like Ezekiel, helping others by spreading the holy spirit.
Ezekiel 37:1–14
“The valley of the dry bones.” It’s a very dramatic title, and almost doesn’t seem right for some random valley. The title is accurate, as it is indeed filled with bones. However, it is apparent from reading that this valley isn’t just some ordinary valley, with a perfectly normal covering of dead bones. But if it isn’t, well, why?
For starters, there is the way that Ezekiel arrives. It isn’t every day that you hitch a ride on the Holy Spirit, ready to go to a valley filled with the remains of the entire house of Israel. The whole thing is portrayed in a very dreamlike fashion, with Ezekiel being led around the valley of bones as though visiting some odd kind of museum. It’s not really something to ponder over that much, as this of course is only the setting for the main part of the story, the resurrection of the bones.
Now the bones can be viewed differently, depending on how you interpret the passage. There is the obvious literal interpretation; God is raising the dead, helping people in need, and bringing back the house of Israel. Pretty basic stuff. But for those who look for that kind of thing, there is the implied interpretation. The bones can be viewed, not as the dead, but as the living, with Ezekiel not filling them with life, but with the holy spirit.
So what’s the lesson to be learned here? Well, the way I see it, the bones represent people who have lost hope. The time around when this was written was a time of war, and, in general, life was hard. The passage not only reminds us that, no matter what happens, we shouldn’t give up hope, but also that we too can be like Ezekiel, helping others by spreading the holy spirit.
Brent Hull
Psalm 104:24-34
In the psalm a few things stood out to me. Gods creation of life, the fact that all is for a purpose, and the fact that life is never over.
God creates life all around us. The creatures he makes are strong and beautiful. The food he provides are essential to keep the world going. He changes the terrain of the earth to be ever expanding, growing, and morphing into what it needs to be to provide for the creatures of God's kingdom.
It also showed me that all is for a purpose. Earthquakes and volcanoes are not for pain but for crafting the Earth into a larger world for us to inhabit. Also, when creatures die it is not to leave the earth forever, but to be with God. Also, when He replenishes the Earth with his creatures they help the world continue thriving with life.
Lastly, it showed that life is never over. When you die you go up to heaven it is to go to a better place not to leave your loved ones but to reconnect with old friends, family, and most importantly, to connect with God. Without your guidance to us as creatures we are troubled. In heaven you reflect on your life and live without evil.
Overall though throughout the psalm it tells me that this is a psalm of praise and thanking God.
Nina Okechukwu
Acts 2:1-21
In this passage, fifty days after Passover, the day of Pentecost had fully
come. The apostles were all sitting with each other, when suddenly a huge gust of wind rushed
through the house, and there were tongues of fire that then settled on each of the apostles,
giving each of them the power to speak different languages.
The disciples were speaking in languages that they were never taught, and they were
speaking these languages as the spirit gave them the power to. When the crowd came, they were
perplexed by the sounds of the new languages. Some thought that the christians were drunk, and
some were able to connect with the disciples because they were speaking in the same language.
The disciples were also perplexed because they felt as though they didn't know what
they were saying, yet they knew exactly what they were trying to say. In conclusion, I think the
takeaway is that the lord sometimes gives us gifts that we never knew we were capable of, and
through him, all things are possible.
Acts 2:1-21
In this passage, fifty days after Passover, the day of Pentecost had fully
come. The apostles were all sitting with each other, when suddenly a huge gust of wind rushed
through the house, and there were tongues of fire that then settled on each of the apostles,
giving each of them the power to speak different languages.
The disciples were speaking in languages that they were never taught, and they were
speaking these languages as the spirit gave them the power to. When the crowd came, they were
perplexed by the sounds of the new languages. Some thought that the christians were drunk, and
some were able to connect with the disciples because they were speaking in the same language.
The disciples were also perplexed because they felt as though they didn't know what
they were saying, yet they knew exactly what they were trying to say. In conclusion, I think the
takeaway is that the lord sometimes gives us gifts that we never knew we were capable of, and
through him, all things are possible.
