Daily Devotion for Post-Lent - Easter Sunday

Scripture Reading: Luke 24

Why don't angels appear to Pilate or Herod?  It would be nice if some did and said, "Boy, you really screwed up!"

But that's not the way of Jesus even though it might be our way at times.

Rather, the angels appear to the female followers.  They are the first to be witnesses to the empty tomb.  And they are not even believed when they share the message of Easter.  "Oh, that is just the prattling of women."

It is a large reminder of how women were considered second class and always had to defer to the men.  But Jesus has started a revolution of how we see other people.

Let us remember in Luke's Gospel that the angels didn't alert anyone of importance to the birth of Jesus but rather appeared to shepherds.  These were some of the lowest of the blue-collar workers in their social standing.

Do you see what's going on here?  In the Easter revolution, anyone can be a witness.

Jesus also appears to Cleopas and another disciple but remains unknown to them until they break bread together.  This foreshadows the sacrament of Holy Communion being a way in which we continue to share in Jesus Christ as his followers.  The table fellowship we celebrate here at times has been controlled as a means of who can and who can't receive, but I believe that our reading of Luke reminds us that it is a means of grace that we should freely offer everyone.

Eating together is important.  So important that Jesus eats a piece of fish with the disciples to show that resurrection is different than a ghostly appearance.  Ghosts are often about fear and the past.  Jesus is looking to the future and asks us even now, "Why are you frightened?"

Luke ends his Good News with the ascension.  This is fitting for a life that has pointed to God.  And the disciples don't abandon their religion or their rituals.  They remain in the Temple.  But they've been changed by resurrection.  They see differently now.

As we think about this story, Luke already knew the ending when he wrote it down.  As we look back at the Gospel, we can see how Easter colors everything in it.  How can it not?

We are the inheritors of this marvelous witness.  Luke seems to be asking us today, "What are you going to do now?"

Prayer for the day:

Loving God, you give us life at our birth, and we sometimes act as if you have wound us up like an old-fashioned watch - set to run until we don't.  But when we remember the past, we know that these watches had to be wound to work accurately.  Let us see the living Lord as one who works to wind us often so that we can share a more precise picture of the world.  This view is a respecter of all kinds of people because we see them as God sees them - as beloved.  We are thankful that not even death can stop this message.  We are grateful today to be a part of it.  You have raised up Christ today and forevermore!  Alleluia!  Amen.

Photo by Giulio Bernardi via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 40

Scripture Reading: Luke 23:26-56

And so we see the end of the revolution.

It wasn't a revolution of arms - we never saw Jesus take up the sword.  But it was a revolution of ideas.

For the Jewish people, Jesus asked them to consider how they were treating one another in the midst of captivity.  How could they remain faithful with so much pollution going on all around them?  As the foreigners came and lived among them and even told them what they could and couldn't do, how would they retain their identity in God?

Some traded a part of their identity - colluding with the occupiers - in order to maintain certain parts of their tradition such as worship in the Temple.  From Jesus' perspective, this collusion may have been worse than that of the tax collectors.  When Jesus is betrayed by his own leadership and killed by the foreign soldiers, we see the curtain of the temple torn in two.  This may foreshadow the violent end that such collusion will lead to for the Temple.  But it may also indicate that the leadership that would work to have Jesus killed was broken.  And lest we lay all the blame on our leaders, the crowds willingly followed their plan.

We see women all through today's reading.  

They are wailing for Jesus as he makes his way to The Skull.

They watch and pray as he is nailed to the cross.

They see him taken down and placed in the tomb.

They begin to prepare ointments and spices to anoint his body following the sabbath.  

They are to be the first to discover that the revolution hasn't ended as they surmised.  In fact, it may be just beginning...

But that is for tomorrow.  For today, we have grief.  And that is enough for today.

Prayer for the day:

Loving God, we grieve our loss anew as we remember the crucifixion of our Lord.  We are participants in the story as we wail with the women or scoff with the soldiers.  At times we are both criminals - doubting your power, O God, while at the same time yearning for salvation.  But then we are also faithful like Joseph who tended to propriety and buried Jesus before sundown.  There are times in life when things seem meaningless and we go through the motions.  Today, we pray for endurance.  We pray this in Jesus' name.  Amen.

