In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Mark 1:9
It is very important that Jesus was baptized by John. Why? Because it means that Jesus repented, and so should we. To repent is to change. Jesus hadn’t sinned, he was without sin, but he did change. Each of us is a work in progress, not yet perfect, and so to change is necessary in order to grow as a human being and follower of Jesus. The good news is the Holy Spirit will help us, just like it helped Jesus.
Speaking of change, our country the United States, is perhaps experiencing a time of change. This can be very scary, and when people are scared or making choices out of fear, they can make bad choices. It was wrong for people to storm the Capitol building, vandalize, and wreak havoc. Vandalism and looting are not God’s will for any group of people.
At the same time, it is out of chaos that God creates new life. From the crucifixion came resurrection. From the earth being a formless void, the Spirit of God created the cosmos. And so not all is lost. Far from it. Rather, God will 100% always be faithful. No matter what your political preferences are, God loves you unconditionally. When any of us fails, sometimes very badly, at doing what is right, God calls us to repent and change from our sinful ways. Even Jesus repented and changed!
In what ways is God calling you to repent? How can we together tolerate deep differences while loving the dignity that God has placed in each of us? How can we love our enemies as Jesus told us to do? Please pray with me:
Dear God,
You are a wonderous God that gives us more than we deserve. You freely give us salvation, even though we are poor helpless sinners. Thank you! God we confess that we have failed to serve you adequately. We know that we have failed because we see things happening all around us that cannot be your will. We haven’t done enough to bring your Kingdom to Earth. Please forgive our sins. Thank you for men and women who work to protect life and preserve order. Thank you for people who peacefully lift up their voice in protest. Teach us Lord, to live out our faith everyday at home, at work, and in the public square. Be with each elected official and by your Spirit give them the courage to submit to your will, to seek your guidance, to see you as our Morning Star and hope of the nations. We pray for peace. Quell the fears and anxieties that would lead to a temptation to act out in violence to person or property. Give us a peace that passes all understanding. Help us to work out our differences in a civilized way. Save us by your grace and lead us into faith. In Jesus name, Amen.
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