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Proper 7 / Pentecost 5 / Ordinary Time 12

Devotional
Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
Luke 8:26-39
Stephen P. McCutchan
Water From the Rock
Lectionary Devotional for Cycle C
They begged him not to order them to go back into the abyss.
-- Luke 8:31

The authority of Jesus was expressed in a striking way in this passage. Everyone recognized Jesus' authority and in their own way were disturbed by it. The man possessed with demons begged Jesus not to torment him. Was it the demons talking or the man? Why would the man suggest that Jesus might torment him? Had he grown so accustomed to his status as the village crazy that he did not want to face what it would mean to be cured?

UPCOMING WEEKS
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For August 3, 2025:

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Object: The object of the lesson is a gesture you will teach the children.

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Jesus warned against with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God. Through our worship today let us pledge ourselves to seek our treasure only in God.

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Jesus, sometimes we envy others because of all they possess.
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Jesus, sometimes we desire all that money can buy.
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SermonStudio

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For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.... Let those who are wise give heed to these things, and consider the steadfast love of the Lord.
-- Psalm 107:9, 43

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How do you focus on something unseen? How can we set our minds on that which we can't touch, or taste, or verify scientifically? Most practical people want proof. Abstract propositions are difficult to get our arms around, especially if they are from another time and place.
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This story begins with gift -- with blessed gift -- with miraculous, blessed giftedness. And I will even tell you now the theme of the story: if you keep your eye on the giftedness of everything, then you yourself can be a gift, you can be a giver, rather than a hoarder.
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" 'It was I who taught Ephraim how to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them' (11:3). They did not know me. Do you?

" 'I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them.' (1:4). But they did not know me. Do you?

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