Lenten Devotional...March 31

Matthew 7:24-29

 

“…the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.”

(Matthew 7:28b-29)

 

On more than one occasion, the gospels speak of the crowd’s amazement in the aftermath of Jesus’ teaching.  Something was different.  Matthew tells us that the difference was the authority with which he spoke.  He didn’t speak of a way that others paved before him; he was the way. He wasn’t simply relaying truths handed down from generation to generation; he was truth.  He didn’t address life as a temporal treasure to be used up; he was life.  Some were appalled at his presumption…others were amazed by his authority.

 

In a series of passages across John’s gospel, Jesus used the first person pronoun, “I,” to speak of his identity and mission.  “I am the bread of life…I am the light of the world…I am the gate…I am the good shepherd…I am the resurrection and the life…”  He spoke of real life experiences in the stories he told, as seen in today’s text.  But he wasn’t simply relaying events to make a point; his authority communicated a purpose and intentionality that captured the attention and stirred the hearts of those who listened.

 

His words still speak authoritatively, if one takes the time to read and truly listen to them.

  

Prayer: May I allow your word to speak with authority to my life today, Lord. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 30

Mark 12:28-34

 

“When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’”

(Mark 12:34a)

 

Jesus encountered a variety of Jewish scholars and temple leaders.  In many cases, they sought to expose him as a fraud, asking leading questions they hoped would trick him and disparage his message.  Our text today finds one man who appreciates what he has heard from Jesus. 

 

The scribe was drawn into conversation with Jesus because he respected his words.  He asked Jesus about the greatest of the commandments.  Jesus’ answer invoked the centrality of God at the heart of the relationship between Creator and creation, and between humankind.  The scribe’s response was well received by Jesus who told him he was not far from the kingdom.

 

What was his deficit?  What was the gap between the man’s words of affirmation and Jesus’ words of salvation?  Could it be that as learned as this man was, his understanding of God and his relationship to others was too narrowly defined by the law?  Jesus defined salvation in terms of love and offered evidence of his argument in his own words and actions…”No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)

 

The cross is evidence of this love…the greatest argument for salvation ever offered.

 

Prayer: May love guide our steps to the cross, Lord.  Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 27

Luke 9:57-62

 

“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

(Luke 9:62)

 

Our Miniature Schnauzer, Max, never meets a stranger.  He believes every person he encounters is looking for him.  That makes it a continual challenge to keep him focused when we go for a walk.  If there is someone nearby, particularly behind him, he will turn around every three or four steps to make sure they are still there.  In order to finish the walk, we often have to turn around to greet, then pass the person behind us.  We catch ourselves coming and going sometimes.

 

The words of Jesus may again seem harsh in today’s text.  Surely, one might argue, there are understandable distractions that cause even the most devoted follower to turn back.   Jesus knew the stakes were high.  He said that anyone who followed him would have to take up their own cross.  As a result, many were unwilling to honor their commitments to him and turned back.  Peter came to the painful realization that it was often easy to utter words of allegiance and commitment, but difficult to follow through.      

 

The Lenten journey is not a path of ease and distraction.  Our focus is the cross.  To turn away is to cheapen the price of grace.

 

Prayer: Help me have courage today, Lord, to keep my eyes on the cross. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 26

Luke 7:36-50

 

^“ Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—that she is a sinner.’”

(Luke 7:39)

 

A closed mind is a tragic misuse of a precious gift.  The ability to think and reason is a treasure bestowed by the Creator.  Too often we diminish this gift by foolishly allowing ritual, tradition, and the intoxicating influence of the crowd to narrow our perspective.  It is much easier to stay the course or follow the crowd than it is to consider the possibilities of revelation.

 

In Luke’s story, Jesus was invited to dinner in the home of a Pharisee named Simon.  The evening took a turn when a woman Simon later identified as a “sinner,” was overwhelmed in Jesus’ presence, washing his feet with her tears, pouring perfume, and using her hair as a towel. Simon muttered his disapproval of the woman and Jesus.  No self-respecting prophet would allow a sinful woman to do such scandalous things!  Jesus opened his heart to a broken, repentant sinner.  Simon closed his mind to the possibility of redemption for one unworthy.  The comparison was striking.

