from Redeemer Pastor Mark H. Larson
As I write this week’s devotions, the ballot counting from what looks to be one of the closest Presidential elections in our nation’s history continues. I think it is obvious that no matter who the eventual victor is, we are a nation that continues to be deeply divided over political ideology. Yet, we can share our thanksgiving to God for living in a nation in which each of us can cast a vote without fear or intimidation.
In such a time, our world needs the Church more than ever. While each political party will continue to make its arguments, and we hope that lively debate brings more in-depth insight, we stand together with the same mission we have always had:
Therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5.
No matter who you voted for, I hope that the following prayer, which has been part of my personal devotions this week, will be of comfort and guidance to you:
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
A prayer attributed to Francis of Assisi
From sundaysandseasons.com.
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