Living in the Spirit

August 28, 2023

Scripture Reading: Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b

O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name,
   make known his deeds among the peoples.
Sing to him, sing praises to him;
   tell of all his wonderful works.
Glory in his holy name;
   let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Seek the Lord and his strength;
   seek his presence continually.
Remember the wonderful works he has done,
   his miracles, and the judgments he has uttered,
O offspring of his servant Abraham,
   children of Jacob, his chosen ones.

He sent his servant Moses,
   and Aaron whom he had chosen.
that they might keep his statutes
   and observe his laws.
Praise the Lord!—Psalm 105:1-6, 45b

Another shooting, this time at a football game, where a 16-year-old boy was killed and others injured. All those in attendance were changed forever. Who will God send to lead us out of our trials and tribulations? Where is our Moses, our Aaron? Who will save the children? Isaiah addresses that question: Isaiah 6:8: Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I; send me!’

We are not all called to be a Moses or an Isaiah, whose names and responses are recorded for posterity. We are all, however, called to answer, “Here am I; send me!” to do whatever we need to do to build the Beloved Community where children can play without fear.

Prayer: Lord, be present with all who were impacted by the misguided actions of those who use violence to solve their problems. Guide us in addressing the causes of mass shootings and give us the courage to take the necessary actions to stop them. 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.