Tuesday Devotion - August 11 
 
Common English Bible (CEB)
"Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who will receive good things from my Father. Inherit the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world began.  I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me.'
 
        The 25th chapter of Matthew's Gospel teaches about responsibility: the bridesmaids' responsibility for the wedding, the steward's responsibility to take care of the master's money and teaching about responsibility needed to inherit the Kingdom. My reading of this passage came as a result of events regarding the responsibility I have for all of God's children in the matter of equality and justice. The recent attention to the peaceful protests of John Lewis calls into question how each of us decides how and when to act responsibly. In searching internet resources, I came upon this quote: "You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today. You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself." All of this led me to ask myself these questions.
  • When was the last time I was outraged about an event I saw in the news and what did I do about it?
  • When was the last time I heard a rude or disparaging remark and spoke against it?
  • When did I see someone who obviously needed help and stopped to offer assistance?
  • Have I emailed or written to a public official, local or federal, with some serious concern about social justice?
  • How do I model the behavior and language I value?
 
Holy and Merciful God, forgive me when I fail to act in accordance with your Word. Help me to incorporate the wisdom of the Gospel into every thought and every action. Guide me to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with you. In the name of Christ, my Lord. Amen.
                                                                        Sue Uzelmeier
 
820 Almshouse Road  Ivyland, PA 18974
215 357-6998   stjumc@aol.com