Living in the Spirit
October 11, 2021
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 53:4-12
Surely he has borne our infirmities
and carried our diseases;
yet we accounted him stricken,
struck down by God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions,
crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the punishment that made us whole,
and by his bruises we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have all turned to our own way,
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all. –Isaiah 53:4-6
The above scripture, written most likely in the 6th century B.C.E., is often interpreted by Christians as describing the death of Jesus. That said, sin seems to rear its ugly head cyclically as humans start going astray often when greed and power overcome their worldly desires to base their lives on their relationship with God.
Our greatest challenge in maturing our faith is accepting that the love of God, our loving God, and loving our neighbors as we love ourselves are more precious than worldly riches and more satisfying than being a powerbroker.
What would such a world look like? First, each person would be loved and encouraged to realize their full potential. All people would be appropriately educated, well-nourished and healthy, and capable of self-sufficiency. Servant leaders would measure their worth by the accomplishments of their team members. All would strive for the oneness Jesus called us to in John 17. Such a world might actually have a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Prayer: Lord, guide us in self-awareness before we fall into the traps of greed and lust for power. Show us the better way. 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 America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.