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September 8, 2026

Transformed by God

Paola Barrera   |   Read Exodus 14:22-31

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Lectionary Week
September 7–13, 2026
Scripture Overview

This week’s readings trace how God transforms us. In Exodus, through the rescue mission that moved heaven and earth, God freed the people of Israel from slavery and bestowed on them a new identity. The psalm echoes the supernatural events that took place during that rescue and issues a stunning declaration whereby a people who had no homeland become God’s chosen place of dwelling. The passage from Romans illustrates how the change of status before God leads to an internal transformation, which in turn changes how we see others and ourselves. Finally, in Matthew, a parable outlines the root of forgiveness to show the weight of God’s transformation and invites us to model God’s grace.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Exodus 14:19-31. What events mark a before and after in your life? How did God show up, and how are you different because of it?
Read Psalm 114. What story do you tell yourself and others about who you are? How has knowing God changed your story?
Read Romans 14:1-12. In what ways has God’s accepting you changed how you accept others? How has God recalibrated how you measure yourself and others?
Read Matthew 18:21-35. When have you found it hardest to forgive someone? What has God forgiven you that changed the way you forgive others?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Exodus 14:22-31

22 The Israelites walked into the sea on dry ground. The waters formed a wall for them on their right hand and on their left. 23 The Egyptians chased them and went into the sea after them, all of Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and cavalry. 24 As morning approached, the LORD looked down on the Egyptian camp from the column of lightning and cloud and threw the Egyptian camp into a panic. 25 The LORD jammed their chariot wheels so that they wouldn’t turn easily. The Egyptians said, “Let’s get away from the Israelites, because the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt!” 26 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the water comes back and covers the Egyptians, their chariots, and their cavalry.” 27 So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. At daybreak, the sea returned to its normal depth. The Egyptians were driving toward it, and the LORD tossed the Egyptians into the sea. 28 The waters returned and covered the chariots and the cavalry, Pharaoh’s entire army that had followed them into the sea. Not one of them remained. 29 The Israelites, however, walked on dry ground through the sea. The waters formed a wall for them on their right hand and on their left. 30 The LORD rescued Israel from the Egyptians that day. Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 Israel saw the amazing power of the LORD against the Egyptians. The people were in awe of the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in his servant Moses.

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

Walking through the hall of an intensive care unit, where life is often measured in heartbeats, I can easily identify the guardians, parents, or spouses: When the hands of the clock signal that hours have passed, the same person is still in the room with their loved one. They help...

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Powerful God, help me remember what you’ve done for me. Amen.


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