|
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Thursday, June 19, 2003 "Fonts, Billboards, and Spit - Whatever it takes, Baby!" |
|
Frontline Devotion for Thursday, June 19, 2003 By
Pastor Dave Sonnenberg
Text for the day: Mark 7: 31-37
What are things you can do to get someone’s attention? In writing, you can draw attention to something by adding an exclamation point!!!!! or changing the font or size of the type. Businesses draw peoples attention to their location by putting up signs or putting advertisements in the paper. At our house, we can get the kids undivided attention and best behavior if dessert is in jeopardy. There are countless ways we get people’s attention. Explore some of them.
In today’s lesson, Jesus does a great job getting attention. In a culture where ritual cleanliness was so critical if you were to worship, Jesus breaks the barrier by spitting on a man who is blind and mute. Well that idea of spit may sound disgusting, but it is spit that works. When paired with touch, it sparks healing.
Well, I’m certainly not going to recommend that you and I go out and spit on our friends, neighbors, and those in need of healing. But, I do believe that one of the things Jesus teaches us this day is that he will do whatever it takes to get our attention. Using spit means that Jesus is not afraid of the slimy, dirty, dark, and less than glamorous part of our existence. Using spit means that God wants to be in the midst of our troubled spots so that he can bring us healing and wholeness.
In a nutshell, using spit means that Jesus is a Frontline servant- connected to the daily, dirty, and less than glamorous stuff we deal with. Rejoice in that fact and look and pay attention. For God is at work- ready to open you where you may currently be closed.
Prayer of the Day: Lord God, we thank you for the wonderful gift of Jesus. We thank you that he is with us in the ordinary, the routine, and even very messy part of our lives. Get our attention any way that you can, so that we might be opened to the joy and goodness that you offer. Amen.
Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily.. They will also be posted to the web site if you want to direct others to our web site for more information. Sign up by clicking on the box below
All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry. Pastor Dave welcomes and appreciates feedback. pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org.