Loving God of the ages, make today count as a special day in the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Psalm 2: 1 Why the big noise, nations? Why the mean plots, peoples? 2 Earth-leaders push for position, Demagogues and delegates meet for summit talks, The God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers: 3 "Let's get free of God! Cast loose from Messiah!" 4 Heaven-throned God breaks out laughing. At first he's amused at their presumption; 5 Then he gets good and angry. Furiously, he shuts them up: 6 "Don't you know there's a King in Zion? A coronation banquet Is spread for him on the holy summit." 7 Let me tell you what God said next. He said, "You're my son, And today is your birthday. 8 What do you want? Name it: Nations as a present? continents as a prize? 9 You can command them all to dance for you, Or throw them out with tomorrow's trash." 10 So, rebel-kings, use your heads; Upstart-judges, learn your lesson: 11 Worship God in adoring embrace, 12 Kiss Messiah! Your very lives are in danger, you know; His anger is about to explode, But if you make a run for God - you won't regret it! (The Message)
The theme this week has been on Jesus' Transfiguration, the event on the mountain that revealed the Glory of God to the disciples and, in turn, to us. This is a prophetic word written hundreds of years before the actual event. David has heard God speak of those points where humanity thinks it is just fine, thank you, without God or God's help. This modern version makes it seem as if it was ripped from today's headlines. The cause or reason may be different, but sometimes the underlying motivation for some is the same; where is God? Is there a God? If there is a God, why does God allow suffering to happen? In case you happen to at times wonder the same thing; God is everywhere, yes, there is a God, and it is not God that causes our suffering or the suffering of others, we do or natural disasters happen, etc. God has revealed Glory, love, justice, and peace through Jesus. Jesus came to call us to run towards God not away from Him. In all things we should acknowledge God and God's work in our lives and we will be blessed and comforted.
Yes, there are times and situations where we seem alone or heartbroken beyond repair, but even in those times God has been with us and is with us even now. Our job is to tell others the same and to work for the good of our brothers and sisters.
PRAYER: Loving God, let my run in life be towards You, not away from You. Be merciful to the ones undergoing events or situations where they are hurting and thinking they are alone. Help me to be one of your messengers of hope and peace. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
