October 29th - Reflection

Video
http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=bdfc40720b2c71be2d43

Readings
Lamentations 1:1-2:22
Lamentations 2:17 - The LORD has done what he purposed, he has carried out his threat; as he ordained long ago, he has demolished without pity; he has made the enemy rejoice over you, and exalted the might of your foes.
Philemon 1:1-25
Philemon 1:17-18 - So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me, If he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account.
Psalm 101:1-8
Psalm 101:1 - I will sing of loyalty and of justice; to you, O LORD, I will sing.
Proverbs 26:20

Reflection
Lament the city left desolate and bare. A city that once was the life of the people. Worship and sacrifice and festivals, gatherings of the Chosen of God together to worship their Savior from slavery. A city that was brought to power with the hand of God working through the Judges and Kings and most of all the glory of King David. A city brought to a luster by King Solomon and then all the wisdom that prevailed that leaders from all around would gather here to understand how the world's wisdom ruled through our God.

But then the people fell to the temptations of selfishness. They fell to the misleading of others ideas and other religions and worst of all other gods. Other gods that had been present all along but have now come back into use. The people turned from Yahweh to foreign gods. Turned their backs and walked away. So now the city lay empty and destroyed. All of the good things that were celebrated years ago are in silence. The LORD had carried out his threat. He tried to turn it all around, but the people continued to turn. Only a small remnant of faithful left!

But, oh that remnant. How God loves the few. How God restores His creation. The faithful. God gives faith. Receive it, take it, learn and listen to the teachings and the Word and begin to be renewed in His awesome creation. God can rebuild you from the dust on up. There is hope, even amongst the burnt ashes. Turn from your old ways and face God. Jesus has come to redeem you. He has come to take the charge for your sin on His account. Just as Paul sent his partner on, Jesus sends each one of us as His disciple on into use in His Kingdom day after day.

Through this act of love in Jesus, this redemption, we can rise from the ashes of our crushed and ruined lives in hope to once again sing of loyalty and justice to the Lord. The One God who is our Savior, from our sinful, selfish, selves. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, I come to You a broken man, in sin. Forgive me as I face You humbly. Forgive me and pull me from this ruin of ashes to serve You this day in Your Kingdom. ---Amen