Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.”
NL Daily Devotion for Wednesday, February 19, 2025
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
There is no “in group.” This is the danger of privilege. When you have it, you just assume you deserve it more than anyone else. Except that deep down, I think you suspect that you didn’t earn one bit of it, so you are driven to do anything in your power to keep it, even at the expense of others.
John says, “Knock it off!” God doesn’t owe you anything. Certainly not because of your genealogy or inheritance or the social circles you move in. And thinking so betrays an utter lack of humility.
This is what John is calling us to. Humility. A right acceptance of ourselves as we are—no better nor worse than anyone else—and a willingness to be of love and service to our neighbors out of a sense of gratitude. Humility is seen in the fruit it bears.
Does it make us “worthy” of God’s salvation. No. That happens whether we’re worthy or not (thank God!). But what it does do is give us a sense of true peace and siblinghood with creation that makes life really worth living.
What “in groups” do I belong to? How do I extend love and service outside of my comfort zone?
