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In the World–July 20, 2025

Download “In the World” for July 20, 2025, here.

UNEXPECTED LABOR IN THE AIRPLANE

Ashley Smith Lett boarded a plane in Miami last month for a flight to North Carolina. She was five months pregnant and returning home from a trip. Lett settled in her seat, the plane due to depart, when her water broke. Fellow passengers comforted her in her distress and alerted a flight attendant, who escorted her back into the terminal. Before an ambulance arrived, Lett went into active labor and delivered the baby at the airport. Though baby Amilah is doing fine, nothing about her birth came quite as Ashley or her family expected!

UNEXPECTED TUMULT IN THE TEMPLE

Having traveled to Jerusalem for Passover, Jesus entered the temple courts. When he saw the merchants’ tables, zeal for his Father’s house consumed him. His actions created an uproar as he overturned tables and scattered coins and livestock. Jesus’ disciples connected his response with the words of Psalm 69:9. Other Gospel accounts mention also Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11. Jesus’ actions upset the status quo. They brought conflict with the Jewish religious leaders to a head. The actions and reactions witnessed that day were unexpected. Jesus’ heart for his Father’s house moved him to a staggering response.

  1. How do expectations color your response(s) in stressful situations?
  2. In what ways can you look to Jesus for help in choosing the correct response to a person or situation?
  3. How does following Jesus impact your actions and reactions?

Additional Resources

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David C Cook Editorial

Author David C Cook Editorial

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