A Daily Dose of Good News
Monday, November 1, 2021
Pastor Steve’s devotional is available online at https://youtu.be/Qli60SN9-iI
A printer-friendly version of the devotion is available at DDGN 20211101
You may dialog with Pastor Steve on this devotion at steve.wachtman@me.com
Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:17-21)
Fuel for Peace
Yesterday in worship
We shared in the festival of the Reformation
With the Bible texts central to the good news
Which inspired that movement within the church
Our 500 years ago now.
Jesus saying, those who follow me with know the truth
And the truth will set them free.
Jeremiah prophesying about a new covenant
That will be written not on stones but on the hearts
Of the least and the greatest who will know the Lord.
And then the Apostle Paul declares”
“There is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God;
they are now justified by his grace as a gift,
through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood,
effective through faith.
So our futures are assured
All salvation has been accomplished for us through Christ Jesus,
Drawing us into the righteousness of God.
And the righteousness of God include peace with all people —
A peace for which we are now agents.
And thanks to the redemption we have received in Christ Jesus our Lord
God has given us all we need to be agents.
For what need of there is vengeance
For those whose salvation is secure?
What need is there for attachment to my bread, my drink
For those who recognize all they have as a gift of God?
What need is there to judge the evil of others
When the onus of judgment ultimately falls on God alone?
And therein lies fuel for agents of peace
Who believe God has already indeed secure their life and salvation:
Do not resist.
Do not attach.
Do not judge.
There is no need.
Instead, love your enemy,
Give to those would take from you.
Do good to those who hate you.
Standing in need of nothing,
The peacemaker is always the first
To let go of any satisfaction which might rightfully be theirs
And return good for evil instead.
Such coals of kindness are the fuel for peace. Amen
