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The Practice of Belonging
Photograph by Beth A. Richardson / Camp McDowell, Alabama “Ubuntu ... speaks of the very essence Read More
Laura Auberry | Read Matthew 9:9-13
In high school, where you sat in the lunchroom determined a lot about what others thought of you, such as whether you were viewed as popular or unpopular. The worst was having no one to sit with in the cafeteria. Many of us desperately wished for an invitation to sit...
God of mercy, as I accept your invitation to the table, may I see others in my life who are also hoping for a seat at your table, and may I extend your invitation to them. Amen.
The passages this week share a common theme: They all showcase what it means to follow God. In the four readings, we look at how specific people followed God, from a tax collector to Abraham to a bleeding woman. These readings also explore what following God looks like in practice, such as letting go of our plans, widening the invitation to the table, and creating a community that is united in inclusivity. As we read about these different people who answered God’s call and the practices of following God, perhaps our own vision of faith can expand, as well, as we recognize that there is no one way to follow God or one image of perfect faith.
Read Genesis 12:1-9. When was the last time you entered an “unknown”? What scared you the most about it? Where is God calling you to go now?
Read Psalm 33:1-12. What do you seek to control in your life? What does control look like as we follow Christ? How does this passage encourage you to let go of your plans?
Read Romans 4:13-25. What does unity look like in your community? How does this passage invite you to believe in the unbelievable?
Read Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26. What does it mean to follow God? When has it been hard to follow God? What’s given you hope on your journey of faith? What is the difference between mercy and sacrifice?
Respond by posting a prayer.
