Daily Scripture: Isaiah 19:19 On that day there will be an altar to Adonai in the middle of the land of Egypt, as well as a standing-stone for Adonai at its border. 20 It will be a sign and witness to Adonai-Tzva’ot in the land of Egypt; so that when they cry out to Adonai for help because of the oppressors, he will send them a savior to defend and rescue them.
21 Adonai will make himself known to Egypt;
on that day, the Egyptians will know Adonai.
They will worship him with sacrifices and offerings,
they will make vows to Adonai and keep them.
22 Yet Adonai will strike Egypt, both striking and healing,
so they will return to Adonai.
He will listen to their prayers,
and he will heal them.
23 On that day there will be a highway
from Egypt to Ashur.
Ashur will come to Egypt and Egypt to Ashur,
and Egypt will worship with Ashur.
24 On that day Isra’el will be a third partner
with Egypt and Ashur, a blessing here on earth;
25 for Adonai-Tzva’ot has blessed him:
“Blessed be Egypt my people,
Ashur the work of my hands
and Isra’el my heritage.”
Reflection QuestionsIn Isaiah’s day, conflict between the dominant Assyrian Empire and the military power of Egypt regularly put Israel in danger. Isaiah, like many of Israel’s prophets, said God would judge Assyria and Egypt’s cruelty and violence (e.g. Isaiah 10:12, 20-25). But today’s passage must have outraged many “patriotic” Israelites. How could Isaiah even hint that God might one day say “Bless Egypt my people, and Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance”?
- Religion and nationality went hand-in-hand in Isaiah’s day. Even though they’re more separate today, how would you feel if your preacher said, “God will one day say, ‘Blessed be Islam my people, Hinduism or Buddhism my handiwork, and the Judeo-Christian faith my inheritance’”? (For more in-depth study, see Pastor Hamilton’s book Christianity and World Religions.)
- In what ways are national identities and borders a blessing to human life? In what ways can and do they often trigger hatred and conflict? Are you willing to open your heart and allow God to grow peace and forgiveness in you toward those you fear and distrust? How can you join God’s work toward making a world where all people can live in peace and safety (cf. Isaiah 65:21-25)?
Lord Jesus, you came as the Prince of Peace. This world finds it so hard to maintain even short times of peace. Shape my life into one of many you can use to continually pursue and build toward your eternal peace. Amen.
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Insights from Angela LaVallie
Angela LaVallie is the Program Director for Funerals and Prayer at Resurrection. She oversees funerals and Memorial services here at the church and assists with special prayer events.
I think one of the hardest things for most of us to remember is that God created and loves all people. It doesn’t matter how someone is different from us, those differences easily separate us. We gravitate toward those who are similar to us in some way – those who look like us, have similar jobs or educational backgrounds, have similar interests and hobbies, or are in a similar life situation.
There are a lot of benefits to bonding with and appreciating those who are similar to us. But, as we all already know, there is also danger in segregating ourselves. The more we associate only with those who are similar to us, the more uncomfortable we’ll be when we’re around those who are different from us. When we’re uncomfortable, we begin to fear. And when we’re afraid, we’re more likely to attack (verbally, emotionally, or physically).
Lieutenant Colonel Brian Steed, who spoke at last week’s forum on Islamic extremism and whom Pastor Adam mentioned in last weekend’s sermon, put forth the challenge for people of faith (all faiths) to refrain from criticizing other faiths and instead be the best representatives of their own faith so that, ideally, only the positive sides of different faith traditions will shine and make the world a better place overall. As Christians, if we focus on sharing God’s love and letting God’s light shine through us and loving others as Jesus taught us, we’re doing our part to make the world a better place. This is not to say we are agreeing with others’ beliefs or actions. We can love and respect others even if we don’t agree with them.
Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants too.” Those people who are different – in any way – from us are God’s children the same as we are. When we focus on that one similarity, I think it can help us to begin to overcome the discomfort and fear that can lead to separation and violence.
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The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
13720 Roe Avenue
I think one of the hardest things for most of us to remember is that God created and loves all people. It doesn’t matter how someone is different from us, those differences easily separate us. We gravitate toward those who are similar to us in some way – those who look like us, have similar jobs or educational backgrounds, have similar interests and hobbies, or are in a similar life situation.
There are a lot of benefits to bonding with and appreciating those who are similar to us. But, as we all already know, there is also danger in segregating ourselves. The more we associate only with those who are similar to us, the more uncomfortable we’ll be when we’re around those who are different from us. When we’re uncomfortable, we begin to fear. And when we’re afraid, we’re more likely to attack (verbally, emotionally, or physically).
Lieutenant Colonel Brian Steed, who spoke at last week’s forum on Islamic extremism and whom Pastor Adam mentioned in last weekend’s sermon, put forth the challenge for people of faith (all faiths) to refrain from criticizing other faiths and instead be the best representatives of their own faith so that, ideally, only the positive sides of different faith traditions will shine and make the world a better place overall. As Christians, if we focus on sharing God’s love and letting God’s light shine through us and loving others as Jesus taught us, we’re doing our part to make the world a better place. This is not to say we are agreeing with others’ beliefs or actions. We can love and respect others even if we don’t agree with them.
Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants too.” Those people who are different – in any way – from us are God’s children the same as we are. When we focus on that one similarity, I think it can help us to begin to overcome the discomfort and fear that can lead to separation and violence.
---------------------
Download the GPS App
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
13720 Roe Avenue
Leawood, Kansas 66224, United States
913.897.0120
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