Trinity: Monday, June 4, 2007

Old Testament Lesson

Ruth 1:1-18

One of the neat things about Ruth's story is that we see the depth of love and of family. Many of us are blessed to have a loving biological family, but many of us are not as lucky on that end. For those who have not had the love they should have had at home, quite often, God will show His love to them through other means. Maybe it is a coach. Maybe a teacher. Maybe a friend. Maybe neighbor. For Ruth, and for Naomi, it was the mother-in-law, daughter-in-law relationship.

They were no blood kin to each other, yet they still loved each other as any daughter and mother would. So, today, we need to take their example into our lives and not live bound by the things we cannot control, but live lives of love. We need not bemoan the problems or failures of people in our past, but live lives of hope, knowing that God is not done with us yet. Ruth and Naomi could have collapsed into tears over their misfortune, but instead they kept on going toward what God had for them. Today, may we do the same.

New Testament Lesson

1 Timothy 1:1-17

We see here in Timothy those two ends of the sea-saw, grace and works. Paul talks about the law, that is it not entirely a terrible thing, that it can show us where we are short, and where we need to grow.

But, he also reminds Timothy, and us, that Jesus died to save sinners, and Paul was foremost among that group. So, we must be aware of the sin in our lives, we must be looking and allowing the Holy Spirit to search and try us, but in the same way, we must remember we are not saved by works, so no one can boast, but by grace. Today, let us allow God to be at work in our lives, and let us cling so tightly to His grace.

Gospel Lesson

Luke 13:1-9

We see Jesus face that question of why did such a bad thing happen to these people. And, He doesn't answer the question. He simply says, make sure you are ready and living like you should. He did say that tragedy did not come because they were "bad people." Being "bad" does not mean tragedy will come, likewise, being "good" does not mean that it will cause tragedy not to come. Bad things happen to good people. The word tells us that God causes the rain to fall on the righteous an the unrighteous.

I don't know why these things happen, but I do know this. Even in the midst of pain and loss and tears, God is there. Even in the midst of deepest hurt, God is there. Even when the tears won't stop, God is there. God loves us more than we will ever know. Even when the pain seems unbearable, God is there. May we have the grace to see Him.