December 31, 2021

The Joy of Restoration

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Lectionary Week

December 27–31, 2021

Scripture Overview

The readings for this week are full of praise for God’s gift of Jesus Christ and an emphasis on human helplessness apart from God. Jeremiah portrays an exiled people’s despair turning to joy at their restoration. The psalmist proclaims God’s power to protect and provide for God’s people, and Paul’s letter to the Ephesians explains that God’s will from the beginning has been for our adoption as God’s children through Christ. Praise and thanksgiving to God are the common and appropriate responses to all these mighty acts of God.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Jeremiah 31:7-14. How have you been restored by God’s kindness?
Read Psalm 147:12-20. In what ways have you experienced God strengthening and restoring you?
Read Ephesians 1:3-14. How do you set your hope on Christ? How do you live differently because of that hope?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Paul explains to the believers in Ephesus that God is in control today, tomorrow, and forever. The apostle explains that God has a plan to adopt each person in Jesus Christ and encourages the Ephesians to surrender themselves to God’s perfect will and find new life in Christ.

We often...

God, help us to be part of your persuasive and gracious plan to treat the transgressions of your people with your grace. We want to learn how better to be instruments of your grace so that you may bring healing to a troubled world. Amen.

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