Embracing the Uncertain: A Lenten Study for Unsteady Times

by Magrey Devega

Overview

Just turning on the news lets us know we are living in uncertain times. Economic instabilities, eruptions of violence, and natural catastrophes can alter the lives and landscapes of entire communities. Our individual lives are often just as unsteady: relationships can break, plans can falter, and confidence can fail. Uncertainty can definitely be uncomfortable. Many of us prefer stability and a predictable future to an unknown fate. We are wired to want to control our destiny. The reality is that in our fast-changing, unpredictable world there are few guarantees in life. It's those who are willing to embrace uncertainty and make the risky decision to follow Jesus despite the many "unknowns" who will reap the greatest rewards. Embracing the Uncertain invites readers this Lent to engage and wrestle with life’s uncertainties, not ignore them. The first six chapters focus on six post-Transfiguration, pre-Passion stories in the Gospels. Each of these stories are signposts in the gospel narrative, pointing down at a world filled with uncertainty, but pointing us forward to a cross that can show us how to follow Jesus with courage, hope, and obedience. Includes discussion questions that can be used in small-group Bible study session or for personal growth.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781501840586
Publisher:	Abingdon Press
Publication date:	12/19/2017
Pages:	96
Sales rank:	606,492
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.30(d)

About the Author

Magrey R. deVega is the Senior Pastor at Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida. He is the author of several books, including The Bible Year, Savior, Almost Christmas, Embracing the Uncertain, One Faithful Promise, and Songs for the Waiting. Magrey is a graduate of United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, and Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, and the father of two daughters, Grace and Madelyn.

Table of Contents

Introduction 9

1 The Desperate Father and the Uncertainty of Faith (Mark 9:14-29) 13

2 Peter and the Uncertainty of Forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-22) 23

3 The Crowd and the Uncertainty of Worry (Luke 12:1-34) 35

4 Lazarus and the Uncertainty of Mortality (John 11:1-44) 45

5 Zacchaeus and the Uncertainty of Surrender (Luke 19:1-10) 57

6 Jesus and the Uncertainty of Obedience (Matthew 26:36-46) 67

7 The Empty Tomb and the Proof of the Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-7; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18) 79

Notes 93