Devotion for the Week of November 12, 2007

Those who know me, or read this blog regularly will tell you that I am a big movie fan. I was watching Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade again. I enjoy this film the most out of the Indiana Jones films for many reasons, but has to do with having the search for the Holy Grail as part of the plot. As most of you may know, legend has it that the Holy Grail was the cup Jesus used at the Last Supper. Later it was given to Joseph of Arimethea, who used it to catch some of the blood of Jesus at His crucifixion.

Regardless of the amount of truth in the storyline, it is an entertaining movie. In one scene, the Nazi Colonel is trying to secure the cup, but cannot figure out how to go safety down the passageway. There are three traps that have been set to keep intruders away. Indiana Jones knows the answer to the passageway, but refuses to go in. The Colonel then shoots Indiana’s father and says, "Now Dr. Jones, the only way to save your father is through the miraculous power of the Grail."

To make a long story short, Jones does get the Grail, fills it with water and gives it to his father. His father is saved, but it is not the cup that saves him. It is his faith in the God of the cup. Afterwards, Indiana Jones' father asks him, "What did you find, Junior?"

Finding God does not need to be a quest, God is always right there. The cup of faith is standing there, full to the brim. All we have to do is accept it.

"I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24)

Devotion for the Week of November 5, 2007

One of my friends, a father of twin girls, told me about an incident when they were eight years old. The two sisters spent the day fighting. That evening they prepared for bed, still mad at each other. As usual, they knelt by the side of their beds for their prayers. "Dear God," one of them began, "Bless Daddy and Mommy, bless Grandma and Grandpa, bless our cat and our dog." Then she stopped. My friend gently prodded, "Didn't you forget somebody?" She glared across the bed at her twin sister and added, "And, oh yes, God, bless my ex-sister."

Sometimes we wish it were that easy, don't we? But our brothers and sisters don't become `ex's' just because we are angry. We were created for relationship. Broken relationships tear at the very reason behind our existence. Jesus wants us to resolve our differences for the stake of our spiritual health.

We need to understand that unresolved anger is a spiritual issue. There is a sense of urgency in Jesus' words. When relationships are strained, whether it's our fault or not, we are to go at once and try our best to reconcile.

So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.
(Matthew 5:23-24)