When Jonathan and David devised a secret plan to communicate, it involved a little boy chasing arrows that Jonathan shot in a field. The boy had no clue the part he played in Jonathan’s scheme. He did what he was told and the plan was put into play. Let’s be like this little boy, needed by God, yet uniformed, ready to chase the arrows God shoots.
Who knows what our arrow chasing will allow!
Love you,
D
MM 7/17/15 needed, yet not informed from Debby Bellingham on Vimeo.
Then Jesus’ mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, ‘Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.’ But he said to them, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.’ Lu 8:19-21
In this scene Jesus redefines family, admitting you and me into God’s gracious home. But what was it like for Mary to hear his new description of the familial bond? Can you put yourself in her sandals?
Her son, Jesus, had been out and about proclaiming the good news and healing the sick. He had gained quite a following, wherever he went crowds surrounded him. Mary comes to see him, assuming her role as his mother would give her a backstage pass. After all, she’d carried him in her womb, birthed and raised him; she was his mother.
Jesus’ response opened her eyes a bit wider to truth. Her role in his life was important, but not central. Her relationship with him was unique, but not more significant than any one else’s. He said anyone who hears God’s word and acts on it is as central and signifiant to me as my own mother. Jesus adjusts her view of reality. He is not primarily her son, he is Lord. Being intimately connected to him is not about family ties, it is about obedience. What do you think she felt at his response? What would you feel?
We are not told how Mary reacted, but I know what I would have felt: offended, embarrassed and angry. My reaction tells me I expect my relationship with Jesus to afford me some special privileges; my needs should be honored; he should march to my drumbeat. And Jesus gives me ‘tough love.’ “I am Lord, you are not. The universe does not revolve around you and your expectations. You are one of my Father’s deeply loved and valued children. Will you let this be enough for you?”
The scripture, when we let it, tells us our own story, opening our eyes to the truth and adjusting our reality.
Is Jesus your Lord?
According to him, not unless you do what he tells you. (Luke 6:46)
Do you want Jesus to be your Lord?
He tells you how to make this possible: Come to him, hear his words, act on them. (Luke 6:46,47)
He goes on to describe what this looks like.
We all want a life that bears the storms that come our way. So let’s get practical.
Take a minute for prayer; ask Jesus to speak a word of truth to you about your life of discipleship. Let the Holy Spirit dig around in your soul and show you something that needs to be excavated, one little stone that hinders the love of Jesus from being experienced. Let’s start with this one obedience. Letting Jesus be Lord of this one area will cause the rest of the stones of your life to rearrange themselves. Admittedly, this is a long and sometimes painful process, but a house that stands against the floods is worth the effort.
Pentecost – Acts 2:1-16
Jack and I lived through Hurricane Sandy. We know what the rush of a violent wind sounds like. It certainly gets your attention! Such a wind, accompanied by tongues of fire dancing among and resting upon the disciples, along with the ability to speak in a language not their own – well, that got the whole city’s attention.
The great commission begins. Notice:
(Written for CBC’s weekly devotional.)
The Mentored Life 