Saturday, June 23, 2012

Looking for a Kinder, Gentler World

Scripture Passage that Caught my attention today: 2 Kings 10:16-17 [Jehu] said, “Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD.” So he had him ride in his chariot. 17 When he came to Samaria, he killed all who were left to Ahab in Samaria, until he had wiped them out, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke to Elijah.

Observation: Twas a brutal world in those days, and much slaughter was understood to be in the name of the Lord. Jehu as already had Ahab’s 70 sons killed along with the relatives of Ahaziah. Shortly hereafter he will have all the worshippers of Baal killed.

Application: What to say? The world was and is so far removed from the hopes at the time of creation. We’ve made all kinds of technological progress and at times claim to be above barbaric measures, yet the world is still a cruel place at times, whether in the name of the Lord or not. I am grateful that in the New Testament Jesus pointed to a better, far less violent way, even as he willingly became of victim of violence himself.

Prayer:
Lord, thanks for the better way that you have shown us through your son. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Readings today included: 2 Kings 10, 2 Chronicles 22-23, 1 Timothy 5)

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