January 31, 2021

Power and Authority

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Lectionary Week

January 25–31, 2021

Scripture Overview

This week’s readings center on God’s authority. In Deuteronomy God promises to raise up a prophet to guide the people, and God warns the people not to listen to voices that do not speak for God. The psalmist overflows with praise for God’s great works. God is powerful and awesome, yet also gracious and merciful. Paul instructs the Corinthians to place the rights of others before their own rights. A person’s conscience may allow one to exercise freedom in Christ; however, with this freedom comes responsibility. We must surrender our own rights, if necessary, for the good of others. In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus shows his power over the forces of darkness: Even the unclean spirits recognize and obey him.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Deuteronomy 18:15-20. To whom or to what setting do you turn when you yearn to hear God’s voice?
Read Psalm 111. For what are you praising God today? How have you experienced God’s steadfast love recently?
Read 1 Corinthians 8:1-13. What do you think of Paul’s statement, “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up”? Can you think of examples of this in your everyday life?
Read Mark 1:21-28. How do you react to the concept of authority? How does the authority of Jesus differ from the authority we may encounter in the world?

Respond by posting a prayer.

The crowds flock to Jesus. He heals people with leprosy, casts out demons, feeds the people, and teaches with authority.

After Jesus teaches in the synagogue and casts out a demon, Mark reports that his fame spread throughout Galilee. Like those crowds, we too want to be close to fame....

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God, help me to see your hand in my circumstances. May you shape my character, and may I rejoice in the character of Jesus. Amen.

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