Today’s Author: Christer Cederberg
“Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.” (Acts 2:6) Does that not sound like the United Nations headquarters in New York? Is that not where all nations gather to discuss important issues in all languages – like in Acts.
“We do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God” (Acts 2:17) Here my comparison with the United Nations must end. Speaking, regardless of the language, must be followed by listening, understanding, and then acting. As Wikipedia noted: “The leaders of the UN had high hopes that it would act to prevent conflicts between nations and make future wars impossible. Those hopes have obviously not fully come to pass.” Sadly, as the five permanent members of the UN Security Council have veto rights, the Security Council today is more of a show. Its recent attempts to stop a flagrant Russian invasion failed. It is hard to find “wonderful works” by the Security Council among major conflicts.
Would a Security Council without veto power for the permanent members have more power? Perhaps it could pass a resolution, but that still is far from the act we would need to achieve world peace.
Let us pray…
O God, Help us act in good ways on all that we see and hear. Help us act not in our own best interests but on behalf of all living creatures – today and tomorrow. Amen
Mid-week devotions are authored by members of our community. If you are interested in creating a trio of reflections to be shared on an upcoming Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, contact Pastor Peter.