by Sara Jones

Psalm 51:11-18
Jonah 3: 1-10
Luke 11: 29-32

Today's lessons ask us to turn from evil and violence and seek salvation.

Jonah saves an entire city from God's wrath and destruction. Jonah's warning causes the entire population, even the king, to repent. Luke reminds his contemporaries of this story, saying his generation is an evil generation that should heed Jonah's story. He adds that a prophet greater than Jonah (Jesus) is warning them.

It's the poetry of Psalm 51 that touches me. "Do not cast me from your presence or take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation." Salvation is a call for rescue.

Personally, I think we could all do better aligning ourselves with God's plan. In this, an election year, I am in sympathy with Luke. My generation is an evil one. We are involved in many wars, bloodshed, and ancient tribal rifts that have lasted too long. We are still fighting for civil liberties.

How are we, as nations, treating one another? Can we live the words our Lord has taught us, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us"?

How are we treating God's great gift, our planet? I know no greater example of His living holy spirit than God's earth. Man's evil ways are threatening its very existence as we know it. Yes, even kings and presidents must ask for forgiveness with a contrite heart.

We can all start by living as messengers of Jesus words, "Love one another."