Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing"1 (Lyrics) |
Isaiah 51:6 – Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner; but my salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will never be dismayed. (ESV)
New global weather patterns make their presence felt and impose the requirement to change the way that we do life or else suffer the consequences: drought, wildfires, floods, and landslides, in addition to war, famine, and plague. Politicians, too, are now forced to recognize the need for change. This planet has increasingly limited resources for its fast-growing population of nearly eight billion. I can remember a time when it was just over half that number!
Civil wars, armies that appropriate territories and nations, multinationals, media moguls, and despots demonstrate that injustice, fear, and exploitation of the powerless by the powerful are still current phenomena. It is only a nuance how destruction and disaster are working out their purposes today. New people, maybe with new weapons but with old evil motivations and misguided cravings, seek to exploit people for their own benefit at the expense of others.
Jeremiah 32:33 – They have turned to me their back and not their face. And though I have taught them persistently, they have not listened to receive instruction. (ESV)
The people of Israel suffered the exile because of their evil practices. As a kingdom and as individuals, they had turned their backs to the voice of God, through His prophets, who warned them of their impending doom.
It was no different in Jesus' day. Only a few listened and were able to hear and to receive the words of salvation.
John 1:10-12 – He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (ESV)
In Jesus' day, they believed that they had a personal right to their fair share, not to be exploited, belittled, neglected, forgotten, abused, killed, and enslaved. In their midst, Jesus continued to call out the good news.
In the modern Me Too movement, people are breaking their silence and demanding to be heard, recognized, and valued, in order to fight injustice, prejudice, and inequality.
John 18:37 – You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world — to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice. (ESV)
Likewise, Jesus breaks His silence and cries out, "Me too! Hear me, recognize what I offer, and value my good news!" Let's all join His Me Too movement!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we rejoice that by Your sacrifice, You have set us free. In You, we are a new creation. You are the light to the world in dark times, an influence to bring peace to those who have ears to hear. Enable us to see, hear, and value You as the glorified and reigning King. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Great devotional.
Amen, Rod. Happy New Year.
Thanks, Rod for sharing your hope and strength today.
With you I too say AMEN. Happy new year. Thank you for your message.
Thanks for your great devotion. Lots of thought in it.
(Ontario, Canada)
Amen and amen! Thank you, Rod, for sharing this encouraging devotional with us! Blessings today and throughout the upcoming year!
Hello Rod,
Thank you for this informative and enlightening devotional today. Blessings for these writings you contribute.
Hi Rod,
I really appreciate your devotion, and especially the final paragraph:
Jesus saying: ME too!
Well done!!
Amen!!! There are many I know who agree with you. Our Lord Jesus is still on his throne! God is not surprised by this upside-down world lacking, in many cases, common sense. Thank you for your words of encouragement and peace.
Thank you for this message. As a Christian environmental and social justice activist, but one who is beginning to age, I resonate with your words. But sometimes. as I despair of the future of my country and my world, I forget that there is a yet a future, that God is in control even now. You have given me hope to continue to work for God’s Kingdom.
Stay safe and keep well. Blessings.
Dear Rod,
Great message using the good example of the “Me Too” movement where those brave women have decided to share what they have kept secret for so long despite the hardship to themselves to make this a better world for the future generations.
I am not sure if I had lived when Jesus was on the earth if I would have recognized and followed him. I will never know, but I know the value of joining His “Me Too” movement and value the time spent sharing about Jesus so that others may have the opportunity to know him. Every little reaching out has the chance to multiply like the stone tossed into the water.
Best wishes for 2022 and look forward to many more interesting devotionals. Blessings.