Daily Devotion, April 21, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 14:1-4.

Matthew’s gospel tells this story in its past tense. We are troubled by it because we can’t fix it. There’s nothing we can do to change the outcome. But walk back to a different moment just before this story begins. Let us place ourselves in John the Baptizer’s shoes. Now in his shoes we begin to see John the Baptizer’s dilemma. Do we speak truth to power or just let it go? Yes, if we speak the truth to Herod, the tetrarch, we face possible imprisonment. But if we don’t, can we live with denying our God-given purpose to “prepare the way of the Lord”? John the Baptist was not afraid to speak truth to those in power.

Having the courageous compassion to speak truth to power rarely has positive consequences for the one speaking. But by speaking up one can, as Jesus says in Luke 4:18, “set the oppressed free.”  

Jeremy Wong writes on day 25 in The Lead Anti-Racism Challenge- 40 Day Journey, “When I witness discrimination, I will rise in defense of the powerless.” He quotes Proverbs 31:8, “’Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.’”

Jeremy Wong continues, “Oftentimes, those who are on the receiving end of an injustice are not able to speak up for themselves. Because of the circumstances, they need someone to advocate for them.”

It was turbulent times during John the Baptizer and Jesus’ day.  Jesus understood this well as later in Matthew 14, “When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place.” But the crowds followed him. The people were afraid and Matthew 14:14 says, “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” (The story which follows this is that Jesus fed the five thousand with five loaves and two fish).

Speaking the truth to power calls for much prayer, discernment and listening for God’s leading. It moves us beyond our comfort zone. But if we see injustice, we are called to speak out against it as an advocate with great compassion for others.

Personal Worship Option:

Loving and gracious God, lead us to know when to listen, when to speak up and when to remain silent. Help us to discern your truth. When you call us to speak up, grant us your courage and compassion. Amen.