Home > Reading > NALC Devotions – July 8, 2017

Today’s readings: Song of Solomon 5:10-16; 7:1-2 (3-5) 6- 7a (9); 8:6-7; 2 Corinthians 13:1-14; Luke 20:1-8

Authority is a big issue among us. Some people will assume authority while others relinquish their authority. Then there are authorities we agree to follow. People who go against those authorities are lawbreakers. We can see that from the late 1960’s authority was questioned. The result of that constant questioning of authority is that today there is little respect for authority. Lately, there has been much in the media reported about people not only questioning, but out and out defying the authority of the police.

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus is questioned about his authority. He answers the leaders with a question of his own. When the leaders discuss his question among themselves, they betray their fear of the crowds who might stone them to death. Authority, it seems, always has an ultimate authority.

Our ultimate authority is Jesus Christ. His authority trumps everything and everyone. So, why do we question God’s authority in our lives? We do not want to admit that God is in control because we are still “infected” by original sin. It is time we acknowledge that we need to stop fighting God’s true authority.

Prayer: Lord, help me to stop fighting your good and gentle rule over my life. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Randy Conley, Pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Hubbard Lake, MI.

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