Reading: 2 Peter 2:10b–16
Our reading today has quite the reversal of roles, doesn’t it? Humans are called “irrational animals, creatures of instinct” in verse 12, and then we get to the end of the reading and it is the irrational animal in verse 16 taking on the role of a human: “a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.” If you’ll recall in the story of Balaam and his donkey, the donkey prevented Balaam from being destroyed by his godless ways—the animal behaving like a man to save the man behaving like an animal.
Remember the creature you were created to be. Proclaim God’s truth and protect the other creatures that have been given into your care. Who in your life needs to hear a tough word to prevent their destructive ways? Who needs to be filled with life, to hear a Word of grace? Go and do that today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Almighty God, Creator of all things, You have created us and love us. Give us Your Holy Spirit that we might live as the creatures You have designed us to be, caring for others and loving You; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Hymn
To hope grown dim, to hearts turned cold
Speak tongues of fire and make us bold
To shine Your Word of saving grace
Into each dark and loveless place. (LSB 585:3)
Joseph Highley (Sem IV, CSL)