Photo by Andy Read via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 39 Good Friday

Scripture Reading: Luke 23:1-25

What's the best way to have someone killed who has influence among the people?

This is what the religious authorities were trying to figure out in Jesus' day.  He was a brilliant teacher, healer and exorcist.  He was itinerant in that he didn't set up shop for very long in any one town or place.  He challenged the status quo and was a threat to those in religious power.

Within the Hebrew scriptures, there are passages that grant the authorities the right to capital punishment.  However, the Roman authorities that occupied Judea kept a strict rein on the right to execute people for crimes.  They didn't allow for Jewish leaders to take matters into their own hands if it meant a death sentence.

This is the Man by Myroslav Duzinkevych, 2002

Certainly, Roman authorities executed a lot of people.  The main people that they would have had no qualms about killing were insurrectionists who threatened the power of Caesar in this locality.  So, notice through today's passage that Jesus is being painted as a threat to Roman rule.

They start out complaining that he kept them from paying taxes.  As we think about tax day in the US, I don't think this complaint was a legitimate worry of theirs, do you?

They call Jesus the Messiah - the king - which would have been a direct threat to Pilate.  But Pilate doesn't see him as a military leader.  They have plenty of accusations but Pilate doesn't see one that successfully paints Jesus as an insurrectionist.

When Jesus gets handed off, Herod just wants to see a miracle.  For some reason, Jesus doesn't seem up to it.  Jesus is not an entertainer.

In the end, neither Pilate nor Herod see Jesus as a threat deserving death.

The crowd then picks an actual insurrectionist over Jesus.  

We often choose violence over peace and have throughout human history.

On this Good Friday, I must honestly look at myself and ask why this is.  I know that I choose violence - maybe not physically - but in the words I sometimes use.  I pick violence in that my blood gets hot over things that frustrate me.  My thoughts at times are not thoughts of peace.

And in these instances, we become a part of the mob demanding Barabas over Jesus.

Prayer for the day:

Oh God, this is a heavy day.  We recognize that we do not have it all together - either individually or collectively.  Why would Jesus stay silent when a word might have released him?  Help us to sit with the fact that someone would lift us up at any price.  We pray these things in the name of Jesus, the Messiah.  Amen.

Picture, This is the Man by Myroslav Duzinkevych, 2002.  Used under the Creative Commons License.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 38

Scripture Reading: Luke 22:31-71

Jesus seems the epitome of the non-anxious presence in today's reading.  He recognizes what is coming his way and does pray for an alternate path.  But he also resigns himself to be who he is going to be.  He doesn't seem to get upset or angry, even when those closest to him fail him.

When his disciples do respond with violence, Jesus does seem to get a little exasperated.  Rather than chastise them, Jesus simply offers a better way and heals the man who was wounded.

It is not easy to be calm in
the midst of the chaos!

His response to those coming to arrest him shows that he is not the one acting dishonorably.  He reminds them that he was present in their midst in the Temple each day.

Later, Jesus shows them that their own statements about him are what they are using to condemn him.

Our own denial of Jesus may not come as blatantly as Peter's.  It is often more subtle and justifiable but it is there nonetheless.  I find it striking that Jesus mentions that he is praying for Peter that his faith would not fail and that he would be there to strengthen the rest.  It seems that Jesus sees the thrice denial as a moment of weakness in an otherwise faithful life.

This is a good reminder that we shouldn't measure ourselves by our worst moments.  And if this is the case, maybe we shouldn't judge someone else by theirs either.  

As we approach the end of Lent, how is Jesus helping you move past your own denials?  It may be helpful to think of Jesus saying to you, "I'm praying for you that your own faith may not fail, that you may be a source of strength for others."

Prayer for the day:

Eternal God, we give thanks for your steadfastness.  You know us through and through and lift up our strengths while pardoning our weaknesses.  Teach us to put our own anxieties aside as we serve you.  And may the calm that comes from you be a blanket of peace that we spread over the people we meet.  We pray these things in the name of Jesus the Christ.  Amen.

Photo by Jong Soo (Peter) Lee via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 37

Scripture Reading: Luke 22:1-30

I've always been inspired by the fact that Judas was allowed to eat with the rest of the disciples at the Passover meal.  As we see Jesus move them to the new tradition of the Lord's Supper, it doesn't become an annual rite but a regular spiritual rhythm for Christians as they gather together.

