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April 16, 2021

Encountering God: A Child Shall Lead

Leanne Hadley   |   Read 1 John 3:4-7

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Lectionary Week
April 12–18, 2021
Scripture Overview

A repeating theme in scripture is our failure to recognize God’s work among us. In Acts, Peter declares that the death of Jesus happened because his fellow Israelites acted in ignorance. The psalmist decries the fact that so many people follow lies, yet God’s blessings for the faithful continue unhindered. John tells his audience to expect that the world will not recognize them as God’s children because the world did not recognize God to begin with. In Luke, Jesus appears to his doubting disciples. He proves the reality of his resurrection by allowing them to touch his body and by eating food in their presence. Only then do they feel certain that they recognize him. In what places in our lives do we not recognize God’s work?

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Acts 3:12-19. Recall a moment when you felt the presence of Christ in your life in an unexpected way. How does that moment stay with you in the times when you feel overwhelmed?
Read Psalm 4. Do you feel free to cry out to God when you are in distress? If not, what inhibits you?
Read 1 John 3:1-7. How does your identity as a child of God empower you to deeds of love in your daily life?
Read Luke 24:36b-48. What story of the risen Christ do you have to share with others? How will you share your story?

Respond by posting a prayer .

1 John 3:4-7

4 Every person who practices sin commits an act of rebellion, and sin is rebellion. 5 You know that he appeared to take away sins, and there is no sin in him. 6 Every person who remains in relationship to him does not sin. Any person who sins has not seen him or known him. 7 Little children, make sure no one deceives you. The person who practices righteousness is righteous, in the same way that Jesus is righteous.

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

I have always marveled at what a great father my dad was, especially considering that he had such a difficult childhood. His parents were neglectful and drank way too much. At an early age, he chose to leave his home and went to live with his grandmother. Because of his...

O God, keep me far from temptation and sin. I desire nothing more than the loving relationship I have with you. May I be discerning, and may my actions show my love for you. In Christ’s name, Amen.


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