As I listened to Dr. Rev. Dimock’s meditation this morning my first thought was “Wow! I picked a tough week to write a blog post.” But as I continued to listen, the idea that some parts of the Bible are a mirror in which we see ourselves while others act as a guide really resonated with me. I often struggle to reconcile the violence in some of the Old Testament stories with a merciful and loving God. I struggle to see God in the story of Esther which ends in the death of thousands of people.
But as Dr. Rev. Dimock went on to discuss the tension between power and vulnerability it occurred to me that although we live in very different times, in some ways things are not so different. Our own times are far from peaceful. There is still hatred and intolerance in the world and it is still all too easy to let fear, anger, resentment and mistrust guide us rather than the lessons Jesus taught.
When we feel threatened and vulnerable it is far too easy to begin thinking in terms of “us” versus “them” and to use what power we have to lash out at those who threaten us. If Esther is the mirror, Matthew is the guide – “Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." As I left church this morning, I left with a renewed resolve to work harder to apply the teachings of Christ in my own life, and the belief that in such a time as this His message of love, patience and forgiveness is more important than ever.
Melanie A.