Noah Millett
Acts 2:1-21
Today we are celebrating Pentecost. And it just so happens that my reading, Acts 2:1-21, is about the Holy spirit coming at Pentecost. I have to say that I was a bit stumped about the meaning of this passage. I mean, in general I get the the winds and fire probably represent the Holy Spirit coming, and that the ability to speak in all languages was the work of the holy spirit but how does it relate. The bible had prophesied this would happen and it did.
After some time I began to think maybe this relates to today, but in a different way. God visits people in the person of the holy spirit all the time. He has poured his spirit on his followers. As a follower it is my obligation to spread God’s word. But sometimes even though I speak the same language as someone, they still may not hear the message. Sometimes it is hard to hear a message that is strange or different, even though the message is spoken in a language you understand. Maybe I need to find a way to get the message across. Perhaps instead of speaking, I demonstrate the message through my actions. Or maybe change my message so that it is more relatable. Such as if someone cannot understand why u can’t speak the correct way although that is with lots of people. We are most likely all from different places and have picked up or were born with accents or maybe even a lisp.
It is important to remember that all people, no matter, color, creed, gender, or profession are welcome in God’s kingdom. Peter preaches this at the end of the passage. All of God’s followers who are baptized and repentant will be welcome in the kingdom of god.
Acts 2:1-21
Today we are celebrating Pentecost. And it just so happens that my reading, Acts 2:1-21, is about the Holy spirit coming at Pentecost. I have to say that I was a bit stumped about the meaning of this passage. I mean, in general I get the the winds and fire probably represent the Holy Spirit coming, and that the ability to speak in all languages was the work of the holy spirit but how does it relate. The bible had prophesied this would happen and it did.
After some time I began to think maybe this relates to today, but in a different way. God visits people in the person of the holy spirit all the time. He has poured his spirit on his followers. As a follower it is my obligation to spread God’s word. But sometimes even though I speak the same language as someone, they still may not hear the message. Sometimes it is hard to hear a message that is strange or different, even though the message is spoken in a language you understand. Maybe I need to find a way to get the message across. Perhaps instead of speaking, I demonstrate the message through my actions. Or maybe change my message so that it is more relatable. Such as if someone cannot understand why u can’t speak the correct way although that is with lots of people. We are most likely all from different places and have picked up or were born with accents or maybe even a lisp.
It is important to remember that all people, no matter, color, creed, gender, or profession are welcome in God’s kingdom. Peter preaches this at the end of the passage. All of God’s followers who are baptized and repentant will be welcome in the kingdom of god.
Winnie Kenney
John 15:26-27, 16:4-15
I’ve never had to say a really serious goodbye. I might frown when my cousins must leave after thanksgiving, but that’s not really goodbye, as I’ll see them again at Christmas. I might cry when I have to leave sleep-away camp in the summer, as I won’t ever see those people again. But then again, I wasn’t as close to the friends I made in two weeks as I am to the friends I’ve known for years. I still let go and said goodbye. Goodbye; such a strange word. There’s sometimes nothing good about it. Sometimes there is a silver lining, even though it might be hard to see where. Reading my passage really reminded me that there are so many ways to say goodbye, and that there will be so many goodbyes not just in my life, but in everyone else’s, too. It’s not something anybody can escape or hide from. I will know people, and those people will change and leave and move on to greater things that I might not be a part of, but still must accept. This is easier said than done. Sometimes the best way to go about goodbyes is to announce them simply and abruptly, but sometimes goodbyes are a little harder, a little longer, than that. When Jesus looked at the disciples, at his friends, did he wonder what the best way to say goodbye was? After all, how does one say goodbye to the people who left their jobs and families in an instant just to follow him? Jesus says, “It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I do go, I will send him to you.” Jesus left his friends because he knew what they needed, and he loved them. He left because he had to send the Counselor to them. There are always a thousand ways to say goodbye, and a thousand reasons why one would do so. The best reason it out of love. Sometimes people will change and leave and go on to greater things, and I can see now that sometimes the only way to let the people I love do great things is to let them go and send all that I can their way after they’re gone. Sometimes I will have to struggle to say goodbye, because leaving is a sacrifice that is sometimes the best way of showing love to those I care about.
