Monday's Devotion from Epiphany
Luke 13. 2 He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? 3No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. (NRSV)
Devotion: I cannot read this passage without the tragedy of 9/11 coming to mind It was read over and over in the Fall of 2001. The death of innocent citizens from over 90 nations cannot just be dismissed as the demonic actions of a dozen people. “Why does Billy hate me?” cannot be deflected or blamed on Billy’s ignorance. We must look within.
Jesus is not justifying the taking of innocent life. Far from it. These occurrences are not always accidents but sometimes innocent suffer for others. I believe that all of our actions have consequences, intended or not. Bad things do happen to good people, there is no getting round that. When we are involved, we need to understand why. Why did what we do cause something bad? Why did it happen to me? Not to excuse these actions but to find a way to prevent them from happening again.
The President has been in the Middle East. Some continue to condemn his diplomacy, especially with those who have not been our allies. We have to change, not because others want us to, but because we have been pretty self-centered when it comes to dealing with and Jesus calls us on it.
We need to change, Jesus, but we are afraid it will be a sign of weakness. Help us to see you in the faces of others that we might repent. Amen
Devotion: I cannot read this passage without the tragedy of 9/11 coming to mind It was read over and over in the Fall of 2001. The death of innocent citizens from over 90 nations cannot just be dismissed as the demonic actions of a dozen people. “Why does Billy hate me?” cannot be deflected or blamed on Billy’s ignorance. We must look within.
Jesus is not justifying the taking of innocent life. Far from it. These occurrences are not always accidents but sometimes innocent suffer for others. I believe that all of our actions have consequences, intended or not. Bad things do happen to good people, there is no getting round that. When we are involved, we need to understand why. Why did what we do cause something bad? Why did it happen to me? Not to excuse these actions but to find a way to prevent them from happening again.
The President has been in the Middle East. Some continue to condemn his diplomacy, especially with those who have not been our allies. We have to change, not because others want us to, but because we have been pretty self-centered when it comes to dealing with and Jesus calls us on it.
We need to change, Jesus, but we are afraid it will be a sign of weakness. Help us to see you in the faces of others that we might repent. Amen
posted by John | 12:02 AM
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