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
Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
Inspiration
We humble ourselves before the Lord when faced with the almighty power He possesses. Death is final to us, yet it has no command over the Maker of the heavens and earth. God has authority over all His creation; we feel small, yet mighty and honored, to be loved by Him. We are grateful that the One who holds the world in the palm of His hand also carries our spirits close to His heart and feels we are worthy to experience eternal life.
Prayer
Dear God, we humble ourselves before You. Thank You for considering us worthy of Your love. We devote our spirits to You and are proud to be Your children. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
