Scripture: Psalm 115:10-13
Trust in the LORD, house of Aaron! God is their help and shield. You who honor the LORD, trust in the LORD! God is their help and shield. The LORD remembers us and will bless us: God will bless the house of Israel; God will bless the house of Aaron; God will bless those who honor the LORD— from the smallest to the greatest.
Thought for the Day: Clement VII was born Robert of Geneva, but took the name Clement VII when he was elected Pope on this day in 1378AD. It was during a schism, and so there was another Pope who claimed the title as well. What’s fascinating about Clement VII was his resume. Most of us when looking for a job, especially in the field of religion, are going to want our resume to communicate high ethical and moral standards. We desire adjectives and titles associated with our name that will catch people’s attention in a positive way. Clement VII, when he was still known as Robert of Geneva, got the nickname: The Butcher of Cesena. In what was known as the War of the Eight Saints, Robert of Geneva led the troops on a city called Cesena, and he authorized the massacre of between 3,000 – 8,000 civilians – mostly women and children. Too often we dismiss these kinds of acts because they happened “a long time ago,” yet that really should not be a reason for justification or acquittal. There is simply no way of explaining or vindicating such an act.
How will I be remembered? This isn’t a question of legacy in the sense of monuments or buildings with my name attached to them. It is a question of my impact upon this world beyond my life. Will the influence I have had move the world a little closer to God’s kingdom, or will those who follow me be battling a negative headwind created by my actions? Most of us are a mixed bag, and God is most definitely generous with grace. At the same time, I cannot use it as an excuse. I do not need my name remembered in the annals of history, but I sure hope my work is remembered positively in the heavenly realm.
Prayer: Use me for the work of your kingdom, O Lord of Love. Place me in the stream of good works that I might add to the forward movement of your kingdom building. Amen.
HOPE IT IS ON YOUR CALENDAR
