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January 16, 2023

The Courage to Change

Hannah Adair Bonner   |   Read Psalm 27:1, 4-9

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Lectionary Week
January 16–22, 2023
Scripture Overview

Sometimes we struggle with the challenges we face. If God is good and God is for us, then why do we experience pain and loss? Isaiah feels the sting of darkness and despair, and the psalmist has experienced days of distress. Yet both encourage themselves with the promise that God has not forgotten them. The light will come, as will the shouts of joy. The New Testament readings warn against following human leaders to the extent that we take our eyes off Christ. The Corinthian church has divided into factions that identify primarily with Paul or Peter, not Christ! The Gospel reading shows that Peter, like all other human leaders, is merely a disciple himself. Jesus is the one we should seek to follow.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Isaiah 9:1-4. How has God’s love freed you to find your calling?Read Psalm 27:1, 4-9. When have you called out to God? How has God helped you turn your cries to praise?Read 1 Corinthians 1:10-18. How have you experienced division within the body of Christ? How might a focus on Christ rather than particular faith leaders or denominations help you to repair division and work through differences?Read Matthew 4:12-23. How have significant changes in your life (like a loved one’s death or a career change) allowed your ministry to grow?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 27:1, 4-9

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation. Should I fear anyone? The LORD is a fortress protecting my life. Should I be frightened of anything? 4 I have asked one thing from the LORD it’s all I seek: to live in the LORD’s house all the days of my life, seeing the LORD’s beauty and constantly adoring his temple. 5 Because he will shelter me in his own dwelling during troubling times; he will hide me in a secret place in his own tent; he will set me up high, safe on a rock. 6 Now my head is higher than the enemies surrounding me, and I will offer sacrifices in God’s tent sacrifices with shouts of joy! I will sing and praise the LORD. 7 LORD, listen to my voice when I cry out have mercy on me and answer me! 8 Come, my heart says, seek God’s face. LORD, I do seek your face! 9 Please don’t hide it from me! Don’t push your servant aside angrily you have been my help! God who saves me, don’t neglect me! Don’t leave me all alone!

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

Today is Martin Luther King Day in the United States, so it is appropriate that we begin this week with words from the psalmist that have been a source of courage for those facing opposition and prejudice.

In his final sermon, Martin Luther King Jr. closed with words that echo...

Lord, help me choose love over fear. May my courage help change the world to reflect your plan of justice and mercy. Amen.


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