Security Notices

Considering Truths During Lent

Today's Devotional Thoughts

There it was in my luggage. I found it when I got home from my trip to Arizona a year ago at the end of January--the "Notice of Baggage Inspection" from the TSA. Some of you have gotten one of these notices, the one that begins, "To protect you & your fellow passengers, the TSA is required by law to inspect all checked baggage. As part of this process, some bags are opened & physically inspected. Your bag was among those selected for physical inspection."

I've gotten one of these notices before, too, so it was not a surprise. On the one hand, I always feel that indeed, my privacy has been invaded, [along with my dirty laundry]. On the other hand, I feel at least some reassurance that the Transportation Security Administration is at least doing something to try to protect me from a terrorist attack.

Today's Scriptural Truths

"From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from His dwelling place He watches all who live on earth--He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do." Psalm 33:13-15 [Hmm...That might not seem comforting to some. Verse 21 is a little more reassuring.] "In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name." And especially consider these words from Psalm 121:2-3:  "My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven & earth. He will not let your foot slip--He who watches over you will neither slumber nor sleep."

Some Closing Devotional Thoughts

Sadly, we know that even the most scrupulous security measures cannot always predict nor prevent a terrorist attack. But we have a God who is always watchful, always looking down from heaven, always seeing, never sleeping . . . and so we rejoice. Even when evil & sorrow seemingly prevail, we trust in His holy name, for He is greater & mightier than all evil & all sorrow. 

And His Word is more comforting than any notice I've ever found in my luggage.

Today's Prayer

This is a favorite Lenten Hymn, LSB #422, On My Heart Imprint Your Image.

"On my heart imprint Your image, Blessed Jesus, King of grace,
That life's riches, cares, & pleasures Never may Your work erase;
Let the clear inscription be:  Jesus, crucified for me,
Is my life, my hope's foundation, And my glory and salvation."

An Aside

This devotional was adapted from one I wrote for the Daily Announcements of Lutheran High Northeast (Norfolk, NE), dated 3/3/15.