Devotion
United as One Kingdom
Frances Taylor
The last time before the Judeans and the Israelites were united with one king was under the kingship of Solomon. Then the lands were divided – Israel in the North and Judea in the South. But both kingdoms fell first to the Assyrians and then the Babylonians and the people were sent into exile. The kings at that time allowed idol worship and other sins against God. They refused to listen to the prophets and suffered the consequences. God is now promising those in exile that they will return to their homeland and there will be one king of the now reunited country. Now we know that they were only faithful for a time and then were conquered by the Greeks and then the Romans. At the Last Supper, Jesus will appeal for unity among his followers. Christianity started out as one, but now is also divided. God must be wondering if human beings will ever get it together and learn from the mistakes of the past. We even sometimes forget that Jesus offered his life to save ALL people, not just a few. Next week at this time we will be standing in front of the tomb in Jerusalem waiting for the stone to be rolled back so that we can witness the empty tomb and rejoice in the promise of eternal life. Let us pray as Jesus did that all may be one in him.
Prayer
Dear Lord, you keep sending us reminders of the fact that you want unity among your peoples. Help us to be agents of unity and not division. Amen.
Night Prayer
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
Inspiration
The Christian life is not a trouble-free life. Jesus told us to expect trouble, and Paul certainly experienced it himself. Yet, God gives us the strength to withstand being pressed from every side without breaking. He gives us the wisdom and hope to see past difficulty and confusion so that we do not fall into despair. God doesn’t often remove our trouble, but He always gives us what we need when trouble comes.
Prayer
God, please be with me in this time of difficulty. At every turn, others are opposing me. It feels like the whole world is against me. Give me the endurance to wait out this season of hardship, and guard my hope so that I don’t forget that You have already secured my victory. And be my strength, that I may withstand whatever challenges and insults come my way. In Jesus’ name, amen.
