Today’s Author: Christer Cederberg
Friends know that I worry. Will the sky fall over me? Getting my devotions submitted on time was also a worry. So, on January 6th, I emailed Kristin for details on my end-of-February contributions. She responded within minutes with a list of the readings .
I googled them, and it was a small shock to me when I reached John 10. “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber.” What a coincidence that I was reading this text of the one-year anniversary of the Capitol riot! The text conjured vivid images of rioters entering the U.S. Capitol through windows with broken glass.
Like Jesus is the good shepherd, who cares for all his sheep, many hope that our government will care for all of us. John talks about the hired hand who runs away, and “Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.” I see the wolf as a bad, powerful person. I see scattering as sowing division among us. Am I imagining too much in this story?
In John 10:16 Jesus says: “I have other sheep that are not part of this pen. I must bring them also.” Might those sheep be of other faiths? Jesus obviously is a very caring person. Our government is to be separate from the church, but should it not still care for people of all faiths? Should our administration not care also for those of other political beliefs? And, in a Jesus-like manner, should our government not care also about the rest of the world?
Loving God, Your son came, and like a good shepherd, gave his life for your sheep. Receive
our humble gratitude for this act of sacrifice and courage. Amen.
(Prayer of the Day for Ash Wednesday 2022, Narrative Lectionary)
Mid-week devotions are authored by members of our community. If you are interested in creating a trio of reflections to be shared on an upcoming Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, contact Pastor Peter.