Devotion
They Don’t Listen
Frances Taylor
Time and time again, prophets were sent to the leaders of Israel trying to bring them back to God, away from their idols, but they didn't listen. The time described above is not different and the result is not different. The leaders wanted the king to rule in their favor, they wanted power, and whatever else they could get. What they got, however, was the Syrian army that came to Judah and Jerusalem and destroyed all the princes of the people that had gone against God and sent the spoils to Damascus. What did they gain by worshiping idols? What do we gain by ignoring the teachings of Jesus and making idols of money, power, fame, and even ourselves? People with too much money often live in fear that someone will come and steal it. Notice that the fences and walls of the rich are usually higher than those of the poor. Fame is fleeting and those who have it spend a lot of time worrying about their safety. Power? There's always someone who wants to take their place and are willing to do almost anything to get it. There's no point in talking about those who put themselves up as some kind of god as they may achieve all of the above – fame, power, and money – but their lifestyles usually are missing something very important, happiness. The people of Judah didn't find happiness by ignoring God, and neither will we.
Prayer
Gracious God, may we have ears open to hear your message of love and your rules for achieving true happiness and the will to follow you. Amen.
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 ...
