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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Tuesday, August 5, 2003 "The Refugee Needs a Home" |
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Frontline Devotion for Tuesday, August 5, 2003 by Pastor Dave Sonnenberg
Scripture: Matthew 2:13- 3:6)
In an image-centered society, we have seen countless pictures of people fleeing their war torn countries. Liberia, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Haiti, Bosnia, and countless other places have been places filled with violence and unrest. Many in those nations have tried to flee even though fleeing to a new place can be every bit as scary.
People become refugees because countless things have gone wrong. People become refugees in many cases because a group of people dehumanizes and cuts away at another group’s humanity. In many cases, one group is told to leave or they’ll be destroyed- and in some cases the latter happens first.
The Gospel reading today reminds us that as a toddler, Jesus and his family were refugees. They were forced to flee by the intentional atrocities that were being inflicted on Israelite families. We can easily gloss this fact over and make it seem like the Holy Family was going on a vacation to Egypt. But their trek to Egypt was a voyage that had to have been fear filled. They were refugees.
Whenever we hear mention of refugees in this world, we need to remember that Jesus was forced to flee. The message was sent by Herod - “I want you outta here.”
When we think of refugees, we often think of political circumstances, but I believe it is possible to make Jesus a refugee in every age. We make Jesus a refugee in 2003 when we act like we don’t want him in our life. We make Jesus a refugee in 2003 when we fail to consult with him. We make Jesus a refugee in 2003 when we know what he wants, yet choose another path. We make Jesus a refugee in 2003 in countless ways- often not intentionally, but we do it nevertheless.
I say that as a challenge to myself and to you. I will sometimes forget who I am called to be. So will you. The good news that I hear is that Jesus always comes back. He came back from Egypt in freedom and changed the world. People made Jesus a “refugee” when they killed him on a cross. They said, “go away forever”, yet Jesus came back. I guess I get a little excited when I say that because I have come to realize that Jesus can’t be stopped by Herod, by me, by you, or by any force in this world. We may make Jesus a refugee from time to time, but he’ll always come back and say, “I’m back”. Maybe we need to learn to offer him a home!!
When we offer Jesus a home in our lives- we will learn to treat him as the “beloved of God”. Invite him back. Welcome him today- right now!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we pray this day for those in our world who are forced to flee. Grant the refugees safety and a place to call home. Bring an end to unrest and political strife. At the same time, help us realize that you’ve walked the path of the refugee and it has never stopped you. Teach us to stop sending you away, but rather invite you into our lives on a daily basis. Teach us to celebrate for we know nothing will stop you from coming back. Bless us this day and help us to bless others.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry. Pastor Dave welcomes and appreciates feedback. pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org.