September 29th - Reflection

Michael and All Angels
Daniel 10:10-14; 12;1-3 (NRSV)

But then a hand touched me and roused me to my hands and knees. He said to me, "Daniel, greatly beloved, pay attention to the words that I am going to speak to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you." So while he was speaking this word to me, I stood up trembling. He said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me twenty-one days. So Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, and I left him there with the prince of the kingdom of Persia, and have come to help you understand what is to happen to your people at the end of days. For there is a further vision for those days."

"At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise. There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

Reflection
Pay attention...listen...the Word is about to speak. Don't be afraid. Set your mind to gain understanding and humble yourself. Speak the Word of God boldly to the people. Speak the Word God gives to you to those you meet this day. Some will hear that Word through you.

A Protector of the faithful has come to you and to me also. Through Jesus Christ life, death and resurrection, we will live. Sure, there will be a time of anguish. We must live our lives in these broken bodies and proclaim the hope and faith that Jesus has given to us through his life. We must bring disciples to Christ as we live. We must point to Christ as Savior and Friend.  We must listen to the Word made flesh as spoken, read and lived among others and in ourselves.

God has come! God is here now! Everlasting life has already begun in those who believe! Rejoice and shout the news and shine like the sun! For those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

Rejoice in Christ and the Word made flesh. Shine like the Son...today...tomorrow and forever.

Prayer
Lord, I give you thanks for the life of my friend Pastor Klafter and his wife Arlene. These two truly did shine like the Son. And you graciously have set before so many others that are shining the light on the Word. May your Light continue to shine through each one of them.  Be with me today as I humbly let you shine through me to lead many to righteousness and faith in you, the Word made Flesh. The Word, spoken, lived, read, and given for all. --- Amen