Evil Ploys Lose; God Wins! - September 12
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 55; PM Psalm 138, 139:1-17(18-23); Job 38:1-17; Acts 15:22-35; John 11:45-54
This summer, as COVID-19 put many things on hold, our family began having more movie nights. There was no live baseball to watch or listen to on the radio, so we pulled out “The Natural”, with Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Kim Basinger, Wilford Brimley…a knock-out cast. At first our kids only monitored the movie, as the scenes on the field held common sounds: cracks of the bat, cheers of the crowd, and players rounding bases. However, the drama in the owner’s suite above the baseball field grabbed my nine year old’s attention. She was drawn in by the use of darkness and shadows, adding tension and mystery to the nefarious plot: the New York Knights’ owner bets against his team and bribes players to lose in the final game of the season. (Spoiler alert: the evil ploy fails.)
The dynamic of shady backroom scheming also applied to part of our gospel reading from John 11 today. This piece of Holy Scripture is not generally read during Sunday worship, so it may not sound familiar. People were still reeling from Jesus’ miraculous healing of Lazarus, called out from the tomb after several days. Witnessing this action was a conversion moment for some, and a trigger for fear in others. Threatened, the Sanhedrin gathered to figure out what they would do next. Ignoring Jesus could lead to the council’s diminishing religious power, social unrest, and more intervention from Roman soldiers. Caiaphas proposed a solution to the dilemma: “You do not understand that it is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed.” (11:50) Saying these words was not just a cunning idea on Caiaphas’ part; he was inspired by God to voice this prophecy, for God knew that his Son was not long for this world. Those in power were plotting Jesus’ death.
We know that the story doesn’t end in death. That is simply a turn in the path, as Jesus rounds the bases. Death does come first, followed by resurrection, and ascension to Heaven. Jesus’ journey, like his ministry, was not focused on glorifying himself – rather, it was outwardly focused to include all people. In dying, even more told the stories of God’s healing and hope. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, gathered not just one nation, but all “dispersed children of God” (11:52). Yet another miracle was performed: what was broken was drawn together and healed, so that we might believe and proclaim the Good News through words and deeds.
Today, turn your back upon darkness and look to the light of Christ…and maybe watch a baseball game!
-- Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
What aspects of our 21st century culture highlight the divide between good and evil for you?
When offered a proposition for advancement, how have you weighed the costs and the promises?
Daily Challenge
Write down three ways that fear motivates you. Note the positive and negative outcomes. Reflect on where God is calling you to grow, repent, and live more deeply in grace.