July 5, 2024

Empowered by Grace

Sarah McWhirt-Toler | Read 2 Corinthians 12:2-10

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Lectionary Week

July 1–7, 2024

Scripture Overview

The readings from the Hebrew scriptures this week celebrate Jerusalem, the capital of the great King David, who united the ancient Israelites and built up the city. The psalmist praises Jerusalem using the image of Zion—a name used for earthly Jerusalem but also a gesture toward a future day when God’s people will abide in a heavenly city. In Second Corinthians, Paul explains that even though he is an apostle, he struggles like everyone else. Speculation surrounds the “thorn” that plagued Paul; but his point is that when he is weakest, God is strongest. In Mark, we see God’s power working through Jesus, who sent out others to expand God’s healing work.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10. What qualities of leadership are important in this reading? How do those qualities square with your experience with those in power?
Read Psalm 48. Bring to mind a place where you experience God’s presence. What is it about that place that makes you especially aware of God’s presence?
Read 2 Corinthians 12:2-10. When have you experienced weakness becoming a source of strength and power?
Read Mark 6:1-13. When have you discounted someone because of your assumptions about them?

Respond by posting a prayer.

If you have read much about the church community in Corinth, you know it wasn’t an easy one. Some of Paul’s firmest words and most famous teachings are in his epistles to them, urging them to fulfill the potential he sees within them. They wanted to learn about and love...

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God, empower me to hear your voice in my life. Attune me to your grace working through me and within me. Amen.

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