Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12: 17-18
Readers of the Daily Devotion will note that I haven't mentioned the Islamic rally which took place on Capital Hill.
It was hard not to address the subject as my mailbox has been filled with correspondence of Christians who feared the gathering. While promoters of the event hoped for 50,000 participants, only three-to-five-thousand showed up.
Now there is a reason why I haven't spoken about the event until now. In the United States every religion has a right to peacefully assemble when and where they wish.
And there is also a reason why the subject of that rally is being addressed now. No. it's not because of violence, or because of what was said. The truth is, as far as I have been told, there was no violence and there were many nice speeches made at the event.
But there was one thing which wasn't said at that event: nobody condemned the worldwide violence of radical Islam. Yes, it's true; most followers of the prophet are nice, peaceful people.
But it's also true that as long as the silent majority of Islam remains silent, the radicals will dictate and determine the future.
It has always been that way.
To verify that fact we need only look at the terrible hurt of Germany in the 1930s and the world in the 1940s. When good people are silent, the devil wins.
Which is why Christians have a responsibility to say that which is right and good. That's the Lord's wisdom St. Paul was passing on to the Roman church and us.
As far as it depends on us, we who have been redeemed by the Lamb's suffering and sacrifice should do what is honorable in the sight of all.
As far as it depends on us, the representatives of the Savior should live peaceably with all.
After all, the cross and the empty tomb are enough to offend the world. We don't need to add anything more on our own to make them hate us.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord let any offense I give to others be a witness to the suffering, the sacrifice the Savior has done for me. May all who meet me also see the wonderful love You have shown in the Redeemer's resurrection. In His Name. Amen.
In Christ I remain His servant and yours,
Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker emeritus of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Today's Bible Readings: 2 Chronicles 33-34 Acts 23:16-35
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