Corona Devo 277

Lord, my heart is heavy today at the deceit and duplicity of our people.  I want to believe that deep-down everyone is good but the only good in us is You, and we have to choose You over ourselves.  It is so difficult to do.

Self-gain is the trunk to the wild and dangerous tree that has grown so tall over our Nation.  The fraud and whatever-it-takes efforts to thwart truth are so disheartening and seem unprecedented.  

But it's not the first time people have twisted truth and fabricated stories in order to push their own narratives.  And it will not be the last time.  Deception, selfishness, and the desire-for-power is as old as, well...You.

11 As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. 12 A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. 13 They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ 14 If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble.” 15 So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.  ~Matthew 28:11-15

Does the dishonesty, bribery, and let's-cover-our-butts actions of the guards and "elders" remind you of anything currently?    

How about the arrogant assumption of the guards/elders that the people would just swallow their story?  How about the sad truth that many did believe their fabrications and accept them as truth?  (Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.  ~Matthew 28:15). 

Lord, your rule and reign are far above and more mighty than any earthly election or government rule.  But the dirty DNA of lust for power, money, and status has been passed down through generations since time began.  Always a result of us putting ourselves before You.  These are not your ways, Lord, they are man's, and they can be completely depressing some days.

Lord, the evil in people's hearts (that they may not even recognize) is frightening.  The lack of moral code scares my spirit and intimidates me for the future of our children and their children.

But where there is depravity, corruption, and emptiness, there is also full potential for Christ to enter.  In the next (Scriptural) breath after identifying the deceit (and pushed misinformation) of the guards at Jesus tomb, Matthew shares Jesus' plan of what to do next.

And even 2,000 years later, the plan is not outdated.  God knows our dissatisfaction with this fallen world.  He sees our exasperation, and sometimes depression pertaining to it.    

But we move forward by propelling the name of Jesus forward:  

16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!

18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  ~Matthew 28:11-20

Yes, the world and it's people are polluted by sin and motivated by serving themselves.  But God knows the only lifeline to change (personal and National) is Him.  And how will people know of Jesus' love and plan for their lives if they are not introduced to Him by someone?  By us.  By you.  By me.  

The only good in us is You, Lord, and the call that You have placed on our lives (as Your followers) is to bring that good (news) to others.   ...Go and make disciples of all the nations...(Matthew 28:19).

Knowing You changes us.  Following You and Your Word reveals Truth to us, which brings peace to our hearts and our days, regardless of who sits in office.

There have always been people eager to make-a-profit in shady ways, but where there is depravity, corruption, and emptiness, there is also full potentialfor Christ.

Jesus came and told (us) ...19 ...go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  ~Matthew 28:18-19

Let's get busy today.

Blessings,

sarah

https://sarahsundy04.blogspot.com/

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Corona Devo 1156

Image
At work, we provide Trainings for customers, so that they can be updated and educated on all of the latest features (and how to use them) within our product.  Many companies do this--sharing "Best Practices" are a way to ensure positive outcomes on the customer and vendor sides of things. My kids often offer me "life hacks" that they have learned from watching an online video promising to "save time" and "make your life easier".  And just this week, my husband enlightened me about the "tear-away" feature built into most plastic rings holding cans/bottles of pop or Gatorade together.  When separated, the plastic rips open easily, releasing the bottle--saving wildlife that might be caught if it is discarded as trash, and saving me  frustration or angst because I no longer have to pull with all my might to get a bottle out of the plastic rings.  ( Who knew? )  Life hacks do save time and make your life easier! Who couldn't benefit from...
Read more

Corona Devo 1217

Image
The unanswered “why’s” of life, the disorder of our days, and even the unfairness of our struggles can cause us to question ourselves and also to question our God. But the order-of-Creation and the systems that God has set in place are undeniable answers that swing back and forth like God’s pendulum-reminder that He set the world in motion, and He continues to keep order, even when it seems as if we and our world are in dis- order.   Job was a man going through some heavy and hard stuff.   Maybe we are too.   Job’s trials had caused him to question the order of life, and possibly God’s dominion over it.   We can relate.   The “Why’s?” and the “Why Me’s” can stack up in our minds and hearts, but like a parent exercising loving-authority over a child, God reminds Job and us--of His power, omniscience and of His ultimate authority over everything: Creation… and us today .   Then the  Lord  answered Job from the whirlwind: (2) “Who i...
Read more

Corona Devo 991

Running low on " good things " today?  Doesn't it (sometimes) seem like/trend like/read like/tweet like/water-cooler-chat or backyard-fence-visit like/intimidate like/depress like... there are no  good things in the land? . I know. It's no secret that many have abandoned  the Law of the  Lord,  and at times, that's us .   It is evident all around us that people have  followed each other  in this sin.  When we look around...or when we live our days...we can wonder: Are there  any  good things  left in the land? There are still some good things in the land ...and no matter how bleak we feel the "forecast" for today is...there will always  be  some good things in the land, because God is in the land.   T he Bible reminds us of that today.   ~~~ The Israelites (and their king, Rehoboam ) were God's people, but like all of us at times/seasons of our lives...they wandered from Lord and His ways....
Read more