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Shabbat Shalom!
I have a friend who is a rabbi in the Houston area. When I used to Read More
Joyce Hollyday | Read Ephesians 1:15-23
The writer of Ephesians paints a royal portrait of Jesus seated
next to God in the heavenly places, “far above all rule and
authority and power and dominion” with “all things under his
feet.” It depicts Christ enthroned and almighty—a far cry from
the humble Jesus who was born in...
Compassionate God, give me discerning eyes to see your truth and a loving heart to act on it. Amen.
The entire Easter season focuses on the new governance that breaks the grip of all that is old, tired, deathly, and enslaving. The psalm shows the church using the ancient language of enthronement. Now it is Jesus through whom the drama of God’s power is brought to fruition. In Acts, the community accepts the new governance as a bold witness in the world, sustained by a disciplined life of prayer. The epistle reading addresses people who are in the midst of suffering, hurt, and need. They are enjoined to powerful hope for the time of God’s eventual and full triumph. The Gospel portrays the church under the power of God’s resolve, being given a wholly new identity and vocation in the world.
• Read Acts 1:6-14. Having received the power of the Holy Spirit, how is your life unfolding?
• Read Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35. When have you sensed God’s absence? How did you attempt to fill that void?
• Read 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11.When has God restored you?
• Read John 17:1-11. Where do you see Jesus as you go about your daily life?
Respond by posting a prayer.
