Scripture: Luke 13:34
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those who were sent to you! How often I have wanted to gather your people just as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But you didn’t want that.
Thought for the Day: Why are we so offended when someone challenges us or calls us out? The prophets were an indispensable voice throughout Israel’s history. Their message challenged the establishment, often calling out abuse, hypocrisy and greed. Such actions are usually rooted in fear which is directly connected to attitudes of scarcity – scarcity that leads to hoarding of power and material possessions. When fear is the motivator, any sort of challenge only intensifies the fear. And as Jesus suggested, the prophets were stoned and killed. The world hasn’t changed much over the centuries, yet with each prophet who is killed or silenced, another one appears. It might not happen immediately, but in time, another voice will speak. Of course, when you’ve watched those ahead of you lose everything, even their lives, it can be a bit intimidating to say YES to God’s call. Next time you feel threatened, and you find yourself immediately pushing back, see if you can pause long enough to ask God for help in discernment. Maybe the person is a prophet, a voice you need to hear.
Prayer: Continue to send the challenging voices, God of the Prophets. Help to put down my stone long enough to see whether I need to confess and seek repentance. Amen.