 

King David wrote of his own brokenness, “The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart...”  Ritual or brokenness…closed mind or contrite heart? The choice must still be made.

 

Prayer: May my heart be open to your redemptive grace, O God.  And may I extend that grace to others in Jesus’ name.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 25

Luke 17:11-19

 

“Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice.  He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan.”

(Luke 17:15-16)

 

Those of us familiar with this story often focus on the ingratitude of the nine. Though Jesus takes note of only one returning, I’m not sure that is the focal point of the story.  When the one realized he had been made clean, his grateful praise led him back to Jesus, where he fell at his feet and thanked him.  Luke then added, “And he was a Samaritan.” 

 

Jesus had a way of turning stories with a word that often astonished his audience.  Samaritans were despised by the Jews because of conflicts dating back centuries.  Most who heard Jesus would not have expected the one whose actions honored the Lord to be a Samaritan.  Similarly, the parable of the Good Samaritan placed an unlikely person at the heart of the story as the hero. From the perspective of Jesus, it would seem that faithfulness, compassion, and gratitude couldn’t be limited to “people like us.”  Gratitude, regardless of who expresses it, is vital to growing relationships. 

 

The fact that the grateful man was a Samaritan seems insignificant, yet… it was significant.  So, what then would you say was the most important element in this story…healing, gratitude, or valuing all persons, regardless?      

 

Prayer: Gratitude teaches us great life lessons, Lord. Continue to broaden our perspectives in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy  

Lenten Devotional...March 24

Luke 24:13-35

 

“Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.”

(Luke 24:35)

 

The familiar is at times overshadowed in the fog of busyness, disappointment, or grief.  That would seem to be the case for these men walking along the Emmaus road.  It had been a remarkable three days.  The one they thought was Messiah had been killed on Friday.  Then, Sunday morning, news reached them that women had returned to the tomb of Jesus only to find he was not there.  News spread among his followers that he was alive, but no one seemed to know what it all meant.

 

A stranger joined them along the journey and became an unexpected teacher about what had been foretold about the Messiah.  They paused along their journey and invited this stranger to dine with them.  When he blessed and broke the bread before them, they suddenly realized his identity…Jesus. 

 

It is often in the pauses of life that we encounter Christ.  Stopping along the journey, the cares and burdens dissipate and the familiar becomes recognizable again. Along this Lenten journey, amidst busyness, disappointment, even grief, pause a moment to recognize Jesus at work within you.    Perhaps, like these travelers, your heart too will burn within as you encounter Jesus once more.

 

Prayer: Walk beside me today, Lord Jesus. Help me pause and recognize that you are with me. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 23

Luke 19:1-10

 

“All who saw it began to grumble and said, ‘He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.’”

(Luke 19:7)

 

It was one of the first songs I learned in Sunday School.  Perhaps you remember the text.  “Zacchaeus was a wee little man and a wee little man was he.  He climbed up in the sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see.  And as the Savior came that way he looked up in the tree. And he said, ‘Zacchaeus, you come down from there, for I’m going to your house today. For I’m going to your house today.’”

 

The song was a great way to tell the story of a small man’s encounter with Jesus.  What the song didn’t communicate, however, was the smallness of the crowd who cared little for the transforming power of forgiveness.  They grumbled because Jesus would go to the house of a sinner.  Perhaps more troubling for them, he invited himself…he intentionally sought out this sinner.

 

As a child I learned the words of a song that taught a great story. As an adult, I continue to learn the significance of forgiveness from that same great story.  Jesus, you see, still seeks sinners… even those some of us continue to grumble about.

 

Prayer:  Gracious God, thank you for the persevering, intentional love and forgiveness of Jesus.  Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy  

Lenten Devotional...March 20

Luke 8:1-3

 

“The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities…”

(Luke 8:1b-2a)

 

This statement is significant in Luke’s telling of the gospel story.  We readily think of the twelve disciples who walked with Jesus during his ministry.  At times the gospel writers speak more broadly about other followers beyond the twelve.  Here, the writer specifically mentions “some women” who followed him.  As is often noted in biblical and historical review, women did not enjoy the same rights or opportunities as men in the ancient world.  Perhaps you have heard the prayer some in Jesus’ day might have prayed, which said, “I thank God I am neither a gentile nor a woman.”

