Collateral Damage

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 41

Scripture Focus: And they went and stayed at Geruth Chimham near Bethlehem, intending to go to Egypt because of the Chaldeans. For they were afraid of them, because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had struck down Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land. (Jeremiah 41.17-18)

Devotional Thought: In war, innocent civilians are sometimes killed.  In rioting, innocent business owners are sometimes devastated.  In protests, innocent bystanders are sometimes injured.  In politics, innocent people are sometimes ruined.  These incidents are often referred to as "collateral damage."  This is necessary, say the perpetrators, to accomplish a greater good.  The term dehumanizes the victims, making them insignificant and their plight impersonal.  But, the "collaterally damaged" certainly see things differently.

In Jeremiah 41, Ishmael thought he was pursuing a greater good.  The king of Babylon had appointed a leader (Gedaliah) who was working with the occupiers to help the people live peaceful and productive lives.  Even though God had instructed the Jewish remnant to surrender to and work with the Chaldeans, Ishmael saw Gedaliah's response as treasonous.  He murdered Gedaliah and took captive those with him at Mizpah. When Johanan rescued them from Gedaliah, they all became refugees.  Innocent children were forced to flee their homes out of fear.  They were collateral damage.

As I consider the politics and "social justice" of this day, I can't help but wonder about collateral damage.  What harm are we inflicting upon innocent people?  How are our children impacted by our rhetoric and by our antagonism?  What are we teaching them?  How are we molding their view of acceptable behavior?

And what about the church?  Are we causing collateral damage by unforgiving, judgmental attitudes and words?  Are we the presence of peace in our world or a force for fear?

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for my callous attitude about those around me who are impacted by my attitude and actions.  Help me to be the love and light of Jesus in a world filled with hatred and darkness.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 121.1-4

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?

2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.

4 Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.