November 10

November 10

Jesus' Conversations -- Jesus talks with women, soldiers, & the thief on the cross.

Today's Readings:

Reading 1: Luke 23:26-44

Reading 2: 1 Corinthians 2:7-8

Reading 3: 1 Peter 2:18-25

As Jesus is being taken out and unjustly killed, for doing nothing wrong, He is clear in His final words to point others to the truth and to freedom in God. To the women who are lamenting His impending death He says "weep for yourselves and your children, for worse is coming." For the soldiers who are crucifying Him, he prays: "Father, forgive them for they don't know what they are doing." And to the repentant thief, He promises paradise today!

What an inspiration for us - to speak the truth in love, even when we are rejected, or persecuted. I am not referring to faux outrage about Starbucks using red cups that don't say Christmas, but the much harsher mistreatment we may well have to face as society turns against religion and lumps true followers of Jesus in with that repulsion. Paul warns the Corinthians that this world does not understand God's plans, and Peter writes to those trapped in slavery that they can please God by acting counter-intuitively in their suffering. He is not endorsing slavery, but he is promoting radical servanthood that makes the power and love of God visible in an evil world.

You and I may well have the opportunity to do the same in our lifetime. Jesus is worth it!

Have a great day!

Mark.