Scripture: Luke 3:18-20
With many other words John appealed to them, proclaiming good news to the people. But Herod the ruler had been criticized harshly by John because of Herodias, Herod’s brother’s wife, and because of all the evil he had done. He added this to the list of his evil deeds: he locked John up in prison.
Thought for the Day: Let’s be honest with one another – speaking the truth does not make you popular most of the time. In fact, truth-telling can be very unpopular or even dangerous. Scientists, economists, historians and ethicists are ignored, belittled and have even lost their jobs for telling the truth. As a scientist recently told me, “I work for a small nonprofit and I make practically no money. I could have worked where the big money was, but I chose not to sell my soul. So at the end of the day, my work is my legacy. I won’t have a big 401k or stories of great vacations. My big thing is my integrity, and though there are those who, defending their pocketbooks, have attempted to destroy it, I feel very comfortable that history will be on my side.” John refused to be bought out or intimidated or dismissed. The only thing the powerful could do was to arrest John, and in the end, kill him. Of course, whose story do we honor today? Truth-telling is hard at any time in history, including today. The Jesus-Story is all about truth-telling, specifically the truth about love. The powerful didn’t like it then, and sadly, there are many who do not like it today. Not to place too much guilt on those of us reading this devotional, but how will history judge us?
Prayer: Forgive me, Gracious God, where I have allowed short-term gains to become my salvation. Draw me back to the basics of faith – love, kindness, mercy and generosity. Let me not only do the work of truth-telling, but truth-living. I make this request in the name of the one who showed us how, Jesus. Amen.
Today’s Worship
