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May 25, 2022

Jesus and Life Together

Tom Arthur   |   Read Psalm 97:1-12

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Lectionary Week
May 23–29, 2022
Scripture Overview

How did you first hear about the gospel? Was it from your family or a friend? Or was it from a completely unexpected source? This week’s readings remind us that God uses many different techniques of revelation. Paul and Silas are in prison in Philippi, and the guard of the prison has no idea that he is about to encounter the power of God and come to faith. The psalmist says that creation itself reveals God’s glory and power. In Revelation, Jesus speaks directly about his future return and reign, as attested by his messenger and by the Spirit. Jesus prays in John for his followers, because through their unity the gospel will be proclaimed to others. Although Jesus ascends to heaven, the revelation of his plan and purpose does not end.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Acts 16:16-34. Recall a difficult time in your life. Were you able to continue to praise God through this time?
Read Psalm 97. Write your own word picture of what it means to be a child of God, who is in control.
Read Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21. How has Jesus’ invitation to partake of the water of life changed you?
Read John 17:20-26. What signs of division do you see in your community? How can you work toward the oneness to which God calls us?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 97:1-12

1 The LORD rules! Let the earth rejoice! Let all the islands celebrate! 2 Clouds and thick darkness surround God. His throne is built on righteousness and justice. 3 Fire proceeds before him, burning up his enemies on every side. 4 His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees it and trembles! 5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of the whole world! 6 Heaven has proclaimed God’s righteousness, and all nations have seen his glory. 7 All those who worship images, those who are proud of idols, are put to shame. All gods bow down to the Lord! 8 Zion has heard and celebrates, the towns of Judah rejoice, because of your acts of justice, LORD, 9 because you, LORD, are the Most High over all the earth, because you are so superior to all other gods. 10 Those of you who love the LORD, hate evil! God guards the lives of his faithful ones, delivering them from the power of the wicked. 11 Light is planted like seed for the righteous person; joy too for those whose heart is right. 12 Rejoice in the LORD, righteous ones! Give thanks to his holy name!

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

I grew up in a conservative evangelical church in the holiness tradition, and I have a deep appreciation for this tradition’s emphasis on personal holiness and evangelism. The key questions were the following: Where are the impurities in my life? What are the idols I pursue more than I pursue...

Do you tend to focus on personal holiness or social holiness, Jesus or justice? How can you seek both this week?


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