Daniel 12:1 “When that time comes, Mikha’el, the great prince who champions your people, will stand up; and there will be a time of distress unparalleled between the time they became a nation and that moment. At that time, your people will be delivered, everyone whose name is found written in the book. 2 Many of those sleeping in the dust of the earth will awaken, some to everlasting life and some to everlasting shame and abhorrence. 3 But those who can discern will shine like the brightness of heaven’s dome, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.(Complete Jewish Bible).
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I was working as a chaplain in a hospital and had responded to a request to visit a patient in the emergency room. I read a few verses of scripture and prayed with the patient, who then asked me about judgment day and who would and would not be saved. I responded that this decision wasn't up to me. When I got a surprised look, I continued by noting that in the Apostles' Creed I am told that Jesus Christ will judge the living and the dead. I don't have to judge. Rather, it is up to me to live each and every day in the way Jesus taught me to live, by loving God with all my heart and soul and by loving my neighbor. Jesus showed me a way of life, not a way to fear the end of life. I live in the love of Christ, and by faith I trust in the love of Christ.
Lord, help us see each other through your eyes of mercy and grace. Remove our desire to judge ourselves and others so we may treat each other with love and respect. Amen.
2 Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
3 Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. (New Revised Standard Version).
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I was working as a chaplain in a hospital and had responded to a request to visit a patient in the emergency room. I read a few verses of scripture and prayed with the patient, who then asked me about judgment day and who would and would not be saved. I responded that this decision wasn't up to me. When I got a surprised look, I continued by noting that in the Apostles' Creed I am told that Jesus Christ will judge the living and the dead. I don't have to judge. Rather, it is up to me to live each and every day in the way Jesus taught me to live, by loving God with all my heart and soul and by loving my neighbor. Jesus showed me a way of life, not a way to fear the end of life. I live in the love of Christ, and by faith I trust in the love of Christ.
Lord, help us see each other through your eyes of mercy and grace. Remove our desire to judge ourselves and others so we may treat each other with love and respect. Amen.
Nicole M. Garcia, '18
Director of Congregational Care, Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Boulder, Colo.
Daniel 12:1 "At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise. There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book.2 Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
3 Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. (New Revised Standard Version).
The Luther Seminary
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Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
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