Today’s WORD (Text) Numbers 21:4-5
4/ From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. 5/ The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.”
Today’s Witness
The journey toward freedom and deliverance is never easy. Sometimes the pathway grows more dangerous and precarious when we move away from the grips of marginalization, subjugation, and oppression of various forms. This week marks the 56th anniversary of the 1965 “Bloody Sunday” assault on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, when a group of justice workers, led by the late John Lewis were viciously attacked by the Alabama State Police, as they were protesting racial discrimination. While the focus on this observance is seldom the attitudes and fears of the nonviolent freedom fighters, we can be sure that they struggled within to come to terms with the wisdom of their non-violent strategy. As they worked on behalf of freedom they were brutalized, and lives were lost. Many of their family and friends questioned why they would leave their homes and churches to confront violent adversaries who wore badges and guns. Nevertheless, they persisted. And in all walks of life, we must persist if we will bring about change. The journey toward freedom and deliverance is never easy; not in ancient times, and not today. Nevertheless, we must stay the course and continue striving toward freedom, justice, inclusivity and equality.
Today’s Invitation
Recall a time when you were motivated by truth and the power of your convictions to take a stand for the right thing. Were you met with difficulty or opposition because of your actions? Did you consider turning back?
Today’s Prayer
Gracious God, your word and Spirit move us in the direction of justice and freedom for our lives. We pray for the courage, grace, and the strength we need to confront stubborn powers. Grant us the perseverance we need to continue in the direction of liberation and justice even when we confront challenges and difficulties, in the Name of Jesus, Amen.
The Passionary Intention
Today, I choose to live my life with passion. Today, I intend to follow Christ more nearly, love more dearly and incarnate God’s grace more clearly by asking myself three questions:
- Where will I follow Christ today?
- To whom shall I demonstrate Jesus’ love and justice today?
- How can I play my part in practicing the presence of Christ, right here, right now?
The Passionary Movement Word and Witness devotion is published weekdays (Monday – Friday). Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, Executive Director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies is the author of today’s devotion.
Photo by DJ Johnson on Unsplash
Today’s WORD (Text) Numbers 21:4-5
4/ From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. 5/ The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.”
Today’s Witness
The journey toward freedom and deliverance is never easy. Sometimes the pathway grows more dangerous and precarious when we move away from the grips of marginalization, subjugation, and oppression of various forms. This week marks the 56th anniversary of the 1965 “Bloody Sunday” assault on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, when a group of justice workers, led by the late John Lewis were viciously attacked by the Alabama State Police, as they were protesting racial discrimination. While the focus on this observance is seldom the attitudes and fears of the nonviolent freedom fighters, we can be sure that they struggled within to come to terms with the wisdom of their non-violent strategy. As they worked on behalf of freedom they were brutalized, and lives were lost. Many of their family and friends questioned why they would leave their homes and churches to confront violent adversaries who wore badges and guns. Nevertheless, they persisted. And in all walks of life, we must persist if we will bring about change. The journey toward freedom and deliverance is never easy; not in ancient times, and not today. Nevertheless, we must stay the course and continue striving toward freedom, justice, inclusivity and equality.
Today’s Invitation
Recall a time when you were motivated by truth and the power of your convictions to take a stand for the right thing. Were you met with difficulty or opposition because of your actions? Did you consider turning back?
Today’s Prayer
Gracious God, your word and Spirit move us in the direction of justice and freedom for our lives. We pray for the courage, grace, and the strength we need to confront stubborn powers. Grant us the perseverance we need to continue in the direction of liberation and justice even when we confront challenges and difficulties, in the Name of Jesus, Amen.
The Passionary Intention
Today, I choose to live my life with passion. Today, I intend to follow Christ more nearly, love more dearly and incarnate God’s grace more clearly by asking myself three questions:
The Passionary Movement Word and Witness devotion is published weekdays (Monday – Friday). Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, Executive Director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies is the author of today’s devotion.
Photo by DJ Johnson on Unsplash