Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Devotion- Be awake in the Light

 



1 Thessalonians 5:1-13
In yesterday’s epistle lesson
Paul encourages early disciples
By reminding them of the uniqueness
Of the Christian perspective

By using contrasting imagery
Of darkness vs light
Being asleep vs being awake
Paul makes the difference clear

We are called to meet other’s needs
Before we satisfy our own wants
We are called to be shrouded in humility
Not surrounded by pride

We are called to be people of hope
 And not be trapped in despair
We are called to live each day with wonder
And to face difficulty with courage

We look at life and death differently
Not as hopeless romantics 
But out of a compelling belief that
God’s love is our truest companion
            
Our perspective differs from society
As much as day from darkness
Or sleep from wakefulness
So we are labeled as fools

Nevertheless we persist
Encouraging each other
So that our collective lives
May incarnate the gospel hope

As we do, others through us
Catch a glimpse of how faith
Can satisfy the wandering heart
And lead it to joy

A Devotion By Rev. Donald Shaefer,
Northern Region Mission Engagement Facilitator

The photo is Temple Mount in Jerusalem after a rain storm.
This spot also brings together the Christian 
and Muslim faith traditions on such a Holy spot.
The building is bright with the gold dome
 but this is still in the darkness without Jesus.
 photo by Connie Denninger

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