Focus
Prepare yourself to discern what is and what is not of God today. Still yourself so you can hear how God is calling you.
Read
Luke 21:25-28 (NRSV)
“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Reflect
At the writing of these devotions, there is a breaking report of 8 people killed in another high school shooting. This one is in my home state of Texas, at Santa Fe High School. At the writing of these devotions there are continuing eruptions of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii. The geologists suspect there will be more and perhaps, even, a devastating blast before all is said and done. At the writing of these devotions, the conflict at the Gaza Strip is brutal and deadly. There is a lot of confusion and distress, to use Luke’s words.
We all know about confusion and distress. We know it in our own lives. We know it in the lives of family and friends. We know it in the lives of complete strangers. Is it the end? Are the eastern skies about to tear open and Gabriel’s horn blow? I don’t know. And, honestly, I don’t spend time thinking about it. I am more concerned about how we can be the ones who usher in the help and love of God into troubled times. Fred Rogers talked about the terrible events of his youth that scared him and caused him deep distress. His mother told him to find the helpers because the helpers are where God is. May we ride the clouds of the helpers and be a sign to all that God is present and redemption is close at hand. Let us give good news and practice faithful love.
Pray
Saving God, you have promised to provide for, care for, and protect us. Let us embrace your promises and receive them so that we can offer your gifts to those we meet. We pray in the name of Jesus who is among us. Amen.
Go with God.
