Speak the truth to one another, render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace, do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath; for all these are things that I hate, says the Lord. Zechariah 8:16
We will soon be celebrating the birth of Jesus with angel choirs singing Gloria in excelsis Deo. What is their message? It is that we should rejoice in the Lord and hear the truth through the voice of the Savior.
Unfortunately, in today’s world it is hard to determine what truth actually is.
We believe in the prophets, strive to follow the Ten Commandments, and unscramble our lives as best we can while being fed distorted news reports, wild exhortations to buy some product, skewed figures in research, and on and on it goes. It is baffling to know what to believe. It is only natural that some interpret what we read and hear one way while others apply contrary meanings; but that can be distressing.
If the words in Zechariah were followed precisely, we would have an ideal society. But such prospects are unlikely and it will doubtless be so for eons. So what can we do? Accept with a sigh and a shrug? Expound from the orator’s platform? Flood the streets with shouts and signs? Of course, there’s social media at our fingertips.
We will find an answer to our worries by being honest with ourselves, and through prayer and introspection, trusting the Lord to show us a path to inner peace and a world in harmony. Whether we are bold enough to share our thoughts with others, God wants to hear from us. His guidance, even as we wait, will bring us peace.
Almighty God, hear our pleas and help us recognize the truth as we grapple day by day with uncertain times. May we be messengers of your peace, your love, your light, and your joy. Amen.
Mary McCaw, a nonagenarian, is a resident of Liberty Lutheran’s Manor at York Town. Throughout her many years she has been a devoted volunteer working in leadership roles toward enhancing life in Bucks County and beyond, related to adolescent girls, women, health care, prison inmate recidivism, the arts, and the Church.
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