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November 13, 2026

Deliverance and Mercy

SHERRI WOOD-POWE   |   Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

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Lectionary Week
November 9–15, 2026
Scripture Overview

Like us, the Israelites struggle to be consistently faithful to God. In Judges, the Israelites have again found themselves at the mercy of God and in need of deliverance. The psalm reminds us of the Israelites’ pattern of unfaithfulness: They do wrong. They get in trouble. They cry out to the Lord. The Lord has mercy and delivers them. The cycle repeats. Recognizing this pattern in scripture reminds us of God’s mercy toward us and our need to seek it. The New Testament readings continue the themes of deliverance and mercy with First Thessalonians commanding us to always be ready—God has delivered us and will return for us; we just don’t know when. The Gospel builds on the theme of God’s return, calling us to live a life pleasing to God while we wait by utilizing the gifts God has given us.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Judges 4:1-7. From what do you need to cry out to the Lord for deliverance?
Read Psalm 123. What in your life is leading you to seek God’s mercy?
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. What do you need to do to be ready for the return of the Lord?
Read Matthew 25:14-30. How are you living a life in gratitude to God for all you have been given?

Respond by posting a prayer.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

1 We don’t need to write to you about the timing and dates, brothers and sisters. 2 You know very well that the day of the Lord is going to come like a thief in the night. 3 When they are saying, “There is peace and security,” at that time sudden destruction will attack them, like labor pains start with a pregnant woman, and they definitely won’t escape. 4 But you aren’t in darkness, brothers and sisters, so the day won’t catch you by surprise like a thief. 5 All of you are children of light and children of the day. We don’t belong to night or darkness. 6 So then, let’s not sleep like the others, but let’s stay awake and stay sober. 7 People who sleep sleep at night, and people who get drunk get drunk at night. 8 Since we belong to the day, let’s stay sober, wearing faithfulness and love as a piece of armor that protects our body and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 God didn’t intend for us to suffer his wrath but rather to possess salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 Jesus died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with him. 11 So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already.

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

The church in Thessalonica had been going through some challenging times. The validity of their faith had been questioned. They were being pressured about the return of Christ. Doubt was being sown. We know how it is to have others’ seemingly innocent questions sow doubt. We sometimes even question things...

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Lord Almighty, we are grateful for your love and for the love of the body of Christ. Help us to share that love with others on this faithful journey. Amen.


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