John 15:26-27, 16:4-15
I’ve never had to say a really serious goodbye. I might frown when my cousins must leave after thanksgiving, but that’s not really goodbye, as I’ll see them again at Christmas. I might cry when I have to leave sleep-away camp in the summer, as I won’t ever see those people again. But then again, I wasn’t as close to the friends I made in two weeks as I am to the friends I’ve known for years. I still let go and said goodbye. Goodbye; such a strange word. There’s sometimes nothing good about it. Sometimes there is a silver lining, even though it might be hard to see where. Reading my passage really reminded me that there are so many ways to say goodbye, and that there will be so many goodbyes not just in my life, but in everyone else’s, too. It’s not something anybody can escape or hide from. I will know people, and those people will change and leave and move on to greater things that I might not be a part of, but still must accept. This is easier said than done. Sometimes the best way to go about goodbyes is to announce them simply and abruptly, but sometimes goodbyes are a little harder, a little longer, than that. When Jesus looked at the disciples, at his friends, did he wonder what the best way to say goodbye was? After all, how does one say goodbye to the people who left their jobs and families in an instant just to follow him? Jesus says, “It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I do go, I will send him to you.” Jesus left his friends because he knew what they needed, and he loved them. He left because he had to send the Counselor to them. There are always a thousand ways to say goodbye, and a thousand reasons why one would do so. The best reason it out of love. Sometimes people will change and leave and go on to greater things, and I can see now that sometimes the only way to let the people I love do great things is to let them go and send all that I can their way after they’re gone. Sometimes I will have to struggle to say goodbye, because leaving is a sacrifice that is sometimes the best way of showing love to those I care about.
RJ Steinke
Romans 8:22-27
This passage for me explores the concepts of impatience and hope. Paul is talking here about the feelings that people have once they have accepted the promise of God’s teachings. He is also talking about how the creation of the church was difficult but that now it is time for believers to come together so they can enjoy what they have created and built together.
However, they still “groan inwardly” as they wait to be accepted. Paul talks about hope as the source of people’s longing. He says that people only truly hope for things they can’t see or that they already have. I think Paul believes this impatience is a good thing because we know that the hope is about the promise of being accepted or redeemed and that can’t happen right now.
In the meantime we can learn to pray better and take comfort from it. People must also understand that God knows about our impatience but he also knows that we are believers. So, he offers comfort to us and helps us during our times of weakness and impatience through prayer. We know that to obtain acceptance and everything we hope and pray for, we must trust god because he knows what is on our minds and what needs to be done.
An example of this in my own life would be something like waiting for a gift on Christmas day because when I hope for something so much and have no way of knowing if I may get that something or not. Or even something much bigger like hoping that someone can survive a horrible illness, and that I must always know God is there for me and looking over me.
Romans 8:22-27
This passage for me explores the concepts of impatience and hope. Paul is talking here about the feelings that people have once they have accepted the promise of God’s teachings. He is also talking about how the creation of the church was difficult but that now it is time for believers to come together so they can enjoy what they have created and built together.
However, they still “groan inwardly” as they wait to be accepted. Paul talks about hope as the source of people’s longing. He says that people only truly hope for things they can’t see or that they already have. I think Paul believes this impatience is a good thing because we know that the hope is about the promise of being accepted or redeemed and that can’t happen right now.
In the meantime we can learn to pray better and take comfort from it. People must also understand that God knows about our impatience but he also knows that we are believers. So, he offers comfort to us and helps us during our times of weakness and impatience through prayer. We know that to obtain acceptance and everything we hope and pray for, we must trust god because he knows what is on our minds and what needs to be done.
An example of this in my own life would be something like waiting for a gift on Christmas day because when I hope for something so much and have no way of knowing if I may get that something or not. Or even something much bigger like hoping that someone can survive a horrible illness, and that I must always know God is there for me and looking over me.