By Jillian Evans
Lectionary reading for 3/28/2022: Psalm 53; Leviticus 23:26-41; Revelation 19:1-8
Selected passage for reflection: Revelation 19:1-8
Read
Revelation 19:1-8 NIV
After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”
And again they shouted: “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.” The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried: “Amen, Hallelujah!”
Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both great and small!” Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given to her to wear.”
(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)
Reflect
Fictional dialogue between Jackie and her spiritual director Michelle
Jackie: Sometimes I wonder what’s the point. I keep going to protests and I am willing to shout from the rooftops about police corruption in our town. Most of my friends just turn a blind eye to everything that’s happening. Jesus was always trying to help marginalized people and I want to be like Jesus. But it’s hard when there are so many around you that don’t care. I’m ready to quit but I’m not really sure what I should do.
Michelle: Jackie it sounds like you want to continue the work of fighting for marginalized citizens but you feel you lack support. Is that correct?
Jackie: I guess I do want to continue the work because I feel like it’s what God would have me to do but it feels lonely sometimes.
Michelle: Is it possible that you are supporting marginalized communities in the way that you desire to be supported in your life?
Jackie: Wow Michelle! I do like to be supported in my endeavors. I hadn’t thought about it like that. I guess I’m doing unto others as I would like done unto me. It really doesn’t matter how my circle feels. God gave me the desire to support others and I will continue to do just that.
Because of social media, it is now very difficult to ignore the injustices of the world. As Christians, we are to be salt and light in the earth and show people how to treat others according to God’s Holy Word. This work can seem thankless, never-ending, and at times, even futile. But in today’s passage of scripture, John gives us a glimpse into the future. In this passage, we find out that the battle is already won. In the end, God will condemn the wicked and his followers will rejoice. Does this mean that we can ignore our broken world? No. But it does mean as we fight against problems like human trafficking or an unjust criminal justice system that we should not grow weary or broken hearted because God is the final judge and jury of all.
Respond
Examine your beliefs and habits. Educate yourself on a movement that speaks to your heart. Pray about what action you can take. Maybe you will call your congressperson, attend a demonstration, make a social media post, or donate to a worthy cause. As long as you remain in God’s will you can’t go wrong.
Rest
O God, the King of righteousness, you know the injustice that has occurred for thousands of years, in different countries, with races of color and classes of people. I ask you to help me examine my heart and cleanse me so that I may be a respectful servant in your quest for justice and peace. Please lead me and guide me according to your will. Amen
About the Author
Jillian Evans resides in Chicago, Illinois with her husband and three children. She is passionate about ministering to children, youth and their families. Jillian holds degrees from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and North Park Theological Seminary as well as a certificate in Spiritual Direction from C. John Weborg Center for Spiritual Direction at NPTS.