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Walking by the Sea
If I were Jesus’ therapist, there is one moment in particular that I’d love to process Read More
J. Dana Trent | Read Acts of the Apostles 9:1-2
Saul (Paul) is one of the most important historical figures in Christianity. Without Saul, Christianity would not be one of the largest world religions today. But Acts 9 shows that Saul’s road to getting Christianity on the map got off to a painful start.
Saul’s writing reveals his upbringing and...
God of us all, we confess that we have been blinded by our disdain for others. Stop us in our tracks. Shed light on our sins and turn us in the right direction. Amen.
Self-examination, sacrifice, love, and praise are common themes for this week’s readings. Our takeaways: True, deep faith requires humility and cost. But not in the sense that we subject ourselves to an unreasonable ascetic renunciation or harmful self-punishment. Rather, the cost for us should be perpetual introspection. Contemplation is what inches us forward in our faith, connects us with God’s word, and shows us God’s work in the world. Deepening our devotion hinges on noticing: When has God shown God’s mercy to us? What aspects of Jesus’ teachings do we still ignore? How do we cling to a human stubbornness that impedes agape and praise for “worthy is the lamb”?
• Read Psalm 30. When in your life has God turned your wailing into dancing so that you could sing God’s praises?
• Read Acts 9:1-20. When have you ignored Jesus’ teaching in order to follow your own agenda? Consider Saul/Paul’s abrupt conversion. What do you make of God’s role in this story? Ananias’ role?
• Read John 21:1-19. The disciples did not know it was Jesus until they ate with him. Consider a time you experienced God in fellowship. Jesus’ questions to Simon Peter—and his prophecy—demonstrate the costs of discipleship. What has your faith cost you?
• Read Revelation 5:11-14. Is Jesus worthy of our sacrifice? If so, why so? When you say or sing “Worthy is the lamb,” what does this phrase mean to you?
Respond by posting a prayer.
