6/17/20

Our scripture this week is Matthew 10:24-31.

“The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household! So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Jesus taught that we should not be so afraid of earthly challenges but rather concentrate on the eternal nature of our existence. He wanted us to live with the confidence that God was concerned about our lives and know the everlasting love He has for us. If God values His children, who can dispute their worth?

In our society today (much as it was in Jesus’ time) there are those that seem less important, less valued by the community. Jesus warns that all are the same as God’s children and we risk God’s judgement when we do not treat all as brothers and sisters. We do not have the power to assign value to one another, our loving Creator has already done that.

There will always be misunderstandings and disagreements but as His people it is up to us to treat everyone with dignity and listen to their concerns as Jesus did. By hearing the issues others face, we can better understand their fears and how we can be part of the love God sends to help them. Jesus calls each of us to be peacemakers by paying attention.

Loving Lord, we are often concerned only with our own affairs, unable to understand what others face in our world. Help us to be compassionate listeners, ready to offer Your love and care to those in need. Amen.

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