The Un-Series: Week 1 Day 5

Matthew 10:27-31(ESV)

27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Sometimes we forget how divisive a figure Jesus was—far more than in our current environment. His ministry was dangerously unpopular among the trio of authorities He lived under during that time; Caesar, Herod, and the Pharisees actively punished anyone willing to support the message that condemned religious corruption while also denying the permanence of an earthly empire.

While in parts of the world that same resistance and retribution remains, I’ll wager that if you have access to this devotion, retaliation looks a little different though consequences are still present and, at times, dire. Religious organizations fire and ostracize members who speak out against abuses from leadership. Political communities pursue mob justice against those who offer grace and seek reconciliation with enemies. Neighbors offering refuge and sanctuary are killed for their compassion. Shouldering the burden of rage and discouragement, we often question what God is doing in these times. The answer can be found at the cross.

God is suffering with us. God is weeping and God is dying. Yet God is also restoring, redeeming, and resurrecting. This is part of a process of undoing, breaking patterns woven with misery, and building a world that sees the same value in itself that God has seen in us all along.

Today, let’s proclaim our faith through the expression of God’s love for all people in all situations.