Luke 21:5-19 (NRSV)
Read Luke 21:5-19 on biblegateway.com
Verse 5When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, Verse 6"As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down." Verse 7They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" Verse 8And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and, 'The time is near!' Do not go after them. Verse 9"When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." Verse 10Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; Verse 11there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. Verse 12"But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. Verse 13This will give you an opportunity to testify. Verse 14So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; Verse 15for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. Verse 16You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. Verse 17You will be hated by all because of my name. Verse 18But not a hair of your head will perish. Verse 19By your endurance you will gain your souls.
Devotion
Today is Veterans Day. Veterans deeply understand "wars and insurrections" (verse 9). They know "nation will rise against nation" (verse 10). Veterans have served in terrifying, life-altering situations to seek justice, strive for the common good and bring peace. We are thankful for their service and for their families' sacrifices. Now we must serve our veterans and their families to meet their needs for healing.
As we strive for righteous healing, we must confess that in the U.S. we have not treated all veterans equitably and justly. After World War II, veterans who were black, including the Tuskegee Airmen, did not receive equitable GI benefits for home ownership. Colleges unwilling to accept people of color significantly restricted the educational opportunities available to many veterans. Veterans who were American Indians, including the Navajo Code Talkers, faced prevalent discrimination and voting restrictions. Does our society's call to reconciliation require recognition, repentance and reparation?
Prayer
Eternal Father, strong to save, (The Naval Hymn, ELW 756) whether on the battlefield or the home front, whether in military service or in civilian vocations, we give you thanks for being with us. Help our society as a whole and each of us as individuals to recognize clearly and publicly the ways we have treated each other unjustly. Guide us to repent of our hurtful ways and intentionally change. Show us what we must do to reconcile with each other and, together, be the bearers of your righteous healing. Amen.