As Jesus is clearly aware of the impending betrayal, he doesn't even out Judas to the rest of the disciples (although John's account seems to indicate this).  If it ever seemed like a good idea to close the table to someone, Judas should be the top candidate.

I'm not sure who 
came up with this
name for a beer.
Maybe because
of what is does to
your liver?

So, this becomes a reminder that grace isn't earned or deserved.  Grace may not even be bothered about nefarious intent.  This is hard for us to wrap our heads around.

It may cause us to stop and ask the question, "Why even bother being good?"  Of course, the answer to this is that if we are being good so as to stand out over those who aren't, we may have our own nefarious intent.

I like in Luke's Gospel how when Jesus drops the bombshell about his betrayal, the disciples start arguing over which one of them is the best disciple.  And this is right after receiving the very first Holy Communion!  

This is a perfect reminder that we all have a long way to go before we get to where we need to be spiritually.  It is also a good reminder that taking Communion doesn't automatically fix our faults!

As tomorrow is Holy Thursday, there should be ample opportunity for you to receive the sacrament.  I would invite you to do so with a heart that is open to the greater Christian community.  There will be those of differing theological or political camps receiving this same day.  What does it mean to share at the same table with them?

Prayer for the day:

Gracious God, you provide for us in a myriad of ways.  You strengthen us and you forgive us in our weaknesses.  Sometimes our weakness extends to our ability to be in relationship with our brothers and sisters in the faith.  Regardless of how we see them, you see them as your children.  Bless us with your sight.  In Jesus' name,  Amen.

 Photo by Miquel C. via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 36

Scripture Reading: Luke 21:20-38

Within Luke's time, he had already witnessed the successful rebellion of Judea against Rome in 66 CE.  But then he also knew about Rome's successful retaliation and recapture of Jerusalem four years later.  It was a horrific massacre of many innocent lives, and the Temple was once again destroyed.

It would certainly seem like an apocalyptic time for the survivors.  

The Gospel gives us meaning for this today and reminds us that end times seem to occur cyclically in human history.

The Great War over a century ago
also seemed like the apocalypse

If you go back through Christian history, you will find countless times that the end of the world or the second coming of Christ has been predicted to occur.  So far, we are batting 0% on our success ratio!  

But the issue for us is that we feel like the changes we are seeing (sometimes violent in nature) are upending our world and that it seems like it is ending.

Jesus reminds us that the worries of this life can be a trap that we all fall into.  When chaos increases, so does our anxiety.  Many people fell into this trap during the pandemic as mental health professionals had to start working overtime with the skyrocketing caseload.  Liquor sales increased dramatically and the drunkenness that Jesus warns about also was evident.  I would say that seeing a mental health professional is a much better response than tipping the bottle.

What does it mean to "be alert" during a time of calamitic change?  We mustn't take this out of context with the rest of the Gospel so far.  To be alert means to avoid putting on a false self for our comfort.  To be alert means to watch out for those who have fallen and aren't doing as well.  To be alert means to make sure that our compassion isn't drowned by our disgust that is fueled by anxiety.

Luke shows us that as Jesus was teaching in the Temple each day, he would also rest and retreat from the masses on the Mount of Olives.  So even as we are to be alert, we should also take the time to rejuvenate.

As we move through Holy Week, how are you staying alert during today's apocalypse?

Prayer for the day:

Gracious God, help us to rest well.  Give us sabbath time away from our worries and our fears.  Let us remember your presence as we move through today.  May we breathe deeply of your Holy Spirit as we refresh and seek to be alert to those around us.  And as we make connections with your children, may our peace in you be contagious.  We pray these things in the name of the Christ.  Amen.

Photo by USMC Archives via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 35

Scripture Reading: Luke 21:1-19

All of the talk of calamity and persecution is preceded in Luke by the widow's mite.  While it may seem foolish to give away all she had (what will she eat?), it really is meant to denote a trust in God for all we have.  It is getting back to basics.

The Temple has been torn down before and then later restored.  It is merely a symbol (although architecture can be inspirational for our worship).  

This is also a reminder that even nations are temporary.

