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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Saturday, June 7, 2003 Graduation |
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Frontline Devotion for Saturday, June 7, 2003 by Penny Risen
Texts for Today: Matthew 22:15-16, 1 Peter 2:12
That June night, the warm breeze tossed the graduates' robes and twirled their tassels as they walked and swaggered across the football field. The parents sat proudly in the bleachers and snapped pictures. Hard to believe the kids' had made it after 12 -- sometimes fun, sometimes gruesome -- years of schooling, the families told themselves.
Graduates shifted in their seats as the invited speaker advised them about integrity, expressed sincere hopes for their futures, told them to be true to themselves, to go perform good deeds for the world, and to treat others fairly.
But something about that graduation address seemed familiar, and reminded me of a very different speech I'd witnessed on a chilly day in October. I'd been serving jury duty, and the judge was lecturing a young defendant. The teenage boy had been found guilty of a serious crime -- not his first offense. As the judge leaned forward to make eye contact, it was easy to tell that he sincerely did not wish to see that young man repeat his mistakes.
I glanced at the teenager's family in the courtroom and for the first time in my life witnessed the true human expression of "heart sick." They hadn't said a word before the jury those weeks, but the hurt on the parents' faces told all: Where had we gone wrong, what will happen to this young life, what can we do to make this right?
Different children, different parents, but the hopes and struggles were much the same.
When we make countless mistakes in our lives, it surely must break God's heart. Our Father's done so much for us and even sent Jesus -- in person -- to tell us how to make our lives true, pure and honorable. The text 1 Peter 2:12 assures us that if we let God guide us, even those around us will praise Him that we have done a good job with the lives He has given us.
Not every child will heed the words of his parents or a graduation speaker or a judge.
The God who gave us freewill knows that all too well. But He loves us enough to forgive us, to give us new chances, and smile down on us with pride when we do heed His words.
Prayer of the day: Dear Lord, I know I sin, and I want to do better with the life You've given me. We want you to be proud, not feel heart sick when you see the way we treat others and our world. Let us remember to help other graduates hear your words of encouragement and allow You to shape our lives for good. Amen
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry. Pastor Dave welcomes and appreciates feedback. pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org Devotions are Archived on our web site. www.goodshepherdonline.org