Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
"Not Budging"
Jun. 9, 2018
Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find. And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.
~ Matthew 22:9-10 (ESV)
You have heard the story of The Man Without a Country.
Well, Michael Rotondo is a man without a house. At least, he will be a man without a house if the order signed by New York State Supreme Justice Donald Greenwood holds up against an appeal. The ruling gave Michael until June 1 to voluntarily leave his house, and if he doesn't he will be forcefully ejected by county sheriffs.
Now lest you think the court system has become cruel and is turning people out into the cold and bitter snows, you might want to hear the rest of the story.
For some time, Rotondo's parents had been encouraging him to get a job and find a place of his own. They even volunteered some money to help him begin. They were of the opinion that the ten years he had lived with them, without him contributing a penny for rent or utilities, was not helping him become a contributing member of society.
When their verbal requests went unheeded, the parents put their thoughts into writing.
They sent him a number of letters -- letters which he also ignored. Finally, the parents took their son to court. After they won their case, everyone wanted to hear and see, Rotondo's reaction. They didn't have to wait long. In short order, he said the ruling was "Outrageous," and the June 1 date didn't give him much time.
Later, Rotondo said he would try to find a "legal way to stay put" and he would try to "resolve things as civilly as possible." Eventually, he did concede it would be wise to begin packing, but it would be a problem for him to pay for the boxes.
So, how do you feel about the court ruling now? What do you think of Rotondo? Personally, I can only see two choices:
1. The court is wrong, and Rotondo should be able to live at home as long as he wishes.
2. Rotondo's a freeloader, and he has taken advantage of his parents long enough.
It is my hope that you didn't judge Rotondo too harshly. I hope so, because he is us ... at least in the story Jesus told about the wedding banquet.
Look at what the Savior said: when the first guests turned down their wedding invitation, they were rejected. After that, the king had his servants search the highways and byways for people to fill up the banquet room. Folks, that's us!
We're the ones who have done nothing to deserve entrance; we're the ones who even have to rely on the king to give us appropriate, that is, sinless, wedding garments. Truly, it's not the most flattering description of us, but it is accurate. Heaven is ours, simply and purely, because of God's Son, our crucified and risen Savior.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, our eternity in heaven begins and ends with You. It is Your plan, Your Son, His Sacrifice, and Your Spirit-given faith which forgives and brings us into paradise. For all You have done may we be truly thankful. In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen.
The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one written by Elizabeth Zwirz for Fox News on May 25, 2018. Those who wish to reference that article may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/05/24/evicted-new-york-man-30-has-to-vacate-parents-house-by-june-1-court-order-says.html
Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
You have heard the story of The Man Without a Country.
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