Zoom Out – In January of 2020, the world watched as Australia wildfires burned out of control and American Special Forces took out an Iranian leader named Soleimani and the Iranian government threatened war. We all held our breath for various reasons during the impeachment trial of President Trump and we mourned as a nation over the tragic loss of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and a number of friends and other teens.
Zoom In – We personally had a special January as we began having visits with a little girl we hoped would get to become part of our family. We had been going through all the requirements and had waited for over seven months after learning about her before they would introduce us. The memories of our first times together will be forever part of our story.
Focus – What did God want me to really see in January? What was the devil trying to distract me from? Life is precious. Is my regard for life the same as his? I was encouraged when the Australians “rained vegetables” from helicopters for the wildlife displaced by the fires. I was brokenhearted with the Bryant family and others affected by the tragic accident, and along with many others we held our family tighter and reminded them we loved them after hearing that sad news. I got to spend time with the soon to be newest member of our family to try to get to know her. But did I mourn the loss of Soleimani? Is there ever a time that murder is justified? Could you say that we saved many other lives by taking his? Could you say that we reduced the chances of war or that many innocents might be protected by his death? I’m not trying to answer these questions here today. And I’m so glad that I don’t have to be the one making those types of decisions. Jesus addressed murder. Matthew 5:21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” He didn’t take away the commandment not to kill, it still requires judgment, but he took it another step. Do not be angry with your fellow believers and your family, deal with a problem before it gets out of hand or you are just like a murderer. Think about times you have been angry with someone just this past week. This is a challenge to anyone who claims to love Jesus. Life is precious!
What did God show you in January?