Some things are
built to enjoy for a season

Growing up, I remember hearing in history class about nations lasting for hundreds of years before ending.  Then it was posited that our country might have an ending someday.  It was almost beyond my comprehension that the United States might not last forever!

But as we consider the gift of the widow's last penny, we are to see that her understanding is that it is all God's anyway.  God is the only lasting thing we can grasp.  

If we are holding on to God, it may be that the other things are put in perspective.

Because of her poverty, it is almost easy to excuse her actions - she had next to nothing anyway.  Now, if a rich person had given his very last penny, what would that convey?

Of course, this makes us wonder about our own holdings and belongings.  Are there things in which we place permanency beyond God?

With the pandemic and now the war in Ukraine, there is more uncertainty for us than there was a couple of years ago.  You may see more people touting the apocalyptic texts as tension mounts.  These are trying to create a pattern and provide answers for the chaos.  I think what Jesus means by all of this is that everything is temporary but God.  

This is helpful for me as I go through denominational strife.  I still grieve my losses, but I put them in perspective of the greater knowledge that God moves forward with us during these times.

As we see the story progress to the cross, Jesus seems to be preparing his disciples both then and now.

Prayer for the day:

Loving God, we recognize that all things are really yours.  When we lose our possessions and even when our way of life is threatened, we may grieve as if someone close to us has died.  Help us to remember that things are not lives.  Let us see that the systems in which we engage are temporary.  And may you continue to hold onto us as we hold onto you.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Photo by Sam Powers

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 34

Scripture Reading: Luke 20

This chapter seems to be all about the authority of Jesus.

We begin with this question and Jesus asks them about John the Baptist.  Some have speculated that Jesus was a disciple of John's before setting out on his own.  We like to imagine that Jesus didn't need to be taught and Luke even presents this notion as when Jesus was a child in the Temple at the beginning of the Gospel.  But Jesus was a human being and studied the Torah along with the other children in Nazareth.  

A rabbi in that day would have been a disciple of another rabbi at some point to be acknowledged as such.  Could the baptism of Jesus have been his graduation?  Regardless, we see that Jesus holds John in high esteem.  His wisdom and authority came from God and Luke seems to be showing us that Jesus' wisdom and authority comes from the same place.  If you won't acknowledge one, you won't acknowledge the other.

The parable of the wicked tenets is a foreshadowing of the crucifixion.  Luke may also use this to foreshadow the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles.  

The three questions have to do with the authority of Jesus over the emperor, the kingdom of God, and the Jewish people.  He shows mastery over all of them and steps calmly out of the traps they set.  

We are reminded at the end that Jesus is not about appearances.  He is not there for show with no substance.  In the end, his enemies were trying desperately to preserve their way of life without changing.  But a change is coming.

As Bob Dylan once said, "A hard rain's gonna fall!"

Some authority is naturally granted!

Lent reminds us to shake things up in our lives.  The season reminds us to examine ourselves and see what's amiss.  It is a period where we can set things in order as we try to align our wills with God's will.

The key in this is to remind ourselves about the authority of Jesus over us.  Jesus calls us on our posturing and tells us to be our real selves with others.  This can be a resurrection in and of itself.  How can you be more authentic today, not only to the people who know you best, but also to the strangers you encounter?

Prayer for the day:

Loving God, we confess that we grant authority to all kinds of things in our lives.  Some of these are automatic and remain unexamined.  Some of them are conscious and we struggle with what to do.  Remind us of who we are in Christ.  Remind us that the Lord of our lives is a living presence and a source of strength.  Remind us that we shall overcome.  In Christ's name we pray.  Amen.

Photo of Sheryl by Sam Powers, South Africa, August 9, 2011

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 33

Scripture Reading: Luke 19:29-48

Common wisdom of the day would look at the actions of Jesus and say that things are not going to end well for him.

We know differently but could certainly see where they were coming from.

As he enters Jerusalem, we must remember that the Passover is nearing.  This is a Jewish holiday where lots of people come from all over to visit the Temple.  It is a time when they remember how God led them out of captivity from Egypt.

If you were a foreign occupier of Jerusalem, this religious observance would make you nervous for sure!

Jerusalem is ripe for riot and revolt.

