Devotional thoughts for Saturday

Saturday 18. October 2014 

Trinity 17 

And Herod the tetrarch sent and had John the Baptizer beheaded in prison. (Matthew 14,10 ESV) 

John suffered imprisonment and martyrdom for the sake of the gospel. John prepared the way for Jesus by calling for people to repent of their sin. Herod wanted to silence John and had him imprisoned. There is nothing new under the sun: politicians attempt to silence pastors and Christian lay people who dare to speak against their sin. America is no stranger to this either. We see a variation of this in Houston, TX right now. 

Wicked men and women seek to silence the law and gospel. They will use whatever means is at their disposal, even overstepping their duties and authority to do so. Christians have a long history of persecution and martyrdom. We experience this around the world in varying degrees of magnitude. Our brothers and sisters in the faith in Africa and the Middle East know it more than we do, and we pray for them so that they bear witness to the Name of Jesus Christ. 

The persecution of Christians is really an attack against Jesus. Sinful people who refuse to repent lash out at Jesus for His words strike deep into their hearts. Their conscience convicts them, but they still reject Him. They see Jesus as a threat to their livelihood. 

But Jesus is far from a threat. He wants all who are burdened and heavy laden to come to Him for rest. Jesus wants to bear all our sinful weight and give us peace. Jesus welcomes sinners. He died and rose again for them. Jesus forgives sinners, even those who adamantly oppose Him and His Church. May that gospel touch the hearts of all who persecute His dear people. 

Prayer: O Almighty God, our Father, Your Blessed Son called Luke the physician to be an evangelist and physician of the soul. Grant that the healing medicine of the Gospel and the Sacraments may put to flight the diseases of our souls so that with willing hearts we may ever love and serve You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.  Amen. (F30, Treasury of Daily Prayer)