Answers to the "Scripture as a Source for Hope" quiz!

Okay! Finally!! The answers to “Scripture Is a Source of Hope”!!!

Sorry, I got a little busy.

The answer key is: 1-E; 2-A; 3-J; 4-D; 5-B; 6-H; 7-G; 8-C; 9-I; 10-F

1-E. God is our refuge and strength…

The clue was “this would make a really good song”.

If you look at the list of possible Scripture passages, Psalm 46 is the only Psalm listed. Psalms (Psalter) was an ancient book of poetry and or music. It features Hebrew poetry that dealt with everything from trusting God to outrage and injustice; from liturgical and dedication music to inspirational and historical poems; and from idyllic dreams of the future to remembrances of God’s steadfast love. The reformer Martin Luther wrote extensively about the Psalms and how important they are as a microcosm of our understanding of the human-divine relationship.

2-A. And after you suffer a little while…

The clue was “Rock Solid Advice”.

“Peter” is the nickname Jesus gave to one of his first disciples. His real name was Simon. In Matthew 4:18 we read, “as [Jesus] walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother…” When we get to Matthew 16:17-18, we read this, “and Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah (son of Jonah)! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” In Greek, the word rock is Petros (as in petroglyphs or rock writings) and the English word for Petros is Peter. So Jesus is using a play on words to connect the faith statement of Simon son of Jonah with the foundational rock of the church. So the hint: Rock Solid Advice should point you to “Peter”.

3-J. But those who wait for the Lord…

The clue was “Prophetic Words”.

In the list I gave you, there are three passages from a prophet; one from Jeremiah and two from Isaiah. So how do you use the hint to pick the right one? When you read the clue for #4, you should be able to eliminate Jeremiah. When you read the clue for #6, you should be able to eliminate the Isaiah 43 passage since it comes after Isaiah 40. Get it?

4-D. For surely I know the plans I have for you…

The clue was “Even Plans for a Bullfrog?”

And who is a bullfrog? Well, Three Dog Night tells us that “Jeremiah was a bullfrog – he was a good friend of mine”…enough said.

5-B. For and what we have been saved…

The clue was “Legions Have Heard This Advice”.

The word “Legion” is a Roman military term for a group consisting about 5000 men. It involved infantry men, cavalry, and artillery. These men were divided into cohorts of about 500 men each; these were divided into units of about 100 men each led by a centurion. So the word Legion in the clue should connect you with Romans. Ah, but which one, since there are two passages from Romans? Well, I guess you just had to guess!

6-H. But now thus says the LORD…

The clue was “Prophetic Follow-Up”.

Well, there is only one prophet passage left. So you do the math!

7-G. And [he] said to them, “do not be afraid or dismayed…”

The clue was “I’m Not Kidding”.

That is to say, I was not “joshing you” – hence: Joshua. Sure, it was a lame reference/joke, but there it is.

8-C. …we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God…

The clue was “I Don’t Think I Need Any More Character Thank You Very Much. But I Could Use A Toga Party After All That.”

The keyword was, “toga”. The toga was a semicircular piece of cloth around 15 feet long. It was worn by ancient Roman citizens and was wrapped around the body and over the left shoulder (oftentimes leaving the right arm and shoulder exposed). Since most people were right-handed, the weapon hand was unconcealed for a couple of reasons. First of all, it freed your arm to wield a weapon AND it prevented someone you are greeting from hiding a weapon of their sleeve. Anyway, toga points to Romans and from there you had to guess.

9-I. For God did not give us the spirit of cowardice…

The clue was “Don’t Have To Tell Me Twice”.

The keyword is “Twice”, the only passage that might fit this category is: 2 Timothy.

10-F. Do not let your hearts be troubled…

The clue was “This Is GOOD NEWS”.

The meaning of the term gospel is “good news”, and the only passage from the Gospel is John 14.

“GOOD NEWS” or “GOOD STORY” is the modern translation of the Greek word (euaggelion) evangelion. The first Bibles translated into English were written in Elizabethan English (at the same time that Shakespeare wrote). The word evangelion was translated into the old English compound term GOSPEL, a contraction of: “God (good)” and “Spel (news)”. Perhaps some of you remember the musical from the 70s called Godspell.

The word evangelion is the root word of two modern English words: evangelist and angel; both of whom proclaim “THE GOOD NEWS”. Evangelists are people who witness the good news of Jesus Christ to other people. Angels are part of God’s heavenly host who share God’s message with people.

So there you have it, not only the answer key to the previous post but also way more information than you bargained for when you began reading this. If you have made it to this point, I commend you. Sadly, none of this is going to be on the test.

If you enjoy this, go ahead and give me a “thumbs-up” below and leave me a comment if you wish.

Peace out,

Ytsur