Psalm 56:1-11, John 14:25-31 (NRSV)
Devotion
Tears in a bottle. God's bottle, at the ready, catching every tear cried. It is a record of each injury we've experienced…and a count of each tear we've caused. God keeps track of every tear cried under the trampling of oppression, every bedtime toss turned in fear. In the face of such oppression, we have a gracious God who is for us, who sends our enemies into retreat at a single call…even the enemy within.
O Most High, in the midst of the trampling hooves of oppression, my tears are yours, placed in your bottle for safe-keeping. When I am afraid, fill me to the brim with trust in you so that I do not bring tears to the eyes of others by trampling them with my fear. Amen.
We've waited in patience. We've followed the star. We've welcomed the new king with gifts. Our eyes have seen God's salvation. Now let us "rise and be on our way" toward the cross that this world inevitably presents. Let us face the world head-on with hearts untroubled. Let us go in the Holy Spirit, the inheritance of unique peace bequeathed to us by Christ himself: "Peace I leave with you."
Prayer
Giver of peace, you give not as the world gives. Fill our troubled, fearful hearts with your peace so that we may be on our way with you into the world, sharing our love for God and for one another in the peace you have given us. Amen.