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The Practice of Belonging
Photograph by Beth A. Richardson / Camp McDowell, Alabama “Ubuntu ... speaks of the very essence Read More
Amy Sigmon | Read Psalm 45:10-17
When my husband and I were planning our wedding, we (okay, I) opted to take out the line “to obey” from our wedding vows. I had this image in my head of being ordered around, and I wasn’t going to stand for it. (To be sure, my then-fiancé had never...
Lord, our hearts often want to go our own ways. We feel constricted by the idea of obedience. Soften our spirits so that we might see obedience to you for what it is: mutual love and trust. Amen.
Our four scripture passages this week connect to the discipleship practice of being obedient to God. In the Hebrew Bible we see Abraham’s servant and Rebekah take leaps of faith to become part of a great family lineage. The psalm is one for a royal wedding, suited to questions of family and legacy. In Matthew, Jesus promises us that if we choose a path of trusting and following God, he will take up our earthly burdens so that we might find joy in following him. Paul writes to the Romans of his emotional turmoil in trying to be obedient to God, and the relief of knowing that Jesus is always ready to come to our aid.
Read Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67. When have you felt God calling you to take a leap in faith? How did it make you feel? Can you look back and see the hand of God at work?
Read Psalm 45:10-17. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
Read Romans 7:15-25a. Do you ever feel discouraged with yourself and your faith? How do you lean on Jesus, knowing that his resurrection has saved us from sin and despair?
Read Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30. Think of one burden that is weighing on you right now. Ask God to take it. Who is a wise person in your life? How can you seek wisdom?
Respond by posting a prayer.
