Devotion
Just Mercy
David Jacobs
I recently read a book called Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson that touched me deeply. In the book, Mr. Stevenson, a lawyer, sets up a non-profit organization in the southern states of America with the aim of protecting people that have no means of protecting themselves. The stories of some of his legal teams' cases are shocking: many of the inmates given the death sentence were given horribly unfair trials. Some of them were clearly innocent, some of the cases involved the police tampering with evidence and threatening witnesses, and some of the convicted criminals had severe mental and physical disabilities and would never be able to healthily survive in the American legal system. I truly believe that Mr. Stevenson is doing admirable work and his efforts have improved the American legal system. There is still so much work to be done.
In the first verses of Habakkuk, we read the pleas of a desperate man, crying out to God, wondering why God is not listening. I have certainly felt like my prayers were falling on deaf ears at times. Christ himself even wondered in the gospel of John why his Father had forsaken him. We all have our doubts, especially when faced with immoral, unjust, and evil people. Habbakuk cannot believe that God would stand idly by as the wicked rule his nation. As is the case in many countries and Mr. Stevenson's book illustrates, if the people responsible for "justice" are unjust, the law is broken. If bad people are the ones passing judgment on the good, wrong judgment and evil prevails.
The final verse speaks of work, and that is the responsibility of all Christians.
Prayer
We have been given God's moral compass in His word; we have received the teachings of Christ and the disciples; we have no excuse not to stand up to the injustices that prevail in many of our nations. If we work as one, we cannot fail: God is on our side. He will hear our prayers.
Night Prayer
The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
Inspiration
When a king rules with fairness and justice, his kingdom will flourish. If the same king accepts gifts or bribes, his kingdom will fall. We've all observed a person in a leadership position who acted wrongfully. Perhaps a boss did not discipline employees fairly, or a political leader accepted kickbacks for legislation decisions. These corrupt actions lead to their demise. Scripture advises leaders to maintain justice with fair decision-making. As leaders, we must reflect on the mercy and grace God shows to us and lead others in the same fashion.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for coaching us in our leadership endeavors. We have faith in Your Words and will lead Your people accordingly. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Devotion
The Widow of Naim
Frances Taylor
This story of Jesus' raising the son of the widow of Naim gives us some information that lets us know just how important it was for this widow. At that time, women had no way to earn a living. They were property of their parents until they became property of their husbands, and actually moved into the home of the husband. Now that this widow's son had died, she had no one to take care of her. The compassion that Jesus showed meant life to that widow. I'm sure the leaders weren't too happy that the power of God to raise someone from the dead rested in Jesus. There must also have been those who were saying, "Why her and not me?" We all will die and we will all lose someone we love including those of us who have and will lose children. We can easily read this passage and question. It can be difficult to understand God's plan for us, even though we keep trying. It is better to concentrate on the positive than the negative. A priest I once knew lost ...
