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January 7, 2023

What Do You See?

F. Douglas Powe Jr.   |   Read Psalm 29:1-11

(Image by: Pixabay)
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Lectionary Week
January 2–8, 2023
Scripture Overview

As we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, the readings draw our attention to the connection between baptism and the pouring out of the Spirit. The prophet points forward to the day when God’s servant will come, empowered by the Spirit, and bring justice to all people, both Jew and Gentile. In the psalm, the same heavenly voice that will speak over Jesus at his baptism resounds on the earth with might and power. Peter realizes in Acts that he is witnessing the fulfillment of the promise in Isaiah, for through Jesus, God’s favor is poured out on people from every nation. Matthew tells the story of Jesus’ baptism and of the arrival of the Spirit, confirmed by the heavenly voice of affirmation.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Isaiah 42:1-9. What does it mean for Jesus to be a Servant Messiah? In what ways does God suffer with or for you?
Read Psalm 29. Consider the power of a thunderstorm and the danger of the ocean. What does it mean to hear thunder as God's voice? Why is baptism in water?
Read Acts 10:34-43. Consider the author’s proposal that those who fear God and do what is right may include people of other faiths. What would this mean for your faith and your relationships with those of other faiths?
Read Matthew 3:13-17. Remember your baptism. Did you make the decision to be baptized or did someone else make the decision for you? How does remembering your baptism guide you to do what God wants?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 29:1-11

1 You, divine beings! Give to the LORD give to the LORD glory and power! 2 Give to the LORD the glory due his name! Bow down to the LORD in holy splendor! 3 The LORD’s voice is over the waters; the glorious God thunders; the LORD is over the mighty waters. 4 The LORD’s voice is strong; the LORD’s voice is majestic. 5 The LORD’s voice breaks cedar trees yes, the LORD shatters the cedars of Lebanon. 6 He makes Lebanon jump around like a young bull, makes Sirion jump around like a young wild ox. 7 The LORD’s voice unleashes fiery flames; 8 the LORD’s voice shakes the wilderness yes, the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. 9 The LORD’s voice convulses the oaks, strips the forests bare, but in his temple everyone shouts, “Glory!” 10 The LORD sits enthroned over the floodwaters; the LORD sits enthroned—king forever! 11 Let the LORD give strength to his people! Let the LORD bless his people with peace!

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

James Earl Jones’s voice is one of the greatest I have ever heard. He has a voice you can listen to all day long. I often think it would be great to have his voice. Of course, we all do the same thing listening to a singer or sports broadcaster....

Merciful God, thank you for reminding us that you are closer than we imagine. Amen.


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