Today’s scripture: Isaiah 21:1-16 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Ernest Disney-Britton):
We are conditioned to see the non-traditional messenger as evil. In doing so, we must ask if we are also missing God’s true messengers sent as watchmen: “For thus the Lord says to me, ‘Go, station the lookout, let him report what he sees” (Isaiah 21:1-16). This week, deceased photographer Robert Mapplethorpe made headlines as the subject of a new HBO documentary that coincides with exhibitions in Los Angeles. Raised in a strict Christian family, Mapplethorpe was influenced by the rigid conditioning of his church, and he responded with a 1985 self-portrait in which he pictures himself with horns to signal the battle between God and evil. Every generation has its messengers.
Question for the day: Who are these non-traditionalist watchmen of today?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.