Day 95
Deuteronomy 2:24-4:14, Luke 10:25-11:4, Psalm 41:7-13
Deuteronomy continues with the theme of looking back, recounting (in much briefer form) the story of their time in the wilderness. Although we have read much of this over the past month, it harks back to the Passover, and the fact that God doesn't want people to forget what he has done for them. Today, as we look back with celebration to the publication of the King James Version of the Bible, or we hark back to the social action of the early Methodists, or (more importantly) read about the life of Christ, we are sharing this tradition of recounting our history. Naming the things that are important, quite possible touching on the things that we may have forgotten, and allowing them to change our lives once again.
The Gospel tells us the stories of three such people who had their lives changed by encounters with Christ. The "expert in the law" who Jesus reminded of the important commandments, and whom he sent away to do good to all people. Then there are the two sisters, one who listens and one who prepares the food. All three though, would have been changed by the experience. It is possible that the teacher of the law never did care for a Samaritan, or someone begging at the side of the road, and yet each person that he walked past would probably have reminded him of Jesus' words and challenged his conscience. The sisters though we know to have been much more involved in the life of Christ.
It is the selflessness of Moses though that strikes out of these readings. We have to feel for him as he is reminded that he will not make it to the promised land, it could quite easily have been the prompt to sit down and retire. What Moses does instead though, is to ensure that the people will get there. A lot of what we are about to read recounts many rules and regulations but they are preceded by Moses telling them "Follow these decrees so that you can get in to the promised land". I'll be honest, the list is going to be long, and Moses recounted this in dedication to ensure that the people he had led will get to the place where he cannot lead them.
For Moses, he does what is contrary to what he might feel inclined to do, he ensures the people will achieve what he never will. Jesus encourages the teacher of the law to care for people who he may not feel inclined to care for. Martha was inclined to busy herself with the matters of the house and Jesus challenges her to sit down like Mary and listen. It might be contrary to what you are actually thinking or wanting, but what is God calling you to do?
Deuteronomy continues with the theme of looking back, recounting (in much briefer form) the story of their time in the wilderness. Although we have read much of this over the past month, it harks back to the Passover, and the fact that God doesn't want people to forget what he has done for them. Today, as we look back with celebration to the publication of the King James Version of the Bible, or we hark back to the social action of the early Methodists, or (more importantly) read about the life of Christ, we are sharing this tradition of recounting our history. Naming the things that are important, quite possible touching on the things that we may have forgotten, and allowing them to change our lives once again.
The Gospel tells us the stories of three such people who had their lives changed by encounters with Christ. The "expert in the law" who Jesus reminded of the important commandments, and whom he sent away to do good to all people. Then there are the two sisters, one who listens and one who prepares the food. All three though, would have been changed by the experience. It is possible that the teacher of the law never did care for a Samaritan, or someone begging at the side of the road, and yet each person that he walked past would probably have reminded him of Jesus' words and challenged his conscience. The sisters though we know to have been much more involved in the life of Christ.
It is the selflessness of Moses though that strikes out of these readings. We have to feel for him as he is reminded that he will not make it to the promised land, it could quite easily have been the prompt to sit down and retire. What Moses does instead though, is to ensure that the people will get there. A lot of what we are about to read recounts many rules and regulations but they are preceded by Moses telling them "Follow these decrees so that you can get in to the promised land". I'll be honest, the list is going to be long, and Moses recounted this in dedication to ensure that the people he had led will get to the place where he cannot lead them.
For Moses, he does what is contrary to what he might feel inclined to do, he ensures the people will achieve what he never will. Jesus encourages the teacher of the law to care for people who he may not feel inclined to care for. Martha was inclined to busy herself with the matters of the house and Jesus challenges her to sit down like Mary and listen. It might be contrary to what you are actually thinking or wanting, but what is God calling you to do?
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