Devotion:
Read Matthew 10:2-4.
It’s just a listing of the twelve that Jesus called out from among his many disciples. Why would we be reading that for a devotional passage? I have invited you to do so because of two names on that list: “Matthew the tax collector” and “Simon the zealot.” Because of those descriptions given with their names, we know there would have been a deep tension between these two men, especially Simon toward Matthew. Being a tax collector meant he worked for the Roman government, collecting taxes on their behalf from his own people. For that reason alone, Simon would have hated him. I can only imagine that tension present among them in those early meetings with Jesus. But Jesus taught them the way of love, rather than hate, even toward enemies.
A common statement these days is “I can’t talk to certain family members or friends anymore because we are so divided.” As we continue this sermon series today in worship, the Lord has given me this message: for God’s sake, let’s not give in to that. Be assured, I understand that issue. I also have family members and friends with whom I disagree about many matters and have felt somewhat estranged and distant from them over the past couple of years. But I believe that God does not want us to be defeated by this, to give into it. It is an evil spirit of rancor and division that has been let loose among us, but our Lord assured us that he had overcome all of the evils of this world and we need not be afraid of anything that seeks to defeat us.
I invite you to join us in worship today as we are reminded of this God and renew our belief that God can overcome anything in our life, including the divisions we feel even among those we love.
Personal Worship Option:
Who are the two or three people you most miss talking to and spending time with, because differences with them have separated you? Pray and ask God to guide you in opening up a conversation with them.
No comments:
Post a Comment