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October 16, 2026

Where Is God?

Lyndsey Medford   |   Read Matthew 22:15-22

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Lectionary Week
October 12–18, 2026
Scripture Overview

As Christians, we know we believe in Immanuel—God with us. We cling to this idea in theory, but in the everyday messiness of life, we sometimes still wonder where God actually is. This week’s readings offer various perspectives on God’s presence. In Exodus, Moses feels insecure about the calling on his life and asks to see God. The psalmist remembers the story of God’s presence with the Israelites in the wilderness. The Gospel reminds us that even when we ponder momentous decisions about weighty topics, our ultimate security is in our belonging to God. And Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians gives us an example of experiencing God’s love in everyday friendship.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Exodus 33:12-23. When have you struggled to believe that God is with you? How did you find a sign of God’s presence?
Read Psalm 99. How has God heard your cry? How can you listen with God for the cries of others?
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10. When does your faith call you to live in a counter-cultural way? How do you show the world how to live?
Read Matthew 22:15-22. You belong to God. How do you experience God’s call on your life?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Matthew 22:15-22

15 Then the Pharisees met together to find a way to trap Jesus in his words. 16 They sent their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are genuine and that you teach God’s way as it really is. We know that you are not swayed by people’s opinions, because you don’t show favoritism. 17 So tell us what you think: Does the Law allow people to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 18 Knowing their evil motives, Jesus replied, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin used to pay the tax.” And they brought him a denarion. 20 “Whose image and inscription is this?” he asked. 21 “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” 22 When they heard this they were astonished, and they departed.

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

Behind the Pharisees’ question in this passage is a test of loyalties. Over and over again in this section of Matthew, some religious leaders have been trying to trap Jesus. They believe that his popularity threatens their power as mediators between the Roman Empire and the Jewish people.
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God, when I am anxious about the powers-that-be or my status under earthly systems, teach me to remember my belonging to your kingdom. Amen.


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