When Jesus enters Jerusalem in a kind of procession, they are calling him "King" and "Lord".  The Pharisees were calling for cessation in that they didn't want the army coming in and killing a bunch of civilians caught up in the moment.  The cleansing of the Temple wouldn't have toned this down at all.

When Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, Luke has already seen (or at least heard of) the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 AD.  All of the things Jesus says in this paragraph have essentially already come to pass.  Some see this as prophetic utterings by Jesus while others see it as editorial commentary by Luke.  Regardless of which you believe, we see an important message shared.

If only we could recognize the things that make for peace.  

This is true in our world today as we try to figure out Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

It is true in our country today as we wrangle over politics from the federal level down to school board elections.

It is true in our denomination today as some seek to leave for perceived greener pastures.

It is true in some of our families as they disagree over any of the above!

When you're in a war zone,
all you want is peace.

So, we do know that violence is not the end-all.  But rather resurrection speaks a
louder message.  We are reminded that if we are silent, the very stones will cry out!

This phrase is a good reminder that truth will eventually come out.  

Some day.  

But if we can occupy a place for peace in the world, maybe "some day" could come sooner.  Then maybe Jesus wouldn't have to weep over our lost chances for peace today.

Prayer for the day:

God, we often pray for peace.  All of the chaos and turmoil is tiring.  If people would just get on our side, all of this disagreement could end!  We struggle over keeping our ideals to bring healing to a hurting world and getting along with those with an alternate philosophy.  The balance is excruciating.  Help us to remember the root of this word as we approach Holy Week.  In Christ's name we pray.  Amen.

Photo by manhhai via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 32

Scripture Reading: Luke 19:1-28

As we approach Palm Sunday this week, we are getting close in Luke's Gospel as well.  It is interesting to see today's scripture passages in context of Jesus entering Jerusalem as the Messiah (which we'll get to tomorrow).  

The Messiah was seen by the Jewish people as someone in the line of King David who would channel the military might of his ancestor.  And so, we have here a passage where Jesus enters the home of a tax collector.  Tax collectors were sell-outs working for the Roman empire.  They knew who to collect from and how much people were worth because they were locals.  You can imagine their popularity!

So, how would a Messiah act in accordance with the populism of the day?  He

It's easier to welcome this kitten
down than it would be someone
like Zacchaeus.

would have knocked Zacchaeus to the ground and ridiculed him for his betrayal.  Maybe the crowd surrounding Jesus would have been stirred to violence.  It wouldn't have been hard.

Is it any wonder that people grumbled at the surprising response of Jesus?

This is where Luke interjects the parable of the pounds.  This is a fantastical tale with astronomical sums for slaves to trade in.  They are rewarded with entire cities to rule so it has a bit of an eschatological air to it.  How does this relate to the grace Jesus shows Zacchaeus?  

Is the money they are dealing with a symbol for the forgiveness they should be offering?  The one who sits on the grace of God and does not multiply it is the one who ends up with nothing.  The violence does come in the story with the people who are unwilling to be led by grace.  It may be that they reap what they sow.

Jesus is giving us clues that he will be a different kind of Messiah.  But his influence is even more transformative than military rebellion.  When a new king comes to power, very often, the systems remain in place and not a lot changes.

As The Who once said, "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss."

But we see the transformation come to Zacchaeus without doing him any harm.  He's not even removed from his position but the way he conducts himself will be with a fair hand to his neighbors from this point on.  So in this way, Jesus brings transformation to the whole community.

Can Jesus be something new for us?  Breaking down our systems?  That would be a Messiah we could follow!

Prayer for the day:

Almighty God, we know that you hold all things in the palm of your hand.  There are many we know with which we would like to see you tighten your grip into a fist!  Yet, we know that our ways are not your ways.  Help us to open our hand to our neighbors as well.  May our touch be gentle with them - like the caress of God.  We pray these things in Jesus' name.  Amen.  

Photo by Wall Boat via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License. 

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 31

Scripture Reading: Luke 18:18-43

The spiritual blindness precedes the beggar's physical blindness throughout this reading.

When Jesus names five of the ten commandments, the rich ruler (Matthew identifies him as young) seems to respond with hubris, "I have kept all these since my youth."

Sometimes people like to set themselves up to brag.  If he was rich as well as being in leadership, most in that day would assume that he has God's favor.  He may have been looking for praise from Jesus, but he found a challenge instead.  

As we saw earlier in this chapter, self-sufficiency becomes a trap.  It is not that it is a bad thing to take care of ourselves, but it does seem to get in the way of embracing grace rather than entitlement.  What does it mean to give away all our possessions?

It means that we have no choice but to rely on God.

Jesus is going to have to rely on God as he outlines his mission of suffering, death and resurrection.  But the disciples can't see it yet.  It will be resurrection that finally opens their eyes.

What keeps us from seeing?

This blind beggar correctly identifies Jesus as the Messiah ("Son of David").  Jesus asks the man what he wants.  The beggar who is opposite in social status as the rich ruler wants to see.  Both of them were looking for something but the beggar's was more basic.  Jesus heals him and his sight is restored.  

Both were given the option for healing but only one took it.  Notice that the rich ruler was unable to follow even though invited.  The beggar gladly follows.

This makes us think about our own blind spots.  Sometimes we can self-identify them.  Sometimes, like the ruler, we know about them and choose to live with them.  But maybe, like the beggar, we can take them to Jesus and our sight can be restored.

Prayer for the day:

God, you know our weaknesses better than we do.  You call us regardless, but you also give us the freedom to live our lives.  May our offering to you be our weaknesses that you might transform them.  We recognize that we all need to cry out to you, "Son of David, have mercy on us!"  Amen.

Photo by samantha celera via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 30

Scripture Reading: Luke 18:1-17

Today's reading grants us a certain worldview that Jesus gives his followers.  It is knowing our place in the universe in relation to God.

Children seem to get this better than adults.  They have nothing and they are dependent on others to provide for them.

Adults begin to believe that they are self-sufficient as per the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.  The Pharisee might have been persistent in prayer, but he was doing it wrong!

If we continue to lift up to God our own prejudices in prayer like the Pharisee, do we remain stuck in our rut?  When the widow continually approaches the judge, she is seeking justice.  Since widows in that day were not usually rich, it is likely actual justice she is looking for rather than a perceived need for justice.

Lots of animals play
king of the hill.

But what if I continually pray with a sense of hierarchy?  

If you are churched, it is likely that you would consider yourself more spiritually aware than the unchurched.  This is logical because you do tend to your spiritual life on a regular basis - you are making a disciplined practice of it.  So, those of us who qualify - and I would guess that's anyone reading this blog - do we find ourselves occupying the chair of the Pharisee?

The irony is that the more spiritually disciplined we become, the more we should develop a worldview that God is lifting all of us up.  Becoming more adept at seeing God in the world means that we realize we are all in the same boat.  Isn't this what it means to receive the Kingdom of God as a little child?

Oh, I better pray some more...

Prayer of the day:

Lord, we would pray more often but we get caught up in the world.  Our daily affairs tend to grab our attention and not let us go.  Help us to take more moments to retreat with you during the day.  Give us perspective that heals our relationships.  May the way we carry ourselves around other people be a witness to you today.  In Christ, Amen.

Photo by dalvenjah via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 29

Scripture Reading: Luke 17:1-37

I really like the idea of partnering with God in today's reading.  Strong faith is not something that we can accomplish in a void because faith in the living God means that we are expecting God to work with us in this life.

We are not always thankful
for our siblings.

Notice that Luke places the faith of the mustard seed after the command to forgive repeat offenders!  When Jesus tells the disciples to continue to forgive the same person multiple times, they implore him to "increase our faith!"

I think this is the disciples recognizing, "We can't do all that forgiving alone!"

The illustration of the slaves reminds us to have humility in our accomplishments which is not always easy.  I think we prefer to have others think well of us and sometimes they may not notice all that we have done!  Yet, partnering with God means that we acknowledge our help in the matter.  It really puts to rest the concept of the self-made man (person).

The story of the ten lepers once again has a Samaritan as the good example.  Notice that Luke has this placed right after the notion of humility in our relationship with God.  As Luke ministers to a Gentile Christian community, it is helpful to see that "foreigners" are made well by their faith.  But it also helps the well-established in the faith from staying on their high horse.  As we partner with God, our blessings should be regularly acknowledged.