 

Luke’s recognition of women as followers here is significant because it marks a shift in thinking about the value of every human being before God.  The human distinctions that so easily allow us to devalue others are removed here as those once deemed unworthy, become welcome partners.  This shift in perspective is revolutionary and ultimately broader than gender. 

 

There is an old saying, “The ground at the foot of the cross is level,” which means all are welcome in the saving grace of God.  It was risky behavior in the first century…it still is today.

 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that your grace reaches to all…regardless. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 19

Mark 5:1-20

 

“…the man who had been possessed by demons begged him that he might be with him.  But Jesus refused, and said to him, ‘Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.’”

(Mark 5:18b-19)

 

It seems altogether reasonable that this man who had been delivered by Jesus would want to follow him.  Simple gratitude would motivate allegiance.  Anger within the community for the destruction of what may have been their livelihood in the loss of the herd of pigs may have motivated him to leave. Perhaps the stigma of what might today be called “mental illness,” seemed too much to overcome given all the stories that had likely been told about him.  One can understand his desire to leave.

 

But Jesus wouldn't allow it. The NRSV says somewhat coldly that Jesus refused him.  Again, wouldn’t the compassionate Christ welcome this man to join him?  Perhaps the compassion of Christ was at work in his refusal.  By sending the man back home he was offering the opportunity to reclaim relationship with friends and family.  Jesus was also giving him an opportunity to bear witness to the mercy God had shown him.  Faith isn’t a hedge against the world, but rather an open door that welcomes others in Jesus’ name.  Jesus’ charge to the man is appropriate for us today…“Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you.” 

 

Prayer: Help me, dear Lord, to have courage to tell what you have done for me. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 18

Mark 1:29-31

 

“Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.”

(Mark 1:31b)

 

There is little background given here. Simon’s mother-in-law is identified as the sick woman healed by Jesus.  She is not mentioned before or after this story.  Her illness is simply reported as a fever.  That diagnosis could cover a wide range of illness from a simple virus to life-threatening disease.  Of course, two thousand years ago, even a simple virus could prove deadly.

 

Other than the fact that Simon is identified as a married man, there seems little here, except for the last few words of our focal text; “and she began to serve them.”  Simon shows up with his brother Andrew and three friends…guests for dinner! Jesus touches Simon’s mother-in-law and the fever leaves her.  Her reaction?  She gets up and begins serving them. There is little fanfare here, no recorded celebration.  She is made well and immediately begins to serve. 

 

The verses that follow tell of others who came to the house that evening, looking for what Simon’s mother-in-law had received.  I wonder if she served them also.  Can’t you hear the conversation amidst the drink orders…“Oh yes, he’s wonderful, let me tell you what he did for me.”  Service is indeed an appropriate response to deliverance.

 

Prayer: Gracious God, as I recall your wondrous work of deliverance through Jesus Christ, may I become a more faithful servant.  Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy  

Lenten Devotional...March 17

Matthew 15:21-28

 

“But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’”

Matthew 15:25

 

Our texts recently have focused on personal healing and deliverance.  Today, a Gentile woman seeks help for her daughter. The disciples impatiently urge Jesus to send her away.  Uncharacteristically, Jesus also seems indifferent to her need, ignoring her initial plea for help. After the disciples ask him to send her away, he speaks of his mission to the house of Israel.  Ignored by Jesus and shunned by the disciples, this mother isn’t deterred as she kneels before Jesus.  This time he directly addresses her, likening Gentiles to animals that clamor around the table for scraps, but she will not be denied.  Finally, Jesus acknowledges her faith and consents to heal her daughter.  The mother returns home to find her daughter healed.  

 

Does this story make you uncomfortable? Where is the compassion?  Perhaps it still remains, but Jesus chooses a different path to prove a powerful point.  Immediately preceding this story, he tried to teach his disciples about authenticity in the midst of religious snobbery.  In treating this woman differently, has he gone out of his way to reveal the awful truth about prejudice?  By treating this woman differently, has he shown us all how ugly preferential treatment can be?

 

Prayer: Lord of all, help us value others as you do. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 16

Luke 7:11-17

 

“The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.”

