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March 24, 2025

Abundant Grace

Herb Mather   |   Read Psalm 32:1-11

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Lectionary Week
March 24–30, 2025
Scripture Overview

Lent is a time for focusing on our need for God and remembering God’s abundant resources for filling that need. When the Israelites finally pass into Canaan, they observe the Passover as a reminder of God’s deliverance of them from Egypt. The psalmist, traditionally David, rejoices in the fact that God does not count his sins against him. Paul declares that through Christ, God has made everything new. God no longer holds our sins against us, and we in turn appeal to others to accept this free gift. Jesus eats with sinners and tells the story of the prodigal son to demonstrate that no matter how far we stray, God will always welcome us home with open arms. God never stops pursuing us, even if we feel unloved or unworthy.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

• Read Joshua 5:9-12. What stories do you tell about your faith? What do these stories help you remember?
• Read Psalm 32. When have you hidden from God? When has God been your hiding place?
• Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. How does your life display for others that life in Christ eliminates worldly identity labels?
• Read Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32. Do you identify with the prodigal son, the elder son, or the father in the parable? Are you ready to rejoin God’s household on God’s terms? Are you ready to welcome everyone home?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Psalm 32:1-11

1 The one whose wrongdoing is forgiven, whose sin is covered over, is truly happy! 2 The one the LORD doesn’t consider guilty in whose spirit there is no dishonesty that one is truly happy! 3 When I kept quiet, my bones wore out; I was groaning all day long every day, every night! 4 because your hand was heavy upon me. My energy was sapped as if in a summer drought. Selah 5 So I admitted my sin to you; I didn’t conceal my guilt. “I’ll confess my sins to the LORD,” is what I said. Then you removed the guilt of my sin. Selah 6 That’s why all the faithful should pray to you during troubled times, so that a great flood of water won’t reach them. 7 You are my secret hideout! You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of rescue! Selah 8 I will instruct you and teach you about the direction you should go. I’ll advise you and keep my eye on you. 9 Don’t be like some senseless horse or mule, whose movement must be controlled with a bit and a bridle. Don’t be anything like that! 10 The pain of the wicked is severe, but faithful love surrounds the one who trusts the LORD. 11 You who are righteous, rejoice in the LORD and be glad! All you whose hearts are right, sing out in joy!

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

The youth traveled overnight to begin a weeklong trek in the Appalachian Mountains. Their first day on a trail was short, but the afternoon temperatures were warm for that two-mile slog up the mountainside. The burden of wearing forty-pound backpacks made their muscles complain. The youth groaned.
The psalmist uses...

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Merciful God, we confess that we have messed up in the past. Forgive us. Guide us. Thank you for lifting the weight from us and inviting us to sing in joy. Amen.


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