This week, devotions are based on a section of "The Strength of Love" called 'Our God is Able" - by Martin Luther King, Jr.
In his graphic account of the Battle of Waterloo in Les Miserables , Victor Hugo wrote: "Was it possible that Napoleon should win this battle? We answer no. Why? Because of Wellington? Because of Blucher? No. Because of God....Napoleon had been impeached before the Infinite, and his fall was decreed. He vexed God. Waterloo is not a battle; it is the change of front of the universe."
This is like the words of the great prophets who wrote and spoke of the powers of Assyria and Babylon as though they were able to devour the people of Israel and Judah but ultimately they were confounded and defeated and God's people were set free. It is easier to say such things after they have taken place. What is most important is to be actively involved in the present confrontation of evil. When we do not take part in resisting evil, it moves on and on. Yes, it will eventually fall, and yet for now, it does not act like a brute about to fall. It was not until the end of the Third Reich that people knew it was over. Evil will not stop its relentless push to devour and rule and create chaos. God empowers God's people to act in a manner that reflects the power of creative justice that works for the welfare of the all the world's people.
Connection: In time - that means in the making of this day - evil will fall...again and again. It will continue to get up and try to rule us but we are daily invited to remember our baptism and the power for life that resists the way of evil among us.
God of Justice and Mercy and Peace, always help us to see the way you step into the world to walk with us even as evil prevails. Help us to walk as though you are alongside us to hold up the living witness of your Reign. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment