Today’s devotion
Children of light, and then the town
The Instructor is to teach all the children of light to love all the children of light, each according to his lot in God’s design, and to hate every way of darkness. They are to seek God with a whole heart and a whole soul, and to do what is good and upright before him.
From the Qumran Community Rule. The dual language of light and darkness is the world Jesus preached into — and widened.
A way through the words
The Qumran community trained people to love their own with intensity. Jesus breathed the same desert air and then walked toward enemies, tax collectors, and the mixed crowd. We can honor their seriousness and still choose a wider love.
The Qumran community trained people to love their own with intensity. Jesus breathed the same desert air and then walked toward enemies and mixed crowds. We can honor their seriousness and still choose a wider love.
Historical context
The Community Rule (1QS) is a true Dead Sea Scroll. Dualism of light and darkness was in the water. The gospels often keep the language and break the fence: let your light shine where people can actually see it.
The Community Rule is scripture from Qumran: the handbook of a Jewish yahad — a unity. The gospels keep the language of light and walk it toward towns, tables, and enemies.
A small beginning
Love your own people well today — and add one person who would never have been on the Qumran list.
A prepared reflection. Add an AI key to generate a fresh companion each day. Ask about this scripture