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May 3, 2026

God Is a Trustworthy Refuge

Pumla Nzimande   |   Read John 14:8-14

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Lectionary Week
April 27–May 3, 2026
Scripture Overview

The readings for this week have the common thread of dependence upon God. In each reading, someone is facing hostility or suffering. In Acts, Stephen is stoned to death for his belief in Christ. In John’s Gospel, the disciples struggle with Jesus’ prediction of his death. Peter tells the scattered believers not to fear despite the hatred in society, and the psalmist cries to the Lord for rescue from his persecutors. Yet in each text is also a turning point toward God for the solution to the suffering. God is a trustworthy refuge who will sustain all people through the difficulties of life. Turning to God shapes our response to suffering.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Acts 7:55-60. Think of a time when you were victimized and hurt by people. How did this make you feel? What is the likelihood of you pronouncing Stephen’s words, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them”?
Read Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16. When have you experienced God as a refuge and rock in your life?
Read 1 Peter 2:2-10. Think of a baby drinking milk from a mother. Draw parallels between God as mother and yourself as the baby. What images and thoughts come to mind as you focus on this idea?
Read John 14:1-14. In what ways are you troubled? Take time to be still and to bring the matters that trouble you before God in prayer.

Respond by posting a prayer.

John 14:8-14

8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father; that will be enough for us.” 9 Jesus replied, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been with you all this time? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I have spoken to you I don’t speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Trust me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or at least believe on account of the works themselves. 12 I assure you that whoever believes in me will do the works that I do. They will do even greater works than these because I am going to the Father. 13 I will do whatever you ask for in my name, so that the Father can be glorified in the Son. 14 When you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.

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

Christ made many references to God the Father while with his disciples. It is only natural that the disciples would want tangible, visible proof of God’s existence. In the verses prior to these, Christ has comforted the disciples and stated that he is the revelation of God. This, however, did...

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Jesus, help me to encounter you through scripture, nature, and my fellow siblings in creation. Through a life of witness, help me to reveal you to those who have not encountered your all-embracing love. Amen.


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