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April 23, 2025

Unbelievable Truth

Mary Charlotte Johnson   |   Read Psalm 118:14-29

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Lectionary Week
April 21–27, 2025
Scripture Overview

Humans struggle to believe the truths that God reveals. In Acts the apostles face a domineering council that has ordered them to be quiet about Jesus, but they find they cannot. In Psalm 118 we wonder at the truth that God is our salvation, and in Psalm 150 we celebrate the greatness of God. In the book of Revelation we catch a glimpse of the surprise of finding Christ’s grace and peace. In John we find the apostles after the Resurrection struggling to believe this unbelievable truth without proof.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

:
• Read Acts 5:27-32. When have you seen the world differently from those in authority? How did it feel to share a truth that others did not believe?
• Read Psalm 150. Remember a time when you praised God fully, when you sang or played an instrument or danced before the Lord or served the Lord with gladness. How do you experience the presence of God in these praises?
• Read Revelation 1:4-8. Sit and soak up God’s unmerited favor and wholeness, Christ’s grace and peace. Imagine it enveloping your family, your friends, your enemies and those who have brought harm to your life.
• Read John 20:19-31. What questions are you struggling with? What would you like Jesus to show you? explain to you? reveal to you?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Psalm 118:14-29

14 The LORD was my strength and protection; he was my saving help! 15 The sounds of joyful songs and deliverance are heard in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s strong hand is victorious! 16 The LORD’s strong hand is ready to strike! The LORD’s strong hand is victorious!” 17 I won’t die—no, I will live and declare what the LORD has done. 18 Yes, the LORD definitely disciplined me, but he didn’t hand me over to death. 19 Open the gates of righteousness for me so I can come in and give thanks to the LORD! 20 This is the LORD’s gate; those who are righteous enter through it. 21 I thank you because you answered me, because you were my saving help. 22 The stone rejected by the builders is now the main foundation stone! 23 This has happened because of the LORD; it is astounding in our sight! 24 This is the day the LORD acted; we will rejoice and celebrate in it! 25 LORD, please save us! LORD, please let us succeed! 26 The one who enters in the LORD’s name is blessed; we bless all of you from the LORD’s house. 27 The LORD is God! He has shined a light on us! So lead the festival offering with ropes all the way to the horns of the altar. 28 You are my God—I will give thanks to you! You are my God—I will lift you up high! 29 Give thanks to the LORD because he is good, because his faithful love lasts forever.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

In this psalm we find the unbelievable truth that God has chosen to become the salvation of Israel. When they could not save themselves, through the grace of God they were saved. They experienced God’s grace as restorative, healing, and transformational.

One of the questions I am often asked as...

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You are my God. Your divine salvation is a gift truly undeserved, so freely given. Amen.


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