Thursday, September 2, 2021
Today’s Scripture
Today’s Author
Jamie Butcher
Our journey through scripture comes to an end with this passage from Revelation. Is it good to end on an apocalyptic note? The genre offers a first-person promise of God’s intervention for people under stress; but, it’s also quite bizarre and rather difficult to engage - seven bowls, twelve gates, and a lake of burning sulfur.
The symbols require some “workaround.” I picked up this phrase from someone who had noticed the mental gymnastics we academic Christians deploy while trying to navigate difficult doctrine. Personally, I admit to a preference for avoiding Revelation altogether. Or at the very least, I like to engage only after serious contextual prep work and the promise of days-long discussion ahead.
But one morning on my bike commute to FPC, I saw our church member, Miller Woodson, emerging from his sleeping bag under the Beltline bridge with his Bible in hand - turned to Revelation. I was ready for a word, and offered thanks for his message. But I admit I was embarrassed by the presentation of this text to passersby in such a public space. Recently, I learned of his death over the COVID season, and as I reflected on my assigned scriptural passage for this devotional, I was (newly) heartened by his choice for our Beltline Bible study. He witnessed to me about reception. He wanted no workaround for this good news from Revelation:
See, the home of God is among mortals.
He will dwell with them;
they will be his peoples,
and God himself will be with them;
he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away.
Wherever we are, wherever we go, God goes with us, friends.
In Memory of
Miller Woodson 1950 – 2021
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!
