Scripture: Romans 12:19-21
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Thought for the Day: Tomorrow evening (Sunday evening), Cypress Creek will be showing the movie/musical, The Cotton Patch Gospel. It is based upon the writings of Clarence Jordan, the wonderful Biblical Scholar who translated much of the New Testament from the perspective of the 1960’s racial tensions in the south. A number of years later, Harry Chapin took the writings and put them to music – creating the musical, The Cotton Patch Gospel. In working on the project, Chapin wrote, “If a man tried to take his time on earth and prove before he died, what one man’s life could be worth, well I wonder what would happen to this world?” I invite us to come and reflect on what one man’s life meant to the world as told through the eyes of Clarence Jordan and Harry Chapin, and then begin to ponder what our lives could be worth if only we lived our lives as Jesus did, giving food to our enemies, providing drink to the thirsty, and by overcoming evil with acts of goodness.
Prayer: Provide me examples of your unmerited grace, O Lord who teaches us to overcome evil with good. Challenge me with the generosity of care you have shown me, a care that I am to share with those who I might define as my enemy. Amen.
