Today's Lectionary Text1 John 3:17-18How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister[a] in need and yet refuses help? Today's DevotionalSomedays, the world need more than just the words of good people. Somedays, we need to set aside our tendency to act has hired hands, who just care about their own needs, and take on the role of a shepherd who cares for the needs of our brothers and sisters. Somedays, we need to show our love for others by being committed to truth telling. And by taking action as a way of showing love. Seeing the resources God has placed in our lives as a way to engage our brothers and sisters in need is one heartfelt way of participating in the first fruits of God's Kin-dom. Honoring truth telling and truth speech as a hallmark of the Christian life and an expectation of others is a commitment of the realm of God. And seeing love put into play through Christian action is how the first building blocks of God's beloved community are put into place. The lectionary lessons this week speak to the life of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. The Good Shepherd, knows the sheep, deeply and personally. So well that they know and recognize the voice of their Shepherd. The Good Shepherd defends the life of the sheep, unlike the hired hand who runs off at the first sign of danger. The Good Shepherd is willing to even lay down their own life for the survival of the sheep. The Good Shepherd, knows that the flock is incomplete. The Good Shepherd calls out to other sheep who have not yet experienced the depth of love present within the boundaries of the flock. -Rev. Kurt Cooper Prayer for ReflectionMy friends, may the love of God abide in you this week. May you take on the posture of a shepherd out in the world. Sharing your resources, speaking truth to the powerless and the powerful, and taking action to stride confidently and boldly toward God's inbreaking realm. |
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This Week's Lectionary
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This Week's Liturgical Color
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