Finally, we have these apocalyptic images.  These can be scary when life is going well for us.  We don't harken for a quick return of the Lord to end the good thing we have going!  But, for those who suffer, the apocalypse may be a relief.  As in most things, our context means a lot.

So, if we are partnering with God, how can we bring about the return of the Lord for the suffering?  If the Kingdom of God is indeed among us or even within us as it may be translated, how do we share this truth with those in need?

It may be that we are causing little ones to stumble by our neglect.

As we are called to witness, it is often that our best witness needs no words.

Prayer for the day:

Loving God, do we see you within us?  Can you increase our faith so that we may offer grace - even to those we know don't deserve it?  Help us to love more fully, recognizing that our reservoir comes from you.  May we see that it is inexhaustible!  And as we share it, may we remember to return and give thanks to you for the ability to love more fully.  We pray these things in Jesus' name.  Amen.

Photo by medusahead via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 28

Scripture Reading: Luke 16:14-31

We see a lot of reversals in today's reading.

Those with wealth assume that they are favored by God and Jesus reverses this thought.

The law and the prophets are to be absorbed in our being rather than followed only as actions.

Divorce is outlawed, granting equality in the marriage relationship to women.

Then we see the parable of Lazarus and the rich man.  In Luke, Lazarus is a poor man rather than the brother of Martha and Mary as per the Gospel of John.  While the resurrection in John is a physical one in this life, in Luke's parable, it comes in the next life.

The reversal in this story comes in the social roles of the rich man and Lazarus.  In this life, Lazarus is lower than the dogs and is ignored by the rich man.  He doesn't even see him.

In the next life, Lazarus is literally on top of the rich man.  Note that the man in Hades tries to reassert his old role and tells Abraham to send Lazarus to serve him.  

Ain't happening!

In Jesus' day, the Pharisees would have been at the top of the Jewish social ladder in a regular town.  Jesus may have been telling them this parable to try to get them to notice the people they saw beneath them.

All social groups have 
a pecking order

Note the foreshadowing of the resurrection.  It is an inditement of those who will continue to reject this reversal even after Jesus is raised from the dead.

The difficulty of social roles is that the hierarchies creep back in.  We have them in the church today even though we would like to hold up an egalitarian philosophy once you come into the sanctuary.

As we see people who we would subconsciously consider lower than ourselves, we may see them in the same way the Pharisees saw others.  How does this parable of Lazarus teach us to really see people?

Prayer for the day:

God, the difficulty of being human is that we get set in our ways.  Sometimes we set them in concrete before we even realize it.  Help us to remember the Way of Jesus.  And as we remember, help us to align our ways with his.  We pray these things in Christ's holy name.  Amen.

Photo by The Wasp Factory via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License.

Daily Devotion for Lent - Day 27

Scripture Reading: Luke 16:1-13

This parable is disturbing at first glance.  

Is Jesus praising dishonest actions?

The dishonest steward doesn't have a lot of redeeming qualities.  The charge of squandering the owner's property could just mean he wasn't very good at his job.

Then he admits that he doesn't have the strength for physical labor and has too much pride to ask for charity.

So, he slashes the neighbors' debts without authorization in order to build up enough goodwill so that he will have places to stay.

So he's a free-loader as well!

The only thing he seems good at is protecting his future.

How is this praise-worthy?

As we think about the Pharisees being the targets of Jesus' teaching, he often points out their hypocrisy.  In the previous parable of the Prodigal Son, the older brother doesn't see where he was sinning against the father.  

What is it that we should give away that we don't own?

I find it easier to forgive
a squirrel than a person.
Hmm.

If the master in the parable is God, maybe we reduce what we think people owe God for redemption of their sins.  What if we slashed the debts we held against people for the things they have done against us?

At this point in our lives, it is probable that we can all be a little more easy-going.  The honest thing to do would be to hold people accountable for every little action.  But it may also be the lonely thing to do.

As we think about the debts God forgives us on a daily basis, maybe our realization is that we're the free loaders!

Prayer for the day:

Loving God, we confess that in order to love us, you must have to overlook a lot of the little things we think throughout the day.  There may also be things that we say that aren't featuring our best sides.  Just as you forgive us countless debts, help us not to be so particular in counting the costs against others.  In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Photo by martin_vmorris via Flickr.com.  Used under the Creative Commons License.