(Luke 7:15)

 

Unlike the resurrection miracles of Lazarus and the daughter of Jairus, Jesus has not been invited to intervene here in Luke’s story.  Jesus encounters a funeral procession as it makes its way out of the city.  He sees the tears and probably hears the cries of the boy’s mother. She has already lost her husband and now, her son. “Do not weep,” Jesus says to the widowed, now childless mother…strange words, given all that has been taken from her. Luke mentions no response from the grieving woman, who most likely is caught off-guard by this unexpected stranger. 

 

Compassion often surprises, creating unforeseen opportunities that transform.  Luke reports that Jesus gave the son to his mother, a rather matter-of-fact way of framing such a miraculous moment.  The crowd began praising God, but I would imagine the widow simply clung to her son, the treasure of her life…once dead, now alive…once lost to her, now found in her arms.

 

The Lenten journey leads us to the cross where compassion once again surprises.  God intervenes in the midst of human sin, and death is overcome…sons and daughters are restored.  Thanks be to God!

 

Prayer: We are grateful today for your life-giving compassion, O God.  Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy  

Lenten Devotional...March 13

Luke 8:43-48

 

“When the woman saw that she could not remain hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before him, she declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him…”

(Luke 8:47)

 

Confession is good for the soul. These familiar words convey the powerful truth that the heavy weight of personal accountability can only be eased when the hand is raised, and the voice is heard, “It’s me.”

 

In yesterday’s devotional, I mentioned this woman who boldly stepped into the crowd to touch Jesus and be healed.  She hoped to go unnoticed, but she hadn’t counted on the sensitivity of Jesus.  Peter reminded Jesus that the crowd was pushing him from every side. He was touched by everybody!! Yet, he noticed only one touch.

 

She wasn’t going to get away with it.  Her healing wouldn’t be kept secret.  Trembling, she fell before Jesus and the crowd, confessing why she had touched him.  Mark says she told Jesus the whole truth. Perhaps she told him of spending everything she had on worthless cures.  Perhaps she told him of the years of isolation she endured or confessed her anger about the curse she surely thought God had placed on her.

 

“Your faith has made you well,” Jesus told her. “Go in peace.”  Confession encountered grace, the healing touch of Jesus.  Confession was, and still is, very good for the soul.

 

Prayer: We reach out to touch you, Lord, and know that you are aware of our need.  May we find healing and peace. Amen. 

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 12

Matthew 8:1-4

 

“When Jesus had come down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; and there was a leper who came to him and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.’”

(Matthew 8:1-2)

 

We sometimes fail to recognize the risks people took when coming to Jesus for healing.  Because infirmity often isolated one as unclean, a person placed him or her self at great risk in venturing into the crowds that often surrounded Jesus.  Because leprosy was not only seen as a curse, but also thought to be highly contagious, lepers, like the man in Matthew’s story, risked everything in reaching out to Jesus.

 

In the fifth chapter of Mark’s gospel, the writer tells the story of a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years who braved the crowd to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment, that she might be healed.  Like that woman, the leper took the courageous step of seeking Jesus publicly.  He didn’t beg for mercy or plead the injustice of his circumstance.  He trusted himself into Jesus’ hands, acknowledging that Jesus had the power and choice to heal.

 

The Lenten journey exposes our own infirmities…physical, emotional, spiritual.  It may seem risky to acknowledge these struggles and bring them to Jesus, but by faith, we too can trust…“Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.”

 

Prayer: Help me, dear Jesus, to have the courage to reach out, to trust in you. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 11

Luke 13:10-17

 

 ^“But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the Sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, ‘There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the Sabbath day.’”

(Luke 13:14)

 

Need seldom seeks convenience.  When one is broken, clock and calendar mean little.    

 

For eighteen years her view had been limited.  A crippled back made it impossible to stand up straight.  She could see no further than her shuffling feet…never the horizon before her, only the narrow parameters of a descending perspective.  Distracted by her need, Jesus stopped teaching and asked her to come to him. Bent as she was, she most likely couldn’t see his face, but she heard his words…“Woman, you are set free from your ailment.”  His gentle touch made straight what had been hopelessly bowed, and her reaction was immediate. Luke says she stood up straight and began praising God.     

