Wisdom of Solomon 1:13-15, 2:23-24
1:13 God did not make death, and he does not delight in the death of the living.
1:14 For he created all things so that they might exist; the generative forces of the world are wholesome, and there is no destructive poison in them, and the dominion of Hades is not on earth.
1:15 For righteousness is immortal.
2:23 For God created us for incorruption, and made us in the image of his own eternity,
2:24 but through the devil’s envy death entered the world, and those who belong to his company experience it.
Devotion
I kept hearing my mom’s voice and her many words of wisdom: “Be who God created you to be; celebrate life; look for the good; find JOY.” I wish I would’ve realized earlier how valuable her advice was. She faced dementia head on and peacefully went to be with Jesus two years ago on the day before Easter. We celebrated her 90+ years of life, but I wanted more. The stories of her hospitality, her grace, and the countless lives and hearts she touched, astounded me. How could this woman who counseled counselors, served as the first woman vice president at Augsburg University, and had numerous other accomplishments have dementia? How could this woman, who walked humbly with God every day, die from a disease we couldn’t fix? I rejoice in God’s gift of my mom and hear her voice continually: “Margaret Ann, God gave you a brain, now use it.”
Prayer
Gracious God, thank you for the gift of life. Help us to live it to the fullest, serving you and others with joy. Amen.