Living in the Spirit
November 7, 2018
Scripture Reading: Psalm 127
Unless the Lord builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord guards the city,
the guard keeps watch in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives sleep to his beloved. –Psalm 127:1-2
I am writing this the day before the election when there is a lot of anxious toil. I am looking forward to the number of emails I get proclaiming if I do not send three dollars or twenty dollars or make the donation of my choice the world will come to an end. It will also be nice to listen to the news without having to hear hate-speech about one party or the other or one candidate or another. I do like some of the modern conveniences. One is the ability to record my favorite TV shows, so I can click through the ads without missing any of a program. I try not to pay attention to any ad that does not have a notation that the candidate being supported approved the message. We do need campaign finance reform.
I am writing this before I know the outcome of the election. That is probably why when I read the above scripture today, I took hope in the sentence, It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, –when anyone’s labors are not in synch with the will of God.
The election was yesterday, most results are finalized. We now know the shape and tenor of our governmental structures with which we must work for a time as we continue our journey in doing justice, showing mercy, and walking humbly with God*. Our call is eternal and unchanging as is our source of strength.
I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!’ (John 16:33)
Prayer: Grant us your peace, O Lord, that we may serve you boldly with the fullness of faith. Amen.
*See Micah 6:8