 

Incensed by compassion’s impropriety, with shouts of praise perhaps still ringing in his ears, the leader of the synagogue seized the moment to instruct the crowd about the proper time and place for healing.  He tried to tell them there were six, more appropriate days for such work. “Come on those days,” he said, “and be cured…”  Jesus confronted his hypocrisy, proclaiming freedom from bondage the greater gift of faith than the restrictions of the law.

 

Need seldom seeks convenience.  Neither, it would seem, does compassion.     

 

Prayer: May your compassion flow through me today, Lord, bringing freedom where there is bondage. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 10

Mark 15:1-15

 

“Pilate asked them, ‘Why, what evil has he done?’ But they shouted all the more, ‘Crucify him!’ So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.”

(Mark 15:14-15)

 

The scene is often played out in old westerns.  Someone is arrested for a crime he hasn’t committed and a crowd, stirred to action by angry voices, storms the jail.  In many of these old movies, the sheriff stands between the crowd and the accused, making the courageous decision to protect the rights of the accused.

 

Jesus had no one to stand between him and the crowd.  Pilate tried to reason with the angry mob.  By this time, however, they had no interest in justice, demanding instead a murderer’s freedom.  What happened next was a tragedy of expediency.  Pilate knew the crimes of Barabbas and likely the innocence of Jesus, but the NRSV says he released Barabbas, “…wishing to satisfy the crowd.”   Justice gave way to fear as Pilate placated the angry crowd.

 

It seems easier sometimes to give into the crowd instead of doing what is right.  I can’t say I haven’t made that same decision in the heat of the moment.  Perhaps you have done the same. 

 

In the Lenten journey we confront our own culpability in the crucifixion story.  Salvation is offered amidst the angry cries of the crowd.  There is a choice.

 

Prayer: Please forgive me, Lord, for allowing the voices of the crowd to so easily sway me. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 9

Luke 23:6-12

 

“…he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform some sign.”

(Luke 23:8b)

 

Pilate didn’t want to deal with this Jewish problem. He was happy to refer the disposition of this man to Herod.  Jesus was from Galilee, the region Herod governed under Roman oversight, so Pilate reckoned that Jesus was Herod’s problem.  Herod, on the other hand, was pleased to receive Jesus.  He had heard about his miracles and wanted to see for himself what Jesus could do.  Isn’t it amazing that in the aftermath of his arrest, fascination overshadowed Jesus’ identity and message much as it did during his ministry?  Like others who encountered Jesus, King Herod wanted a performance that would entertain and distract him. Jesus wouldn’t perform at Herod’s whim and the king returned him to Pilate in disappointment.

 

Today, many still look for a sign from Jesus…something to entertain or give reason to consider his legitimacy.  They, like Herod, misunderstand the power of the gospel. They, and sometimes we who claim faith in Jesus, want a performance to prove his identity or perhaps, reaffirm shaky faith.  The incarnation, however, isn’t about impressing the masses or proving God’s power.  Jesus came as proof of God’s love…”For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son…” (John 3:16a)

 

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, we receive you as you are, the gift of God’s love. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

 

Lenten Devotional...March 6

Mark 3:1-6

 

“They watched him to see whether he would cure him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him.”

(Mark 3:2)

 

In the final seconds of a game, victory is often claimed or relinquished with a made or missed shot.  It takes a focused, confident player to overcome the pressures of the moment, knowing that hundreds, thousands, even millions by media outlets are watching or listening.  Just standing over a putt with three buddies watching, I feel the pressure!

 

Crowds followed Jesus wherever he went.  Every act of healing or miracle moment became part of the next day’s conversation in the market, courtyard, and synagogue.  Some were amazed at what he said.  Some came in desperation to find healing.  Others came in hopes of catching Jesus in some word or action they could parlay into an indictment against him. 

 

Jesus understood it all.  He knew his purpose was greater than the miracles he performed.  He knew some would be drawn by sensational claims made about him. He also knew that others wanted only one thing…to destroy him. Talk about pressure! 

 

It doesn’t appear that Jesus was intimidated by those who watched.  Without hesitation, in spite of oppressive expectations and threats, he remained true to his calling.  Meeting human need was more important than observing ecclesiastic ritual. 

 

It still is!

 

Prayer: As the world watches, Lord, may the love of Christ be seen in me. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 5

Matthew 19:16-22

 

“Then someone came to him and said, ‘Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?’”

