Good Morning Friends,
I’ve been trying to keep my life in a state of grace by walking, praying, gardening, and playing with grandchildren. I’m no prophet, but I’m getting healthier, and perhaps more useful to God because of it. We are living in a moment that feels chosen, a time when our decisions matter deeply. As we approach the celebration of our nation’s birth 250 years ago and as some look for Christ’s return, the lectionary texts press us to ask hard questions about discernment, justice, and courage. Today’s Scriptures show us what got Jesus killed, and what sent Israel into exile. They reveal how difficult it is to make faithful decisions in a world full of options, distractions, and idols. And they prompt me to pose, because I am curious, a single, searching question: If You Were a Prophet, What Would You Say Are the Right Choices for the Cities of Our Times?
Scripture Summaries
Amos 7:10–17
Amos is accused of conspiracy because he speaks God’s truth to power. Though only a herdsman, God calls him to confront a prosperous nation whose leaders have abandoned justice. His message is simple and devastating: exile is coming because Israel refuses to listen.
Matthew 9:1–8
Jesus heals a paralyzed man by first forgiving his sins. The scribes accuse Him of blasphemy, but Jesus reveals His authority by restoring both body and soul. The crowd glorifies God, but the religious leaders harden their hearts. This kind of truth-telling and healing is what eventually leads Jesus to the cross.
1 Corinthians 1:27
God chooses the weak and foolish to shame the strong and wise.
Ephesians 1:3–4
We are chosen in Christ to be holy and blameless in love.
Joel 2:28
God pours out His Spirit so sons and daughters may prophesy, dream, and see visions.
Message: The prophetic vocation is never easy. Amos speaks judgment to a nation drunk on prosperity. Jesus confronts the spiritual paralysis of His generation. Both reveal a truth we resist: we are shaped by the choices we make, and the gods we worship. Our culture worships the god of limitless options, more money, more choices, more freedom. But this god is a liar. Endless options don’t make us wise; they make us anxious, covetous, and spiritually paralyzed. We keep our options open and lose our ability to choose what is good. Jesus exposes this false freedom. He forgives, heals, and confronts, showing that real freedom comes from choosing Him. Real discernment comes from aligning our decisions with His kingdom. And today, God may be doing something new. Rural communities have thrived in unexpected ways. Cities are being reshaped. We have fewer choices than before, and perhaps that is a mercy, forcing us to return to what truly matters.
And So, if I were to offer a prophecy, it would be one of hope: that our cities, our nations would become playgrounds for children rather than battlegrounds for their elders; that God’s people would gather at the corner of faith and justice; that innovation would be born from prayer, not pride; that generosity, not greed, would define abundance; and that we would draw closer to God in the months and years ahead. Chaos will come, but Christ is with us. And He promises we will do greater things than He did. That requires faith, courage, and prayer. So let’s rise. Let’s walk. Let’s choose Jesus, for His Kingdom is heaven on earth winning the battle over evil.
Pray our inward chaos and outward strife do not cripple us. Pray our decisions reflect God’s values and glory. Pray we avoid the idolatry of endless options. Pray we trust God in the choices He ordains. Pray we know when waiting becomes procrastination. Pray we rise and follow Jesus. Pray we never lose hope. Pray we mature in faith and reject the god of options. Pray we advocate for the oppressed. Pray we see God’s will clearly. Pray we choose Jesus, who alone gives true freedom.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 