God Will Restore Israel
14 Therefore, the days are surely coming, says the Lord, when it shall no longer be said, “As the Lordlives who brought the people of Israel up out of the land of Egypt,” 15 but “As the Lord lives who brought the people of Israel up out of the land of the north and out of all the lands where he had driven them.” For I will bring them back to their own land that I gave to their ancestors. (NRSV)
I am my worst enemy.
I hear the judment and condemnation of others.
I have a choice.
I can accept it and believe it.
Or I can block it and let it fall away.
I am my worst enemy.
I hear the cries of “crucify” from the crowd.
I have a choice.
I can join in the crowd.
Or I can have compassion and forgive.
I am my worst enemy.
I can believe myself.
Or I can belive in the transforming teachings of Christ.
The Christ who shares a table with enemies.
The Christ who walks with the doubter.
The Christ who knows and loves the betrayer.
The Christ who gives me another chance again and again.
During Lent, I pray that I may learn to be gentle with my worst enemy. That I may give compassion and forgiveness to my worst enemy. That I may give up judgment and condemnation. That I may exude compassion and love.
(c) 2015 Rev. Lil Smith