Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Even When You're Perfect Life Still Isn't

S - Mark 3:20-22, (NIV): "Then he [Jesus] went home. Such a large crowd gathered again that Jesus and his disciples couldn't even eat. When his family heard about it, they went to restrain him, because they kept saying, 'He's out of his mind!' The scribes who had come down from Jerusalem kept repeating, 'He has Beelzebul,' and, 'He drives out demons by the ruler of demons.'"

O - What a "great" welcome home.  His family is thinking he's out of his mind. The religious leaders have assessed and concluded that he himself is demonized and is only able to eject demons by Satan himself.  Home may be where "they have to let you in" but it doesn’t mean they're thinking the best of you or your activities.  Jesus will go on to affirm his true family (those who do the will of God) and his home (not in this world).  It is this way for all who are his.  Even when we're home on earth we're not home yet.  And as for the assessment of others Jesus tells us all (Luke 6:26): "How terrible it will be for you when everyone says nice things about you, because that's the way their ancestors used to treat the false prophets."

A - Well, I can say that this dynamic and expert assessment has been a part of my life's experience.  It really does feel terrible but Jesus wants me to not believe how it feels but to trust his description of how it actually is.  He is the perfect human and yet his family relations and the opinion of those with influence are far from what one would expect.  While I can postulate many reasons as to why this is so, Jesus is really not talking much about it.  Apparently he wants me/us to know that this will happen and to be unintimidated or disheartened by it.  While it is never a comfortable dynamic there is a silver lining. Not only has he left me/us this example but he comes near when these dark occurrences cast their shadow over our lives. The shadows can't remain … he is life, light, love and hope.  He dispels darkness and says to all who follow: do not be discouraged because I am with you; do not be dismayed because all authority is mine and I am with you and for you.

P - Lord who knows all about earth,
Thank you for wanting to be near even when our hearts hurt and our minds misfire and emotions are strong and dark.  You not only know the way you are the way … and you have loved us first and most and won't change your mind.  Let me love all, especially those who are set in opposition to me.  Let me be like you and live out loud the beauty of the freedom of forgiveness.  Jesus, today, I will follow, stay near and believe.  My heart is open to you.
I love you back,

Steve

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