Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.

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Read

Matthew 23:37–24:2 (NRSV)

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you, desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

As Jesus came out of the temple and was going away, his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. Then he asked them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly I tell you, not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.”

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Reflect

When you read this eVotion, the 2016 general election will be eight days past. A new president and a new Congress will be waiting to take office in January 2017. At this writing, it seems we have been watching the coverage of the upcoming election with one eye and reading these words of Jesus with the other because the cries of both sides is that the world is ending!

We might as well be screaming at the top of our voices that we have no hope, no chance, no options, no way out. Apparently, many feel that the results of this election are going to culminate, metaphorically, in the destruction of our temples, the ending of life as we know it, the explosion of the Republic, and the ruination of all that is right in the world. We are reading the signs and predicting DOOM!!!!

Step back from the edge. Take a deep breath. Focus on the beginning salvo of Jesus: “How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings.” That is the good news!

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Pray

Protecting God, who offers us peace and protection, hear our cries and direct us toward your saving love. Help us to know rest in you, and encourage us to offer rest to others. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Go with God.