Thursday, July 1, 2021
Today’s Scripture
Today’s Author
Kate Culver
In this passage, we are presented with the story of Nehemiah, the cupbearer of the Persian king. Devastated by the news of the destruction of Jerusalem, he turned to prayer, and ultimately to the task of rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. A wall defines the boundaries of a country, assures law and order within its bounds, and provides protection from attack. Restoring the wall around Jerusalem represents restoring security, identity, and a place of belonging for the Jews. Nehemiah, in the face of a total annihilation and what seems to be an impossible task, has the faith and strength to rebuild.
With COVID-19 came a destruction of how things were traditionally done, seen most drastically in the Community Ministries program. We could not sit near to people in church services, let alone serve large breakfasts to our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Many organizations, faced with these challenges, simply closed their doors until they could get back to doing things the old way. First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta didn’t do that. We made a pivot to fill the increased need created during quarantine, serving even more people than before.
As we return to our lives and transition out of quarantine, we get to rebuild our community identity and place of belonging, just like Nehemiah. Are we brave enough to rebuild with the daunting tasks ahead? Are we strong enough to look for, admit to, and fix any design flaws in the original blueprint? How will we show up in this time of transition?
Summer Devotional
God Goes With Us
This summer’s devotional is a walk through the Bible. Join our pastors and staff for daily reflections on scripture passages from Genesis to Revelation. In the beginning, God said, “I will be your God and you will be my people.” Come and see how this covenant promise changes through time yet remains steadfast from generation to generation.
Each Sunday, Chris Holmes will share a short message on the texts for the week, and written reflections will go out every Monday through Thursday morning.
We wish you blessings and deeper faith this summer!
