“And they conferred together and with the money bought the Potter’s Field as a burial place for strangers.  For this reason that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day” (Matthew 27:7-8).

The word in Hebrew that is used here, ‘field of blood,’ is the same as that which is used in the commandment, Thou shalt not murder.  The taking of innocent blood is a curse.  Judas betrayed Jesus and was a part of His murder.  There have been many killing fields throughout history, but this is the one that records that our Lord was murdered for our sake.  The final answer always belongs to God.  Christ was resurrected.

Lord, in the mystery of life and death, You move us forward on the time-line that is in Your hands.  Guide us, Lord, so that we humbly submit to You, the One who knows all things.  Lead us into the life You give so that we may humbly walk the path You have set before each of us.  Even if we are betrayed by others, help us to see that You cannot, nor will You, ever betray the faithful, for Your word is eternally true.

Lord Jesus, into Your hand I commend all that I am.  Take me through the journey of salvation so that I may be completed by You.  Guide me every step of the way in order that I may learn from You not only how to live the life I have here and now but also be prepared for the eternal life that You have set before me.  Teach me Your way of love and compassion so that I reflect what You give to all whom I meet.  Amen. 

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”” (Romans 12:19)

In October 2011, the United States dedicated a memorial to that great civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr.  It was King who once said, “Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.”

Dr. King spoke this way because he was a Christian, steeped in the love of Jesus Christ.  He, our Lord, did not raise His voice against those who betrayed, arrested, and crucified Him.  To the contrary, He prayed for their forgiveness.  That mercy changed the world.

Does our nation listen today?  How the calls for revenge do rage.  Retaliation, just desserts, self-satisfaction—these cries riddle our public square.  There’s only one lasting solution, the remedy that satisfies every soul, silences tyrants, and calms nations: the cross of Jesus, where five wounds and an ocean depth of mercy swallowed anger and proclaimed for peace.  Raise that cross, and raise that voice, Christians; forgive, as you have been forgiven.

LET US PRAY:  Lord, You bid the whole world to come to You and rest.  Grant Your rest to every injured heart, and breathe Your Spirit of reconciliation into every community divided by accusation, that through the path of repentance and forgiveness Your world would know the peace that transcends understanding.  Amen

Pastor Steven K. Gjerde

Zion, Wausau