EPIPHANY IS TOMORROW
Scripture: Matthew 2:3-5a
When King Herod heard this, he was troubled, and everyone in Jerusalem was troubled with him. He gathered all the chief priests and the legal experts and asked them where the Christ was to be born. They said, “In Bethlehem of Judea…
Thought for the Day: People like stability; people like conformity; people like cohesion. It is fascinating how much people will sacrifice to keep things the same…even when ‘the same’ is not all that pleasant. According to Matthew, “everyone in Jerusalem was troubled” by the news of a potential new king. King Herod was no Mother Theresa, and though he did a few things that were good for that region, his overall policies were rather oppressive. You would have thought that people would have been excited to hear of one who might offer an alternative to the same old policies offered by Herod. There is an old idiom that says: Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t know. There is certainly truth to those words, but such thinking can also become the mantra of those who die at the alter of the same. A good resolution for many us might be to listen and give credibility to suggestions and ideas that cause some initial discomfort. That does not mean we jump in with both feet at every suggestion, but let us not be immediately troubled by something outside the usual.
Prayer: Give me some spiritual courage, O Lord of the Unexpected Gifts, that I might discern your work and invitation. Assist my spirit as I set aside any initial fears and discomfort that might keep me from fully discerning your call. Amen.
JOIN PASTOR BRUCE
ON THE CAMEL WALK
10am at Meyer Park
10:30am – Combined Worship
