First Reading

A Fresh Start (But Not a Happy Ending) Lectionary Date: February 18, 2024 [1st Sunday in Lent, Year B] Rachel takes us to the conclusion of the Genesis flood story and helps us see it through the lens of "covenant."

Picking Up the Mantle Lectionary Date: February 11, 2024 [Transfiguration Sunday, Year B] Tim has some Hebrew help for this transfiguring story.

Party Episode: Hope 2.0 Lectionary Date: February 4, 2024 [5th Sunday after Epiphany, Year B] We’re together again for a spitball session on a beautiful prophetic poem, all about hope.

The Prophet's Accountability Lectionary Date: January 28, 2024 [4th Sunday after Epiphany, Year B] Rosy thinks through the role of prophets and the role of the people to hold them accountable.

A Sackcloth Moment Lectionary Date: January 21, 2024 [3rd Sunday after Epiphany, Year B] Paul invites us to consider following the Ninevites' model of repentance in the new year.

Hearing the Voice of God Lectionary Date: January 14, 2024 [2nd Sunday after Epiphany, Year B] Rosy calls our attention to God’s voice, speaking to a young person.

The World Elohim (and We) Create Lectionary Date: January 7, 2024 [2nd Sunday after Christmas, Year B] Paul explores some of the nuance of the first creation story in the Bible.

The Thrill of Hope Lectionary Date: December 31, 2023 [1st Sunday after Christmas, Year B] Welcome to the First Reading Christmas Party! All four hosts are together for a jam-packed conversation around this week's first reading.

Live, from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, it's First Reading: Advent! Lectionary Date: December 24, 2023 [4th Sunday of Advent, Year B] Our advent episodes this year were recorded live at Trinity Lutheran Seminary's "Trinity Days" event, with an encouraging studio audience! In this episode, for Advent 4, Tim expands the scope of the New Testament reading by exploring its inspiration in the divine promise to David.

Live, from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, it's First Reading: Advent! Lectionary Date: December 17, 2023 [3rd Sunday of Advent, Year B] Our advent episodes this year were recorded live at Trinity Lutheran Seminary's "Trinity Days" event, with an encouraging studio audience! In this episode, for Advent 3, Paul looks at the Messianic hope of Isaiah's prophecy for those living in traumatic times.

Live, from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, it's First Reading: Advent! Lectionary Date: December 10, 2023 [2nd Sunday of Advent, Year B] Our advent episodes this year were recorded live at Trinity Lutheran Seminary's "Trinity Days" event, with an encouraging studio audience! In this episode, for Advent 2, Rosy explores the music of Isaiah 40.

Live, from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, it's First Reading: Advent! Lectionary Date: December 3, 2023 [1st Sunday of Advent, Year B] Our advent episodes this year were recorded live at Trinity Lutheran Seminary's "Trinity Days" event, with an encouraging studio audience! In this episode, for Advent 1, Rachel takes up the psalm (surprise, surprise) to talk about the "Shepherd" of God's people.

Bad Shepherds and the Good Shepherd Lectionary Date: November 26, 2023 [26th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] In this episode, Paul and Rachel dive into Ezekiel 34, discussing the peculiar character of Ezekiel, the metaphor of shepherds representing kings, and the consequences of bad leadership that led to Israel’s exile. The passage emphasizes God’s promise to become Israel’s true shepherd. Join Paul and Rachel in this insightful discussion that goes beyond the historical context of the passage, touching on themes of justice, God as a homemaker, and the potential connection to Jesus as the Good Shepherd.

Thunder Can't Silence the Lightning Lectionary Date: November 19, 2023 [25th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Rachel challenges the brevity of the RCL and the bias of our English translations.

As for Me and My Dynasty, We will Serve the Lord Lectionary Date: November 12, 2023 [24th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] This week, First Reading welcomes Rev. Dr. Paul R. Hinlicky, as our guest. Dr. Hinlicky is a Lutheran theologian and author, a Lutheran pastor, and a “regenerative agriculture” farmer on his Virginia property, St. Gall Farm. He is Professor Emeritus of Lutheran theology at Roanoke College and the Distinguished Fellow and Research Professor of the Institute of Lutheran Theology. Dr. Hinlicky's most recent major project was a theological commentary on the book of Joshua with Brazos Theological Commentary Series (Baker Publishing Group). Together with his daughter the Rev. Dr. Sarah Hinlicky-Wilson, Paul co-hosts the podcast Queen of the Sciences: Conversations between a Theologian and Her Dad, where they address issues of theology, ministry, and the Bible together. We are grateful to Sarah and Paul for proposing this episode for both of our podcast feeds. Enjoy!

A People on the Move Lectionary Date: November 5, 2023 [23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Paul takes us into the Promised Land.

An Invitation to Holiness Lectionary Date: October 29, 2023 [22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Rachel explores the often-overlooked "world forming" of Leviticus.

Show. Me. The. Glory. Lectionary Date: October 22, 2023 [21st Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Tim looks at Moses' bold intercession, and finds a leader who needs reassurance.

God's Love Lasts. Lectionary Date: October 15, 2023 [20th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Rachel soaks in the reorienting language of praise in (you guessed it) the Psalms.

Responding to Grace Lectionary Date: October 8, 2023 [19th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A] Tim highlights where the "10 commandments" come in the big story.