When I was in Boy Scouts back in the day (okay, way back in the day!), I proudly took an oath that stated, in part, “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country...” I was brimming with enthusiasm, anxious to help an old lady across the street and to help the community. Even though some of that enthusiasm came from the self-serving prospect of earning merit badges, my fellow Scouts and I really did “Make justice our aim.”
Yet now, I must admit that I no longer have that level of enthusiasm. Today’s Scripture reminds us that we shouldn’t outgrow our desire to right wrongs, to help the orphan and the widow. If our passion to live out the ideals that were so important to us decades ago has waned, may we pledge to God to do better going forward—whether we get a merit badge or not.
I remember those Cub Scout days. I don’t think I made it to Boy Scouts, and I remember reluctantly doing the good deeds because of my introverted personality. Since fully accepting Christ and understanding selfless love, I look forward to and enjoy the good deeds. Due to current circumstances, I don’t have the opportunities to interact with many people, yet I search for opportunities for good deeds every day.
Sharing with you, “ DAY THIRTEEN “For the great day of their wrath has come…” *** READ “I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.” Revelation 6:2 “They called to the mountains and the rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?’” Revelation 6:16-17 *** REFLECT In Revelation 4–5, only Jesus, the Lamb of God, is found worthy to open the sealed scroll. In Revelation 6, this same perfect One begins to open the seven seals of the scroll to reveal God’s unfolding plan for the world. In this chapter, prophetic horsemen are released. For God must bring justice in order to fulfill His promise of a new heaven and new earth where “righteousness dwells.” Sin has ravaged the world, and those who defy God face devastating judgment. As we study these concepts and unfolding judgment through BSF this year, we ultimately ask, “Do I trust the One who holds the scroll?” Rebellious hearts will cry out, “For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?” Those who place their faith and hope in Christ can answer with a single word, “Jesus!” *** PRAY Consider the many examples of injustice in the world around us. Where have you seen sin’s devastation in your life or the lives of those you love? Pray for the faith to trust God’s perfect justice. Ask for wisdom in how to share the truth of justice and eternal grace with those who don’t yet know Jesus.”
Ken, that's a good one! So true!!! "Remember "work for the Lord, the pay stinks but the retirement plan is out of this world "
"To do my 'duty'" sounds an obligatory list to me! *** Reminds me of...if I love God first, I will know how to love others in Matthew 22:37-40, "Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” *** Reminds me of...I love because He loves me first in 1 John 4:19, "We love each other because He loved us first!" *** Reminds me of...To Love Like You by Thomas Muglia https://youtu.be/khBoNzcsRYE?si=z8i9ozuthrS4vGWj ******* Jesus gave His apostles this example in Luke 17:7-10, "Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. And suppose the servant came in from the field. Will you say to him, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? No. Instead, you will say, ‘Prepare my supper. Get yourself ready. Wait on me while I eat and drink. Then after that you can eat and drink.’ Will you thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? It’s the same with you. Suppose you have done everything you were told to do. Then you should say, ‘We are not worthy to serve you. We have only done our duty.’ ” *** It is not what I can do for Him, but what He has done for me! It is not who I am, but Who He is! *** Tell us how You really feel, Lord, in Isaiah 1:13, "Stop bringing offerings that do not mean anything to me! I hate your incense. I can’t stand your worthless gatherings. I can’t stand the way you celebrate your New Moon feasts, Sabbath days and special services!" *** The more I learn and know about Jesus, the more I want what He wants and love what He loves! ******* Ephesians 2:8-10, Isaiah 1:17...God saved me by His grace when I believed. And I can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things I have done, so I can't boast about it. For I am God’s masterpiece. He has created me anew in Christ Jesus, so I can do the good things He planned for me long ago...Make justice my aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow! Amen!!!
Hello Salina, There are times when I feel obligated. Isn't it called a holy day of obligation? As you can surmise , Im not there yet.
Beautiful reflection Terence, thank you!
Thank you so much, Terence. What an appropriate message to reflect on today. We need to help our brothers and sisters, it’s our responsibility as fellow citizens of the world.
AMEN!
"Nothing seems tiresome or painful when you are working for a Master who pays well; who rewards even a cup of cold water given for love of Him." St. Dominic Savio
This reflection was a bit funny to me today in that I am now the old lady needing help across the street these days instead of the one helping especially for an old nurse. It’s not always easy being the person in the grocery store who used to pick up the box of cereal a little old person using a cane had dropped, now dropping a packet of gravy mix myself and looking around for a solution to how I’m going to pick it up. My attitude in how I accept help, my thoughts on the long haired teen dressed funny or the young mother with an armful of tattoos, my feelings of what my body has become….all are the mirror side of someone else’s good (or not so good) deed and how I respond to someone else’s sacrifice is just as important as the sacrifice itself. Thank you Lord for showing me that my part in being someone else’s opportunity can be just as valuable as the good act itself if I let it be!
Ah yes, Vicky, I too am on the receiving end of some help now and again. And I've learned to appreciate it as much as I did when helping others.
Vicky G, I thank you for your insightful comment. I may soon be on the receiving end of needing help. I am also a retired nurse, very independent, & also soon to have a hip replacement. Until now, I never thought of myself as old, buy at age 75, I better get used to it.
Amen. :)
Terence, maybe our "merit badge" for pledging to God to do better going forward is our "ticket to heaven"?
Amen! Amen!! I was a Boy Scout leader for many years as my two sons went from Tiger thru Eagle. We would all be so better off if everyone followed the Scout Oath and Law!
Amen to that, Joe. Another old Scout leader here on this thread!
Amen to that, Joe. God bless you for your dedication to the Boy Scouts of America.
Amen.. thank you Terence.....Lord, guide me as I try to make right an injustice occurring in my Organization... help me on as I continue to protect the vulnerable and disadvantaged
VickyG and Cheryl you two are children of God and I mean children, in two weeks I will be leaving my 70's. Rember "work fo the Lord, the pay stinks but the retirement plan is out of this world " Jane still praying for you and your job situation. Ken
Cheryl, it’s not easy being the “one” to stand up. Prayers for you too, as well as all the sick and in need.
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Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.