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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion February 28, 2007 Whole |
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Frontline Devotion for Wednesday, February 28, 2007 by Penny Risen
Mark 2: 18-28 to Mark 3:6-11
Some people have a difficult time with change. Their habits and rituals work fine for them and perhaps even are comforting in their normality. But mention trying something new and what do you hear?
“Oh, I don’t want to learn how to email. It’s too confusing.”
“Maybe I’ll try a new hairstyle someday, but not now.”
“No raw fish --- I don’t do sushi.”
“I can’t help at the soup kitchen. That’s my workout night.”
Others revel in change and in trying new things. It’s what keeps them going, making life vibrant and worth waking up for each day.
“A foreign film with all Japanese subtitles? I’ll meet you at the theater.”
“If I want that sports coupe, I’m sure I can learn to drive a stick.”
“Lucky my office moved. Now I take mass transit everyday or even bike to work.”
”Count me in for the Hurricane Katrina rebuilding trip.”
In Mark’s book as well as in the other Gospels, the rigid Pharisees make it their business to challenge and nitpick at Jesus and His disciples. These guardians of Jewish rules and traditions perceive this new rabbi’s attitude as rash and question His actions as violations of Temple protocol. The Pharisees do deserve some credit for keeping their religion intact for centuries, despite migration, invasion and challenges from powerful rulers. But it’s frustrating as these churchmen persist in being a dividing force among Jesus’ new followers, battling any interpretation but their own, and continually plotting His ruin.
Jesus makes clear that He is the “new wine” and He brings change for good. Jesus is bold and daring, where the Pharisees want caution and sameness. Jesus brings wholeness and healing, where the Pharisees see fault and a risky breakdown in discipline.
Jesus preaches love and understanding, and He is not afraid to show mercy by healing a crippled man --- even on the Sabbath. His willingness to change, to perform a miracle and to make this man’s body whole infuriates the status quo even more.
Our bold Savior took risks for our benefit and made us whole, even when we didn’t think we could or would change. He came to repair and to save lives, not to let them whither and die. His action for good can be ours too if we’re willing to try.
Prayer for the day: Dear Lord, please help me to be bold in my faith and to act in mercy toward others. Instead of being critical and divisive, let my actions be guided by You to bring wholeness and healing. Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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