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Hope Springs Forth
Throughout the year, we have continued to celebrate the 90th anniversary of The Upper Room daily Read More
April Casperson | Read Ephesians 1:3-14
This scripture moves from the cosmic infinite to the very personal, truly relational connection God has with humanity. We have insight into God’s selection of humanity through Jesus Christ and through the power of the grace and work of Christ. We have relief from brokenness and access to a glimpse...
God of power and love, may the inheritance you have given to me shape the way I move through this world, and may my life be a witness to the abundant riches of your grace. Amen.
The scriptures for this week focus on power and authority. The biblical narrative throughout the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament provides a framework for how humans should understand and engage with power. Power and authority belong to God, and part of God’s grace and compassion for the world and for humanity includes the unmerited grace offered to all. However, humans have agency. Scriptures are full of outlines of how humans should care for others, and how those who are on the margins are not asked to give from their scarcity. In contrast, those who have abundance in resources and wealth—which includes power—are asked to give up some of their abundance so that all may have what they need.
Read 2 Samuel 6:1-5 and 12b-19. What symbols carry power in this story, and where is the presence of God?
Read Psalm 24. What gives us a connection to God in this scripture?
Read Ephesians 1:3-14. What is the connection between the infinite power of God and humanity’s need for grace?
Read Mark 6:14-29. Where is God present in the life and death of John the Baptist? Where is God present in your life?
Respond by posting a prayer.
