March 26, 2022

Equipped by Grace

Julia Seymour | Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

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An ambassador is never off duty. Whether inconvenienced, flustered, or frustrated, ambassadors must remember that they represent more than themselves. Their words and actions reflect on the one for whom they work. Belligerent, unkind, or entitled ambassadors show whatever they represent to be unpleasant at best and maybe even dangerous.

Ambassadors must not abuse their position. Being trusted to act on behalf of another means respecting the limits and shape of that relationship. It is not to be used for one’s own gain through manipulation of others, resources, or circumstances. Ambassadors must seek the good of the one they represent.

In return, ambassadors are treated with the respect of their office. Such a person is honored, not only as an individual but in accordance with the larger relationship they represent. Ambassadors are responsible for maintaining these relationships—seeking reconciliation in the face of brokenness as well as peace and justice for people and nature.

Through Christ, we have been made ambassadors in service to God’s love. We represent God every day of our lives. This is an awesome responsibility we are only able to fulfill by being equipped by God every day. From the most mundane of errands to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, we are always ambassadors for Christ.

Let me live a life of service to you, Jesus, that my light may shine and others may come to trust your presence and love and honor your name. Amen.

Pray the Scriptures Using Audio Lectio
Read Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

¹ All the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around Jesus to listen to him. ² The Pharisees and legal experts were grumbling, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” ³ Jesus told them this parable: ¹¹ Jesus said, “A certain man had two sons. ¹² The younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the inheritance.’ Then the father divided his estate between them. ¹³ Soon afterward, the younger son gathered everything together and took a trip to a land far away. There, he wasted his wealth through extravagant living. ¹⁴ “When he had used up his resources, a severe food shortage arose in that country and he began to be in need. ¹⁵ He hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. ¹⁶ He longed to eat his fill from what the pigs ate, but no one gave him anything. ¹⁷ When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have more than enough food, but I’m starving to death! ¹⁸ I will get up and go to my father, and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. ¹⁹ I no longer deserve to be called your son. Take me on as one of your hired hands.” ’ ²⁰ So he got up and went to his father. “While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion. His father ran to him, hugged him, and kissed him. ²¹ Then his son said, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ ²² But the father said to his servants, ‘Quickly, bring out the best robe and put it on him! Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet! ²³ Fetch the fattened calf and slaughter it. We must celebrate with feasting ²⁴ because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life! He was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate. ²⁵ “Now his older son was in the field. Coming in from the field, he approached the house and heard music and dancing. ²⁶ He called one of the servants and asked what was going on. ²⁷ The servant replied, ‘Your brother has arrived, and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he received his son back safe and sound.’ ²⁸ Then the older son was furious and didn’t want to enter in, but his father came out and begged him. ²⁹ He answered his father, ‘Look, I’ve served you all these years, and I never disobeyed your instruction. Yet you’ve never given me as much as a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. ³⁰ But when this son of yours returned, after gobbling up your estate on prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.’ ³¹ Then his father said, ‘Son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. ³² But we had to celebrate and be glad because this brother of yours was dead and is alive. He was lost and is found.’”

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Lectionary Week

March 21–27, 2022

Scripture Overview

Lent is a time for focusing on our need for God and for remembering God’s abundant resources for filling that need. When the Israelites finally pass into Canaan, they observe the Passover as a reminder of God’s deliverance of them from Egypt. The psalmist, traditionally David, rejoices in the fact that God does not count his sins against him. Paul declares that through Christ, God has made everything new. God no longer holds our sins against us, and we in turn appeal to others to accept this free gift. Jesus eats with sinners and tells the story of the prodigal son to demonstrate that no matter how far we stray, God will always welcome us home with open arms. God never stops pursuing us, even if we feel unloved or unworthy.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Joshua 5:9-12. What stories do you tell about your faith? What do these stories help you remember?
Read Psalm 32. When have you hidden from God? When has God been your hiding place?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. We are ambassadors for Christ. How does your life display for others that life in Christ eliminates worldly identity labels?
Read Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32. Do you identify with the prodigal son, the elder son, or the father in the parable? Are you ready to rejoin God’s household on God’s terms? Are you ready to welcome everyone home?

Respond by posting a prayer.

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—Amy Oden, author of Right Here Right Now: The Practice of Christian Mindfulness

Equipped by Grace

Transformed Imaginations

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Equipped by Grace

2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

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