August 15, 2025

God Makes a Way

Stanley R. Copeland | Read Hebrews 11:36-40

(Image by: Pixabay)

Lectionary Week

August 11–17, 2025

Scripture Overview

The scripture readings for the week have a common theme of God’s making a way, and God’s way always leads to restoration, forgiveness, justice, mercy, and love. We can stray from God’s way or reject it altogether, but God never strays from us, will not forsake us, and always beckons us to pursue God’s way leading ultimately to peace and a real experience of God’s presence. The scripture readings conclude with acknowledgment that on God’s way we are surrounded by a “cloud of witnesses”—saints of the faith are also our companions. Standing beside us along the way is Jesus accompanying us.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

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• Read Isaiah 5:1-7. How do we take the way of justice and mercy that God has provided for us and reject the way that leads to bloodshed?
• Read Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19. What do we need rescue from in the present day? Why do we need restoration and revival, and what purpose would it serve?
• Read Hebrews 11:29–12:2. Who do you see as a person or persons of faith who have shined a light on the path of God’s way?
• Read Luke 12:49-56. How do we address divisions when they come upon us in our families, friendship circles, and communities of faith?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Martyrdom is not a comfortable contemplation. The passage for the day needs to come with the familiar warning that some of this content may be disturbing—stoned to death, sawn in two, killed by the sword.

The Salvadoran Civil War started a few months before my first seminary class. In the...

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God of peace, Lord of love, as we reflect on those who have literally given their lives as a sacrifice in keeping with the way of the cross, lift us to see the better resurrection where your way of peace and love are never defeated. Amen.

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