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July 2, 2023

God Provides

Shirley Brosius (Pennsylvania, USA)   |   Read Matthew 10:40-42

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Lectionary Week
June 26–July 2, 2023
Scripture Overview

The passages this week highlight several different themes. Abraham is put to the ultimate test. There is no denying how terrifying God’s request must have been, yet Abraham ultimately is commended for his faith. We will not face this same challenge, but are there things dear to our hearts that God is asking us to give up? The psalmist is in deep despair and weary from awaiting God’s deliverance, yet even now there is confidence. Paul continues to instruct the Romans about the necessity of living a new life, no longer being slaves to the desires of the flesh. Jesus teaches that when we receive those doing his work, we receive him. When we interact with pastors, missionaries, or nursery workers, do we treat these servants as Jesus himself?

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Genesis 22:1-14. What has this familiar story meant to you in your faith? How do you embody or struggle against this type of obedience and trust?Read Psalm 13. When has your lament allowed you to move from anger with God to praise? How long did that process take?Read Romans 6:12-23. How does the definition of death as a life cut off from God rather than a biological reality change your understanding of this passage? How might incorporating this definition of death change your life?Read Matthew 10:40-42. Who is in your wider community of witnesses? How does their example prompt you to turn to others in service?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Matthew 10:40-42

40 “Those who receive you are also receiving me, and those who receive me are receiving the one who sent me. 41 Those who receive a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. Those who receive a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42 I assure you that everybody who gives even a cup of cold water to these little ones because they are my disciples will certainly be rewarded.”

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

Like the Shunammite woman who kept a room on her roof ready for the prophet Elisha (see 2 Kings 4:10), I keep a spare bedroom ready for a former pastor whenever he and his wife visit the area. Jesus commends hospitality for his servants, and this is my privilege. I...

Dear Lord, bless those who host Christ’s ambassadors going out to share their faith. Reward them with a sense of your presence in this life and eternal rewards in heaven. Amen.


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