Destiny

Some will see the US election result as a matter of destiny, whatever that means.

Others will be grateful that President Obama has another 4 years to deliver on his hopeful dream of providing a better life for the downtrodden and exploited poor within his own country. 

These are difficult times for all sorts of people, but the poor (or the 'under resourced', as some now call them) usually suffer much more than the comfortable and rich. The prophets of old, such as Amos and Micah have some startling words to those who only care for their own kind. 'Listen to me, you fat cows living in Samaria, you women who oppress the poor and crush the needy, and who are always calling to your husbands, “Bring us another drink!”
² The Sovereign Lord has sworn this by his holiness: The time will come when you will be led away with hooks in your noses.
Every last one of you will be dragged away like a fish on a hook!' (Amos 4.1-3) Amos was a brave man, and his words came true, when Samaria fell to the Assyrians in 722 BC.

But Jesus was equally 'on the side of the poor'. He spent his time with the downtrodden and marginalised, and set about changing their lives and destinies. At the end, while hanging on a cross, he kept up his ministry of hope and help.

'One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” 

But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? ⁴¹ We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” 

And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23.39-43)

I am so grateful that we have this little account of Jesus making a difference, in changing this man's eternal destiny. He asked for help, and Jesus promised him a new home.

All of us can play our part in changing the destinies of people we meet. A kind word, and promise of help, pointing to Jesus, and people are then put in touch with the One who can change destinies and lives. What a privilege.

Best wishes,

Richard