01-21-21

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
January 21, 2021
Scripture: Matthew 8:10-12
When Jesus heard him, he was amazed and said to those who followed him, “Truly I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and will eat with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the heirs of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Thought for the Day: In this passage, Jesus was referring to a Roman Centurion who had come asking for healing for a servant who was sick. Jesus opened the door wide to all those who would come from strange places, from the east and west, like the Centurion. But then he made it sound as if the door was being slammed shut on others. It might seem a little unfair, yet do you talk differently to one group as compared to another group when their experiences are very different? Does the language have a different tone when spoken to those who should know better as compared to those who simply do not? Do parents have different words for their children when they are at different ages? Does a pastor preach the same sermon if preaching to someone who has followed Jesus for 75 years as compared to someone who has just started the journey? I think Jesus shared grace equally with all, but there were moments when he spoke a harsh word out of grace to those who were needing a wake-up call. When I’ve gotten one of those, my first reaction was to get defensive and then a little whiny as it didn’t feel fair. But once I got over myself, I was reminded that more will always be required of those who are at a place where more can be expected of them.

Prayer: Wherever I am in this journey of life, speak your word as I need to hear it, Merciful God. We are all different, and we are grateful for that truth. And for that reason, meet us where we are and then guide us to where we need to be. In the name of your generous gift of love, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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