Citizenship Papers In God’s Kingdom
Sunday, November 23
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Today is Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday before Advent. We sometimes don’t know what to do with this focus on kingship. For us in the United States, which was founded by revolutionaries, it is part of our DNA to mistrust a king.
Although fewer monarchies remain in the world today, we understand how they operate. A human kingdom cedes absolute power to one leader whose word is law, even determining life and death for all within its borders. That’s a lot of power to invest in one leader. Most human monarchs give in to the temptation to amass more power, control, and wealth. Even so, we are tempted to put our hope and allegiance in human leadership to save us. But mere human strategies and systems devolve into corruption and injustice. Those who have, prey upon those who have not.
Thanks be to God; we are citizens of God’s kingdom! Along with Jeremiah, we put our trust in God, the Lord, our righteousness, our only Savior. Thank you that you are wise and just, and that you care for every one of your people. Amen.
Communion With Jesus And Each Others
Monday, November 24
Luke 22:14-23
Jesus looked forward to an intimate final Passover meal with his friends. During the meal, he served them bread and wine. He told them that from that point forward, this celebration was meant to remind them of him. Thousands of years later, we still observe this “Lord’s Supper.”
When we repeat Jesus’s words, “do this in remembrance of me” (v. 19), in the communion service, we do not simply call Jesus to mind. Jesus is actively present with power in this sacrament. We are not just thinking about Jesus’s actions in that upper room; we know that he is present and acting with the community gathered at the table right now.
Creator God, redeeming Christ, and inspiring Spirit of God, open our hearts to experience your powerful work in and among us when we gather to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. May we grow in grace, hope, and love toward you and with one another. We joyfully anticipate the feast in God’s kingdom. Amen.
You’ve Got To Serve Someone
Tuesday, November 25
Luke 22:24-30
“Pick me!” “Me first!” shout the kids on the playground. Competitiveness and winning seem to be part of the air we breathe. Selfishness is human, so it shouldn’t surprise me that I act as if I am the center of the universe. As well, it shouldn’t surprise us that Jesus’s closest friends all wanted to be the greatest in God’s kingdom. People today are not that different.
We all have our “kingdoms”—our spheres of influence where we try to arrange things so that what we think, say, and believe is what matters. We call our leaders “public servants,” yet often they expect privileges, recognized, and to sit at the head table. But Jesus calls us to live in his kingdom values—the kingdom of God, where God’s desires, God’s dreams, God’s will, and God’s intentions form us.
Lord Jesus, our servant leader, our example, make us servants of all. May we be as Christ to the world. Inspire us to set aside our pride and seek the good of others. Let us love you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Amen.
You Can Run But You Can’t Hide
Wednesday, November 26
Luke 22:31-34, 54-62
We tend to identify with Peter. He’s a good guy but impetuous. He’s full of good intentions, but he tends to make promises he can’t keep. So do we! It doesn’t take much for us to remember things we have done right after we vowed never to do them.
Fear overcame Peter’s claims of loyalty, and he tried to hide. After his third denial of Jesus, Jesus turned and looked at Peter. Jesus saw him more clearly than Peter saw himself. We spend a lot of time hiding our faults and failures not only from one another but also from ourselves. Denial clouds our view. But we cannot hide our faults and failures from God’s discerning gaze. Jesus sees the worst things we have ever done and the worst side of our nature. He sees us more clearly than we see ourselves. But his gaze brings more than judgment; it brings forgiveness and healing.
Thank you, Jesus, for your forgiveness. Open our hearts to you, and help us stand before you unafraid. We joyfully repent of our pretenses and accept your grace and redemption. Amen.
It’s A Shame
Thursday, November 27
Luke 22:66-23:12
“You ought to be ashamed of yourself,” said my parents. I had done or said something that I clearly knew was wrong, but they were not belittling or humiliating me. They were not ashamed of me. I knew they were calling me to better behavior.
But the shame Jesus endures in his last hours is meant to humiliate and dehumanize him. Herod questions him and Jesus remains silent. Jesus clearly knows that Herod is asking out of his own curiosity or amusement, not for spiritual enlightenment. Ultimately Herod and the soldiers mock and ridicule Jesus so they might feel justified in putting him to death.
Jesus is secure in his identity and purpose. The only voice he hears and trusts is that of his Father. Although the accusations, mockery, and abuse are agonizing, he submits willingly. He knows the end game.
Dear God, we confess we have often mocked and shamed others so we might feel better about ourselves. We have also been crushed by the abuse of others. Assure us again that you love us unconditionally! Amen.
Staying Together In A World Falling Apart
Friday, November 28
Colossians 1:15-20
What a beautiful hymn to describe Christ’s supremacy! I am struck by the connectivity of Jesus. He holds everything together. As head, he is joined to the church, he reconciles everything to himself, and he makes peace with everything in heaven and earth.
It often feels like the world is flying apart with crisis, disaster, and war on every hand. Yet our God has made everything we see and cannot see. Our Creator intimately knows the creation in all its glory and brokenness. Our Savior reconciled all things through his self‑sacrifice. He brought us together by giving himself for us. I long to see our world unified under Christ’s lordship. We look with eyes of faith.
Reconciling God, we long for your kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. We long for your will to be done. Until that day, empower us to stand for justice and mercy wherever we can make a difference in our families, communities, and world. Amen.
Be Still And Know
Saturday, November 29
Psalm 46
“Be still, and know that I am God” (v. 10).
I invite you to just be. Be aware. See in your mind’s eye the earthquakes, the volcanoes, the roaring oceans, the river of God, the city of God.
Now, be still. Amidst the thundering activity, watch the chaos. Experience God’s protection.
Next, be still and know. Know that God can bring order to the chaos. Watch as God causes wars to end throughout the earth.
Now, be still and know that I AM. Rest assured in the I AM who is our refuge, strength, and always ready to help in times of trouble. Last, be still and know that I AM is God. We picture that day. We join every nation honoring the God of all creation!
O God, we praise you, the great I AM, our refuge and strength. You are Lord of all! Amen.
