A WORD FOR TODAY, November 5, 2024
Peggy Hoppes
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Blessings. Peg
A WORD FOR TODAY, November 5, 2024
“But if the wicked turn from all his sins that he has committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. None of his transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him: in his righteousness that he has done he shall live. Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked? says the Lord Yahweh; and not rather that he should return from his way, and live?” Ezekiel 18:21-23, WEB
Our church hosted an international youth gathering in July. As happens at these types of events, there was a bookstore where the attendees could purchase items like books and souvenirs. This particular publishing house has not produced much for the youth, most of the books were teaching materials or “how to” for youth ministry, but the hosts brought plenty of fun things for the youth like stuffed animals, pencils, and coloring books. One of the favorite items were rubber “Little Jesus” figurines.
I noticed them first when I was taking pictures of the gathering. There was one sitting on a windowsill. There was another in an offering basket. I eventually realized they were everywhere. I loved this idea and eventually ordered some for myself (they are available on Amazon.) I now carry a few of these in my purse and share them with people I encounter. Or I just leave them somewhere for someone to find. Friends of mine love this idea, too, and they have purchased their own Little Jesus figurines to give or leave during their adventures, including the women who planned the retreat I attended this past weekend.
I woke up early Saturday morning and went to the common room to read my devotions. I found a Little Jesus by the tissue box. It made me giggle. Then I found one in a window, and another on the edge of a painting, then another on the top of the emergency box. Jesus was everywhere. The ladies waited for us all to go to bed, and then hid dozens of Little Jesus figurines around our retreat site (in the dark!) I giggled every time I saw one. They announced later that morning that the Little Jesus figurines were part of a scavenger hunt, and the person who found the most would win a prize. The ladies had such fun searching around the cabins and gathering spaces. I just giggled every time I saw one.
We are under incredible stress right now. Today in the United States is an election day, one that has been extremely contentious. We don’t know what will happen when it is over. There are already threats and outrage anticipating what might be. Perhaps we all just need a Little Jesus.
It is interesting that today is the anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot. On November 5, 1605, Guy Fawkes and a group of disgruntled subjects of King James VI in England tried to blow up Parliament when the king was in attendance. They were upset by the decades of religious persecution against the Roman Catholics of England. The plot was discovered the night before Parliament was set to open and the conspirators were executed.
“Remember, remember the fifth of November, gunpowder treason and plot. We see no reason why gunpowder treason should ever be forgot! Guy Fawkes, guy, t’was his intent to blow up king and parliament. Three score barrels were laid below to prove old England’s overthrow. By God’s mercy he was catch’d with a darkened lantern and burning match. So, holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring. Holler boys, holler boys, God save the king. And what shall we do with him? Burn him!”
This little ditty, a nursery rhyme(!), recalls the Gunpowder plot and Guy Fawkes. He will always be remembered for his crime against the king. That’s the way human justice works. We remember the failings of those around us. God’s justice is much different than our justice. We are unable to be righteous before God, and yet He sent His Son to be righteous for us. When we clothe ourselves in His righteousness, God no longer sees the offenses we committed, but He sees Christ in us. God does not remember our sins, He rejoices in our repentance. Turn to Him today, wear His righteousness, and live.
It is going to be a hard day for those who pay attention to what is happening in American politics. We are going to look at each other with contempt. We are going to struggle with news reports and the constant commercials on television and radio. We are going to be angry, or afraid, or doubtful, or uncertain. Whatever happens today, however, Jesus is still King. God has a plan, and He has a purpose for even the person who voted differently than you. We don’t always understand, but we are to trust that He is doing something amazing.
Look for Jesus today and find things that make you giggle. You may not follow in the wake of someone leaving a Little Jesus for you to find, but Jesus is everywhere. He is even in the faces of believers who see the world differently than you. Do something today to make someone smile. Treat yourself to your favorite candy bar. Sit on the porch and enjoy the singing of the birds. Remember that you, too, are a sinner in need of a Savior. Remember, remember, on this Fifth of November, not Guy Fawkes and conspiracies, but the God who loves you with an eternal love, who forgives YOU of all your sins. Find Jesus and giggle. Laughter is good for your soul, and Jesus has promised you life in His Kingdom forever.
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