Kingdom Building

November 17, 2019

Scripture Reading: Luke 21:5-19

‘But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls. –Luke 21:12-19

I am one of those introverts who thinks of the right thing to say two hours or so after leaving the meeting or visit in which I needed to comment. I hope I usually say something appropriate, but I do not always say what I think would be the best response. I also at times role around in my bed for hours in the night trying to word in my mind the input I might have in a difficult upcoming discussion. I cannot count the task forces and committees etc. on which I have served. On analysis, I think like Jacob I wrestle with God on these occasions which allows me to say to God all the things I should not say in the meeting. Once I get them off my chest, I am more opened to the uncommon common sense of God. Perhaps God intercedes with me when I must respond extemporaneously by giving me the something appropriate to say while allowing me time to discern the best way.

One of our founders, Thomas Paine when considering the plight of our nations beginnings is quoted as saying: These are the times that try men’s souls. Those words are applicable now. I would add women to those impacted. I think we are at a crossroads where we can bravely move forward toward a new and better civilization or become the ruins our descendants will visit some day as I did a few years ago walking the streets of Ephesus. I sensed the presence of Paul there. Nearby was the site where tradition says that Luke did his medical training. While Ephesus and the medical school lie in ruin, Paul and Luke’s writings are as meaningful today as they were then.

We serve a living God who can put words in our mouths or take them out if we invite God to guide us toward that new and better civilization, Christ called the Kingdom of God.

Prayer: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart    be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer*. Amen.

*Psalm 19:14

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 America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.