Knowledge to Kill or Love (2)
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May 19, 2020
Scripture
Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end…. And during supper, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. (John 13:2-5 NRSV)
Knowledge to Kill or Love (2)
The chair of the U.S. Senate’s Intelligence Committee is alleged to have used insider knowledge from a top-secret briefing about the threat of pandemic to sell stock before the market crashed (while assuring his constituents there was no threat). He could have served his people.
Last week I looked at Macbeth and his “insider knowledge” of a prediction that he was to become King. Seeing the King as his guest one night he assassinated him, and in the process destroyed the kingdom and himself. He could have served the king as a good host.
We see Jesus in the dining room with his friends “loving them to the very end”. His “insider knowledge” was that he was beloved, that he had come from and was returning to the loving Father. Knowing his power, he served and loved his people.
We can learn over time that we are beloved by God, chosen by Jesus to be his friends and guided by the Spirit to love and service. I have lots of knowledge that I can selectively use to kill (figuratively) or love (actually). I can love and serve those who come across my path.
A Prayer for Today
God of love and kindness, we are flooded with so much information, it is hard to filter the good from the bad. Grant us wisdom to discern what is good by the fruit of our actions – love and service. I can so easily misunderstand situations and instead of loving, take unfair and destructive advantage. Your Son knew clearly that he had your affirmation and authority but used it to love, not destroy. Help me do the same…. For Jesus’ sake
