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May 11, 2019

Conviction of Things Not Seen

G. Sujin Pak   |   Read Revelation 7:9-12

(Image: Pixabay)

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Sometimes when I look at the world, I begin to despair. There seems not enough space for the thousands of refugees worldwide fleeing war, genocide, brutality, and injustice. Even if we realize there is enough space, the generosity of nations with stability and peace increasingly frays under the inrushing of...

Lord, help me today to find concrete ways to embody your promised eschatological reality so that I may be a more loving and just presence in the world. Amen.

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Lectionary Week
May 6–12, 2019
Scripture Overview

The imagery of sheep plays a prominent role in three of this week’s readings. Psalm 23 uses the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep as its guiding metaphor. The Lord is our shepherd and leads us to safe and fertile places. Even when we pass through a dark valley, the Lord is there protecting us with a shepherd’s weapon, a staff. In the Gospel reading, Jesus describes himself as a shepherd who calls his sheep. Because they are his, they hear his voice. In Revelation, Jesus becomes the sheep—or more specifically, the Lamb that was slain on our behalf. Those who endure will praise the Lamb forever. Acts is different in that it focuses on a resurrection story, a manifestation of God’s power working through Peter.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Acts 9:36-43. How can you be a witness and a vessel for God’s activity?
Read Psalm 23. Reflect on the questions the author poses in Tuesday’s meditation. Allow God’s guidance and correction to be comforting.
Read Revelation 7:9-17. How does knowing Christ as both Lamb and Shepherd help you work to bring about things not yet seen?
Read John 10:22-30. How does your faith allow you to hold gently your convictions without needing to grasp tightly to certainties?

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Our resolve must be different. My prayer is that we have finally reached a tipping point. My hope is that when the protests fade and the marches slow that our will as a church to truly eradicate the scourge of racism won’t dissipate but grows even stronger.” 

View a growing list of resources for the spiritual work of overcoming racism.


—Rev. Junius B. Dotson, General Secretary (chief executive officer) of Discipleship Ministries, an international agency of The United Methodist Church.