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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Tuesday, June 24, 2003 "Close Associations: Costanza, Starbucks, Wheat and Weeds" |
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Frontline Devotion for Tuesday, June 24, 2003 By Pastor Dave Sonnenberg
Text for the Day- Matthew 13: 24-30
In life, there are sometimes close associations! There are some relationships that are so closely connected that when you say one name, something else naturally pops into your head. Lets consider a few close partnerships. When I say, Cal Ripken, millions will naturally say Baltimore Orioles. When I say, George Costanza, millions of TV viewers will naturally say Seinfeld. When I say Sonny, you’ll likely say Cher. When I say fireworks, you’ll likely say 4th of July. When I say Garrison Keillor, many public radio listeners will automatically say Prairie Home Companion. When I say Starbucks, many will automatically say good coffee. All those are close associations. You say the one and you will likely get the other.
In some ways, I have two things for you to consider today. Take a look at the next two paragraphs. Consider this a day when I had many question
First, what are the close associations in your life? When your name is raised, what partnerships will naturally come to mind in others? Will it be the associations that we like? Will the people who matter the most to us be our closest associates or will they be second fiddle? For some, that may be a very soul searching question. As some look at this question, perhaps worry or work or pleasure or self interest may come before things like spouse, kids, family, friends, and most important- Jesus. If that is the case, then perhaps some reordering of priorities is needed. If that is the case, seek out some prayer partners who will not only keep you in the palm of God’s hand but will also keep you accountable as they offer encouragement. Remember, any change to improve and uphold your most important associations is a spiritual venture. It is important.
Secondly, the other very important thing to note is the close association in the text between good and evil. The parable of the weeds in Matthew 13 expresses the reality that when good is present, evil is often right around the corner trying to choke it. In the text today, the disciples ask Jesus if they should spend the time pulling up the weeds in their midst. Jesus says no. I don’t take that as a naïve acceptance of evil as some might. What I see Jesus saying is don’t become obsessed about evil, problems, troublemakers in your midst. If you spend all your time focused on them, they will naturally be draining you of your true purpose. You’ll be sitting around judging instead of living the life God intended. What I see Jesus calling us to do is focus on being stalks of grain which means our focus is on valuing the things Jesus values. That is not always the easiest thing to do in the midst of difficult work or personal circumstances. Please know that it is a struggle that Jesus acknowledged as important and knew would happen. Find heart this day knowing that the Lord is with you. In God’s kingdom, weeds can turn to wheat. Stay focused on the right associations. Rearrange if your priorities our out of whack. Know that the Lord is with you. I’ll keep you in my prayers. Be God’s wheat in a weedy world.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry. Pastor Dave welcomes and appreciates feedback. pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org.