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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Today's Frontline Devotion
Monday, June 2, 2003 A Divine Appointment |
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Frontline Devotion for the 2nd of June 2003, by Frederick A Foltz
Mark 3:1-6 (click to see today’s text)
I have always been fascinated with “Christian Zeal and Activity", a piece John Adams composed in 1973. It begins with a surprisingly peaceful hymn tune based on “Onward Christian Soldiers”. Soon Adams overlays this with “Sermon”, a monologue based on our text. Jesus heals the withered hand of a man he meets in the synagogue.
The text asks “What’s wrong with a withered hand? Why would Jesus be drawn to a man with a withered hand?” and offers two explanations. First, Jesus “wants to meet every need”. He wants to make all things whole. A withered hand can’t hold on to anything, so Jesus, out of compassion, makes it better. And second, Jesus had a divine appointment with this man. God arranged for Jesus to meet this man so the withered hand could be healed. And Jesus, knowing this is the will of God, heals.
Throughout the sermon, the preacher proclaims, “ I believe this same Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit is in this room right now, right now” And he asks what this presence means for us, what this story means for us. Obviously he wants us to reply, “Jesus is here. Jesus is drawn to each one of us. And Jesus wants to meet our every need right now, right now.”
My fascination stems partially from the strange quality of the hymn, but also from the intriguing idea that every one of our meetings with other people is a divine appointment. Each meeting offers an opportunity for God. He sends us as the present Body of Christ to heal this broken world. He draws us to every withered hand, and inspires us to make all things whole.
Let us pray: Grant us your Holy Spirit right now, Father, that we might trust your desire to meet our every need. And fill us with the compassion of Christ that we might reach out to all the withered hands of this world and find healing. In Christ’s Name. Amen
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry. Pastor Dave welcomes and appreciates feedback. pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org