(Matthew 19:16)

 

We are sometimes uncomfortable receiving and not giving in return.  There can be a nagging sense of responsibility that makes us want to return the favor, or at least feel we have earned the gift. 

 

For the young man in our text, “returning the favor,” wasn’t a problem.  The NRSV says he had many possessions.  The one thing beyond his affluence, however, was the assurance of eternal life.  When Jesus spoke of the commandments and their claim on his life, the young man said he had been there and done that.  Following his thinking, Jesus said his life would be complete, and heaven gained if he would divest himself of all he owned, share his wealth with the poor, and follow Jesus. I imagine there was a long pause before the young man responded. Indeed, he said nothing in reply, but walked away grieving.  The price of eternity was too high for him. 

 

It is true that eternity comes with a high price, but neither this wealthy man nor you and I could pay that price.  The price was paid with the life of Jesus.  We cannot be worthy of it, earn it, or purchase it.  Jesus paid it all.

 

Prayer: Forgive our arrogance, Lord. Remind us anew of the precious gift of eternity through faith in the living Christ. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 4

Mark 6:1-6

 

 ^“Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.”

(Mark 6:3)

 

Familiarity is difficult to overcome.  Once you know something about someone, it is hard to unlearn what you know, or what you think you know. 

 

Jesus returned to his hometown of Nazareth, a small, seemingly insignificant village of a few hundred.  He had become something of a celebrity, performing miracles and teaching with authority like no one before him.  One might think he would have returned home to a hero’s welcome, but not in Nazareth. Perhaps the locals hadn’t heard about his exploits, but news like that traveled fast, even in the ancient world.  More likely, they just couldn’t believe that his simple carpenter heritage could produce anything more.  They were determined to value him within the limits of the familiar. “Who do you think you are?” they asked.  “We know who you are!” they answered.

 

We live in a world of possibility where wonder can be a welcome companion. The tragedy in this story is that those who thought they knew Jesus, refused to consider the possibility that he was more than they knew him to be. As a result, they missed the blessing. Does familiarity limit what Jesus can do in you?

 

Prayer: Wondrous God, help me be open to the possibility of what you can do in me. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 3

Luke 22:47-51

 

When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, “Lord, should we strike with the sword?” Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear.

(Luke 22:49-50)

 

At least one disciple adhered to a principle that still gets us in trouble today…the ready, fire, aim principle.  In other words, he got a bit ahead of himself.  The disciples were stunned by the arrest of Jesus and the treachery of a friend.  Perhaps in panic, anger, or loyalty, this unnamed disciple of Jesus decided he couldn’t wait for an answer…he struck.

 

I find myself in his shoes.  No, I haven’t struck anyone with a sword, but I have asked questions of Christ without waiting for the answers.  The ability to think and act on my own is a gift of the Creator, but in seeking to follow Christ, I find that I tend to get ahead of him.  Panic, anger, loyalty…perhaps, but more often, impatience. 

 

Jesus quickly stopped the violence and healed the injured man.  In waiting one often sees the hand of God at work.  To ask, then act, without regard to the answer, is to distrust the one whose wisdom you seek.  In the heat of the moment, waiting is difficult.  In the heat of the moment, however, faith can steady the hand and heart.

 

Prayer: Help me, dear Lord, to wait, listen, and learn. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy

Lenten Devotional...March 2

Mark 10:13-16

 

“Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.”

(Mark 10:14b)

 

Jesus often welcomed the outcast. We saw this last week when he called a tax collector named Matthew to follow him, and then was later criticized for eating in Matthew’s home with tax collectors and sinners.  We may not often think of children as outcasts, but now, as in Jesus’ day, children are appreciated at times more for what they will become instead of for who they are. 

 

Jesus was angered by his disciple’s attempts to keep children from him.  Here, as at other times in the gospels, Jesus identified children with the kingdom of God. Honesty, humility, trust…these are childlike qualities that are also kingdom qualities.  What his disciples, and we at times, fail to see is that to welcome another…tax collector, child, sinner, is also to welcome Jesus. “Even as you have done it to one of the least of these, you have done it to me,” Jesus said.

 

Prayer: Help us remember, O Lord, that in welcoming others, we welcome you. Amen.

 

Jim Abernathy