Epiphany
January 6, 2017

Scripture Reading: Acts 10:34-43

We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’ –Acts 10:39-43

I recently served on jury duty. I was called on my first day to serve in a civil case; my service was short lived. I took it seriously as did the others. It was not a life or death case, involved discerning who should get paid for what. Based on the facts presented, it was a very easy decision. I am glad I live in a country that practices the rule of law.

I also praise God that Jesus Christ drew the assignment of judging people regarding God’s laws. We humans have a great need to take over that tasks from time to time. Life is about discerning what is right and what is wrong for ourselves with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We guide our children to help them grow into adults with the skills to make such decisions. When invited we might help a friend or relative work through the issues they face in discerning right from wrong, assuring that we have done our best to witness to God’s love through Jesus Christ. Life is rarely black or white. If there are any absolutes, they belong to God and Jesus’ discernment. While it is important that we model forgiveness in our lives, ultimate forgiveness lies in God’s domain.

It is probably easier to live in an ideology of absolutes rather than taking up our cross daily and walking the walk with our brothers and sisters in Christ with only the power of love to sustain us; it is what we are called to do. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

Prayer: Lord, enable our love to spread your message through our actions as well as our words. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized 
Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council 
of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.