Devotion
I Remember
Frances Taylor
The exiles in Babylon were being forced to sing "Yahweh's" songs and they were really not happy! Every time they sang of Jerusalem, of God's goodness they were reminded of what they had lost.
Music is an interesting force in our lives even if we're not aware of it. Think about when you were first in school, how did you learn the alphabet? I bet you sang the letters. Music can trigger memories either good or not. Why is it that couples have "their" song? And if the couple breaks up, that same song is painful to hear rather than joyous. For the Israelites their liturgical songs, their victory songs, all brought awareness of the fact that they were in exile because they had abandoned their God. This singer vows that he would rather lose his hands – that play the instrument – and his tongue – his ability to sing – than to give in to his captors.
The hymns we sing in our churches are prayers. Just as the book of Psalms was and is the hymnal and prayer book for the Jewish people. The hymns, more than sermons last in our memories. If you don't believe me, try to remember the last three sermons you heard, and then remember your three favorite hymns. We remember "In the Garden" when we need to be comforted by God's presence; "Rock of Ages" reminds us of God's saving acts. "Let There Be Peace on Earth" is an anthem that gatherings in churches and in communities unite to sing as a prayer of hope. I'm sure you can think of other hymns that have meaning for you. Think of how you would feel if you were in exile and were forced to sing these songs by your captors so that they could mock you. And then how you would feel if all of this was your own fault. The psalms have been kept alive for us so that we can relate to our ancestors in faith and know that we have a God who understands us as he understood them.
Prayer
Lord, may the music of our hearts bring us ever closer to you and remind us of the great love you have for us. 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 ...
