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April 24, 2023

God Is Near

Jefferson Furtado   |   Read Acts of the Apostles 2:42-47

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Lectionary Week
April 24–30, 2023
Scripture Overview

The reading from Acts picks up the themes of mutual love and fellowship from last week and records that the display of these qualities captured the attention of the people in Jerusalem. When the church displays these qualities today, they still attract people to the Lord. The psalm and First Peter are linked by the theme of suffering. In Psalm 23, David is confident that God will stay with him even through the darkest valley. Peter encourages his audience to walk through that same valley, strengthened by the knowledge that God will never abandon them and that they are following the example of Christ. In John, Jesus declares that he is the way to safety for God’s sheep, so we should listen to his voice alone.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Acts 2:42-47. How have you seen the joy and goodwill of the people of the church attract new members?Read Psalm 23. How do this psalm’s joys and comforts change when you consider the suffering of the psalmist in Psalm 22?Read 1 Peter 2:19-25. When you have been caught in a struggle, how have your actions helped or worsened your situation?Read John 10:1-10. How have you or someone you know attempted to enter God’s abundance by stealth? What does it mean for you to rectify this and enter through the gate?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Acts of the Apostles 2:42-47

42 The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the community, to their shared meals, and to their prayers. 43 A sense of awe came over everyone. God performed many wonders and signs through the apostles. 44 All the believers were united and shared everything. 45 They would sell pieces of property and possessions and distribute the proceeds to everyone who needed them. 46 Every day, they met together in the temple and ate in their homes. They shared food with gladness and simplicity. 47 They praised God and demonstrated God’s goodness to everyone. The Lord added daily to the community those who were being saved.

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

Though shepherds and sheep are the prevailing images for most of the readings this week, when we stand far enough away we can notice another connecting point: the constant presence of our triune God. The theme of God’s presence permeates our texts. We see this clearly in Psalm 23 with...

Dear Lord, your presence overwhelms our senses, and your love enriches our lives. Fill us with your love so that we may share your light with the world around us. Amen.


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