June 23, 2019

Between Fear and Faith

Chelsey D. Hillyer | Read Galatians 3:23-29

(Image by: Pixabay)

Lectionary Week

June 17–23, 2019

Scripture Overview

The fact that we trust in God does not guarantee that life will be easy. Believers suffer discouragement as well. Elijah is a powerful prophet of God who faces profound discouragement. He looks around and sees faithlessness and desolation, as does the psalmist wrestling with his own sense of despair. In both cases the person’s spirit is revived—by divine visitation to Elijah and by the psalmist’s self-talk about the truth of God’s faithfulness. The New Testament readings take us in a different direction. Paul speaks of the freedom we have when we are in Christ, heirs to all of God’s promises. The Gospel writer tells of another kind of freedom, the freedom experienced by a man delivered from demon possession.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read 1 Kings 19:1-15a. Recall a time you ran to a silent place. How did God send you back into the world?
Read Psalm 42. The author asks us to imagine the words of this psalm coming from the mouth of Elijah and the Gerasene man. Consider how these words might be yours as well.
Read Galatians 3:23-29. How does your faith in Christ help you to embrace the freedom that comes from lack of division rather than to flee in fear?
Read Luke 8:26-39. What true story do you have to tell to the world of what Jesus has done for you?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Paul roots us firmly in our God-given identities: We are God’s children, no exceptions; heirs to God’s promises throughout the generations as those who have been given the gift of faith.

With the old lines of division removed, what will we do with such freedom? Will we claim the inheritance...

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God of Abraham, Elijah, Jesus, and the Gerasene man, thank you for the gift of faith. Help me to cling to it more fully from today onward. Amen.

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