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May 24, 2023

Power and Authority

Emanuel Cleaver III   |   Read Psalm 104:24-34

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Lectionary Week
May 22–28, 2023
Scripture Overview

Many contemporary Christians wrestle with the theology of the Holy Spirit. Some are perceived as emphasizing the Spirit too much, while others talk about the Spirit only vaguely or even not at all. Both extremes can mislead us. The Spirit is powerful and active, and we understand the role of the Spirit within larger truths about God and God’s activities in the world. God empowers the disciples on Pentecost by the Spirit, and the psalmist emphasizes the role of the Spirit in creation. Paul tells the Corinthians that the Spirit enables us to recognize Jesus as Lord and serve one another. Jesus gives the power of the Spirit to his disciples. May we also seek God’s help in receiving the power of the Spirit to serve and reach those far from God.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Acts 2:1-21. What moments from your lifetime might you consider Pentecost moments? How have you seen the Spirit empowering God’s people in these moments or movements?Read Psalm 104:24-34, 35b. When have you experienced God’s rhythm of withholding and releasing? How can your breath remind you of your place in this rhythm of creation?Read 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13. How does your faith guide you to a tension between sameness and difference that might help you create a diverse unity among your family or faith community?Read John 20:19-23. How does your relationship with Christ help you break through fear?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Psalm 104:24-34

24 LORD, you have done so many things! You made them all so wisely! The earth is full of your creations! 25 And then there’s the sea, wide and deep, with its countless creatures living things both small and large. 26 There go the ships on it, and Leviathan, which you made, plays in it! 27 All your creations wait for you to give them their food on time. 28 When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled completely full! 29 But when you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to dust. 30 When you let loose your breath, they are created, and you make the surface of the ground brand-new again. 31 Let the LORD’s glory last forever! Let the LORD rejoice in all he has made! 32 He has only to look at the earth, and it shakes. God just touches the mountains, and they erupt in smoke. 33 I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I’m still alive. 34 Let my praise be pleasing to him; I’m rejoicing in the LORD!

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

It is simply breathtaking to consider that God created everything. God didn’t use the same pattern when designing the animals of the land and the creatures of the sea. Everything relies on God for life.

Just imagine that God knows every intimate detail about everything we see and all that...

Loving God, I thank you for creating and sustaining me. You are my provider, and I give you praise. Move me toward a greater awareness of your presence in all of creation. Amen. Devotional exercise: Take a moment to notice one particular part of God’s creation—something you can hear, see, or feel. Reflect on its intricate makeup and thank God for it.


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