03/14/2025
During this Lenten season, we are sharing some thoughtful devotionals written by members of our congregation.
A World of Love
“You shall have no other God before Me.” Exodus 20:3
“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in Him.” 1 John 4:8 and 16
My husband and I were fortunate to be able to do a three-day layover in Istanbul, Turkey, while on a European trip last Fall. Our hotel, located in the heart of the old town, was very near to the Blue Mosque. Excited to make the most of our time, we hired a local guide. Our guide was a knowledgeable and personable 30-year-old Muslim man, who had majored in history and spoke English.
One morning, we were standing in the Blue Mosque, studying the mosaic images on the walls as our guide explained that the Mosque had been used alternately as a house of worship for Muslims and Christians, depending on who was in power. Twice I noticed the guide using the word “gods” when speaking about worship. (Was it a translation issue or something else, I wondered?) I was curious and asked him how many gods he worshipped. “I worship only one God,” he explained quite emphatically. I apologized and explained that I was confused by his use of a plural form of the word and asked him to tell me about his God. He responded, “The God I worship is the one true God who created heaven and earth. The God I worship is an all-powerful and merciful God, infinitely good and just, and a God of great love for all people.” I smiled at him, “As Christians, we worship the same God as you do,” I said. He returned a warm, genuine smile.
Creator God, the Alpha and the Omega, the one true God of the universe, we bow our heads before You. We pray for a world free from hate and filled with love and acceptance toward those who are different. We pray for peace and unity with all people on this earth. Amen.
