Deepening Devotion

Self-examination, sacrifice, love, and praise are common themes for this week’s readings. Our takeaways: True, deep faith requires humility and cost. But not in the sense that we subject ourselves to an unreasonable ascetic renunciation or harmful self-punishment. Rather, the cost for us should be perpetual introspection. Contemplation is what inches us forward in our faith, connects us with God’s word, and shows us God’s work in the world. Deepening our devotion hinges on noticing: When has God shown God’s mercy to us? What aspects of Jesus’ teachings do we still ignore? How do we cling to a human stubbornness that impedes agape and praise for “worthy is the lamb”?

• Read Psalm 30. When in your life has God turned your wailing into dancing so that you could sing God’s praises?
• Read Acts 9:1-20. When have you ignored Jesus’ teaching in order to follow your own agenda? Consider Saul/Paul’s abrupt conversion. What do you make of God’s role in this story? Ananias’ role?
• Read John 21:1-19. The disciples did not know it was Jesus until they ate with him. Consider a time you experienced God in fellowship. Jesus’ questions to Simon Peter—and his prophecy—demonstrate the costs of discipleship. What has your faith cost you?
• Read Revelation 5:11-14. Is Jesus worthy of our sacrifice? If so, why so? When you say or sing “Worthy is the lamb,” what does this phrase mean to you?