April 9, 2024

A Beautiful and Broken Mess

Dawn Martin | Read Acts of the Apostles 3:17-19

(Image by: Pixabay)

Lectionary Week

April 8–14, 2024

Scripture Overview

A repeating theme in scripture is our failure to recognize God’s work among us. In Acts, Peter declares that the death of Jesus happened because his fellow Israelites acted in ignorance. The psalmist decries the fact that so many people follow lies, yet God’s blessings for the faithful continue unhindered. John tells his audience to expect that the world will not recognize them as God’s children because the world did not recognize God to begin with. In Luke, Jesus appears to his doubting disciples. He proves the reality of his resurrection by allowing them to touch his body and by eating food in their presence. Only then do they feel certain that they recognize him. In what places in our lives do we not recognize God’s work?Martin

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Acts 3:12-19. Recall a moment when you felt the presence of Christ in your life in an unexpected way. How does that moment stay with you when you feel overwhelmed?
Read Psalm 4. What inhibits you from crying out to God when you are in distress?
Read 1 John 3:1-7. How does your identity as a child of God empower you to deeds of love in your daily life?
Read Luke 24:36b-48. What story of the risen Christ do you have to share with others? How will you share your story?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Most of the time, I’m a rule follower. I’m the one who will walk the extra steps to go in the actual “in” door, even though the “out” door opens and will allow you to go through. Fewer than ten items? I have two of the same thing—some small, insignificant...

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Reflect on a time you’ve had to turn back around. Write some notes, draw a road with a “road closed” sign, whatever speaks to you. Then thank God for the opportunity to change your heart and life and turn around and try again.

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