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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Friday, June 20, 2003 "The Author of New Chapters" |
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Frontline Devotion for Friday, June 20, 2003 By Pastor Dave Sonnenberg
Text for the day:. Mark 1: 21-28
Authority is something that many have a problem with. In the 1960’s people were continually told to question authority. Today you will hear people say- “someone has a problem with authority.”
Today I’d like to ask you to think about “authority”. What words come to mind when you hear that word? Is it a positive or negative? For some, “authorities” are people in control. For others an authority is someone who should be challenged and held in check. For others, an authority is someone to look up to. What are your thoughts?
In the lesson today, Jesus is teaching in the synagogue and those listening encounter a different kind of authority figure. Those listening to Jesus see someone in a position of power (teaching), yet he does not Lord it over them. He gives them life, hope, and something they hadn’t found in others.
When I think of Jesus’ authority, I think of the root word, “author”. Authors amaze me for they create and bring life and put down new ideas on “blank pieces of paper”. Perhaps that’s what I long for Jesus to do in my life and yours- to take my life and author up a creative, life giving, and Spirit led chapters in the days to come. The man who was possessed in the story encountered Jesus’ authority in today’s story. He was touched, strengthened, and sent out to serve. New chapters were waiting to be written.
Maybe you’ve felt stuck at times. I think it’s fair to say that we all encounter roadblocks along this journey of life. Whenever we face them, recognize our need to call on the ultimate authority - Jesus. May we learn to ask for his “life giving authority”- the authority which can write chapters of hope and healing in our life. Amen.
Prayer: Lord God, you are the ultimate authority in this world. We are told to question authority at times. We are told to be suspicious of authorities. Yet, we long for your authority - because it is life giving and enables new chapters of hope in healing to be written. Use us as instruments to help those around us. 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.