April 14, 2021

Encountering God: A Child Shall Lead

Leanne Hadley | Read Acts of the Apostles 3:12-19

(Image by: Pixabay)

Lectionary Week

April 12–18, 2021

Scripture Overview

A repeating theme in scripture is our failure to recognize God’s work among us. In Acts, Peter declares that the death of Jesus happened because his fellow Israelites acted in ignorance. The psalmist decries the fact that so many people follow lies, yet God’s blessings for the faithful continue unhindered. John tells his audience to expect that the world will not recognize them as God’s children because the world did not recognize God to begin with. In Luke, Jesus appears to his doubting disciples. He proves the reality of his resurrection by allowing them to touch his body and by eating food in their presence. Only then do they feel certain that they recognize him. In what places in our lives do we not recognize God’s work?

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Acts 3:12-19. Recall a moment when you felt the presence of Christ in your life in an unexpected way. How does that moment stay with you in the times when you feel overwhelmed?
Read Psalm 4. Do you feel free to cry out to God when you are in distress? If not, what inhibits you?
Read 1 John 3:1-7. How does your identity as a child of God empower you to deeds of love in your daily life?
Read Luke 24:36b-48. What story of the risen Christ do you have to share with others? How will you share your story?

Respond by posting a prayer.

One Lenten season, during children’s church, we began practicing contemplative prayer. We would sit still for one minute and just “be” in the presence of God. At first, it was difficult; but as the weeks went on, the children and adult leaders began to slow their minds and relax into...

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O God, as the risen Christ, you show up in my life time and time again, and I am filled with wonder! Thank you! In the name of Christ. Amen.

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