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January 22, 2020

The Light of Liberation

Kristen E. Vincent   |   Read Isaiah 9:3-4

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Lectionary Week
January 20–26, 2020
Scripture Overview

Sometimes we struggle with the challenges we face. If God is good and God is for us, then why do we experience pain and loss? Isaiah feels the sting of darkness and despair, and the psalmist has experienced days of distress. Yet both encourage themselves with the promise that God has not forgotten them. The light will come, as will the shouts of joy. The New Testament readings warn against following human leaders to the extent that we take our eyes off Christ. The Corinthian church has divided into factions that identify primarily with Paul or Peter, not Christ! The Gospel reading shows that Peter, like all other human leaders, is merely a disciple himself. Jesus is the one we should seek to follow.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Isaiah 9:1-4. How has God’s love freed you to find your calling?
Read Psalm 27:1, 4-9. When have you called out to God? How has God helped you turn your cries to praise?
Read 1 Corinthians 1:10-18. How have you experienced division within the body of Christ? How might a focus on Christ rather than particular faith leaders or denominations help you to repair division and work through differences?
Read Matthew 4:12-23. How have significant changes in your life (like a loved one’s death or a career change) allowed your ministry to grow?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Isaiah 9:3-4

3 You have made the nation great; you have increased its joy. They rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest, as those who divide plunder rejoice. 4 As on the day of Midian, you’ve shattered the yoke that burdened them, the staff on their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

Freedom from Bondage

Can You Ever Forgive Me? is a true story about celebrity biographer Lee Israel. After enjoying success writing biographies of people like Katherine Hepburn and Estée Lauder, Israel discovers that her audience’s tastes have changed. They no longer want to read about such figures, but Israel seems...

Dear Lord, help me to recognize what binds me and keeps me from living into my calling. Free me so that I reflect you more clearly. Amen.


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