Scripture: 2nd Corinthians 8:1-6
We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond their means, begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints— and this, not merely as we expected; they gave themselves first to the Lord and, by the will of God, to us, so that we might urge Titus that, as he had already made a beginning, so he should also complete this generous undertaking among you.
Thought for the Day: Last night, Rev. Dick Maddox did a marvelous presentation on Advanced Directives and other important documents associated with end of life. During his opening comments, he made a casual reference to some of the patients he works with at MD Anderson – specifically a floor with those who have chosen to enter into Phase One Clinical Trials. To my surprise, this is not testing new medications in hopes that those participating in the test will be healed. Instead, these are the necessary trials to better understand what happens at certain dosage levels. Those who agree to participate in a Phase One Clinical Trial at MD Anderson are basically allowing their bodies to be used to save another generation.
This Friday, November 1 (celebrating this Sunday, November 3), is All Saints Day. Among the Saints, we usually think of the great witnesses who died while sharing the faith or missionaries who sacrificed so very much. But as I listened to Rev. Maddox describe these selfless individuals who allow their circumstance to become a study by which future generations will be saved, I realized I needed to add another group to my list of Saints.
There are so many people throughout the centuries who have allowed their life or death witness to become a means by which others experienced the love of God. They are all around us. Who do you see?
Prayer: Merciful God, I give thanks for all those who allow their unique circumstance to be a means by which grace and hope are shared. Amen.
