(Read the previous devotion here.)
Betrayal, Arrest, Denial, Condemnation, Sentencing, Torture, Execution…
When I read those words in our modern context, I can’t help but thinking how present they must still feel for many folks today. All these years later, the mass betrayal, arrest, denial, condemnation, torture, and execution of people still occurs. And it is happening on our watch.
Christians are an Easter people. We live with the assurance that Christ has won the victory. We believe that ultimately, death is defeated and we will live eternally. We know that we are called to participate in Christ’s redemptive purposes to help redeem humanity and care for all of the cosmos.
On a day when we remember the sacrifice of Jesus–a truly innocent man who died so that we might better humanity and the world–are we able to look in the mirror and honestly say that we have done all we can to try to put the world to rights? When we look at others, do we see Christ and rush to their aid, or do we betray, deny, and condemn them as well?
Prayer:
Loving God, Christ died so that we may live. May we, this day, remember his sacrifice and not take it for granted. Forgive us, O Lord, when we squander your blessings. Empower us, O God, to make wise use of each day from this day forth. Thank You for your uncompromising love for us. In Jesus’ Holy Name we pray, amen.
Rev. Dr. Christopher Benek
(Read the next devotion here.)
