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January 9, 2025

Transformed By Faith and Fire

Jackson Droney   |   Read Ephesians 3:1-12

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Lectionary Week
January 6–12, 2025
Scripture Overview

This week’s readings illuminate key touchstones in our faith journey, all of which are drawn together in baptism. The prophet Isaiah invites us to consider living with divine hope, and the psalmist reminds us to use our power for the sake of the poor. Then, Paul challenges us with a call to radical inclusion. And the three wise men show us how to be present, open, and hold expectations lightly. These readings invite us into a deeper relationship with God. Things are not what they seem at first glance or consideration. We’re invited to keep growing in our walk of faith. With water, John baptizes Jesus who will in turn baptize us with fiery, life-changing love. Living in response to that love makes our faith journey not a chore or obligation but a source of deep joy and inspiration.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Isaiah 60:1-6. How do you define divine hope?
• Read Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14. In what ways do you have power to effect change? How does championing the poor fit into your walk of faith?
• Read Ephesians 3:1-12. How has your understanding of what it means to include everyone changed over time? What was hardest to change?
• Read Luke 3:15-17, 21-22. What difference does being a baptized child of God make in your life?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Ephesians 3:1-12

1 This is why I, Paul, am a prisoner of Christ for you Gentiles. 2 You’ve heard, of course, about the responsibility to distribute God’s grace, which God gave to me for you, right? 3 God showed me his secret plan in a revelation, as I mentioned briefly before ( 4 when you read this, you’ll understand my insight into the secret plan about Christ). 5 Earlier generations didn’t know this hidden plan that God has now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets through the Spirit. 6 This plan is that the Gentiles would be coheirs and parts of the same body, and that they would share with the Jews in the promises of God in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 I became a servant of the gospel because of the grace that God showed me through the exercise of his power. 8 God gave his grace to me, the least of all God’s people, to preach the good news about the immeasurable riches of Christ to the Gentiles. 9 God sent me to reveal the secret plan that had been hidden since the beginning of time by God, who created everything. 10 God’s purpose is now to show the rulers and powers in the heavens the many different varieties of his wisdom through the church. 11 This was consistent with the plan he had from the beginning of time that he accomplished through Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In Christ we have bold and confident access to God through faith in him.

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

Paul has a purpose, and he makes it clear in this passage. He has been sent by God through Jesus Christ to let the world know that non-Jews—the Gentiles—are included in God’s plans for humankind. Jesus didn’t come just for Jews, Paul declares. He came, died, and rose for all....

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O Holy One, we give thanks to those who have helped us see how to live out the reality of your radical inclusiveness. Help us do the same. Amen.


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