In the verses before this, Paul celebrates that he can bring God’s grace to the Gentiles. Paul, who persecuted Christians and saw non-Jews as on the outs with God, now has the work of sharing good news with the very people he once condemned. He is humbly grateful for this...

Fill me, God, with your fullness. Help me to accomplish in love the work you have set before me. Amen.


1 Comment
Log In to leave a comment
Lectionary Week
July 19–25, 2021
Scripture Overview

The Bible is filled with the stories of imperfect people. David is a classic case. In Second Samuel he uses his power to have sex with another man's wife, tries to cover it up, and then plots the murder of her husband. How can this be the same man who penned this week’s psalm, which decries the foolishness of people who act in a godless way? Like us, David was a fallen person who needed God’s extravagant mercy. In Ephesians we read of this same extravagance given through Christ, whose power can do what we cannot—namely redeem all of us who are also foolish and fallen. The Gospel author demonstrates the power of Jesus through what he describes as “signs,” which Jesus performed not primarily to amaze the onlookers but rather to point them to his identity as the Son of God.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read 2 Samuel 11:1-15. Where in today’s world do you see the selfishness of powerful people bringing tragedy for people with less power?
Read Psalm 14. Do you number yourself among the wise who “seek after God”? Why or why not?
Read Ephesians 3:14-21. How does “being rooted and grounded in love” manifest itself in your life?
Read John 6:1-21. Where do you see yourself in this story?

Respond by posting a prayer.