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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion February 27, 2008 A CAPPELLA |
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Frontline Devotion for Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008 by Penny
Risen
Reprinted from March 2, 2005
Matthew 8: 1-5
“Just as I am; thy love unknown
Has broken ev’ry barrier down;
Now to be thine, yea, thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.”
--- “Just As I Am,” Elliott/Bradbury, No. 296, v. 6 Lutheran Book of
Worship
Sometimes at worship when we get to the last verse of a familiar hymn, the organ pauses and the congregation sings a cappella. In these unguarded and pure moments, Lutherans can get past the urge not to be showy and really belt out harmonies. No accompaniment’s necessary. Voices lean on each other and blend, melody and message merge, and singing praise simply fills our souls.
Perhaps this simplicity’s what Jesus is driving at in today’s passage. He uses the example of a child --- humble and simple in God’s presence -- again and again in His lessons before He and His disciples travel into Jerusalem. In those days, Jerusalem was complex and huge, the seat of Jewish religion, and where the powerful and mighty Pharisees adorned themselves with layers of false piety and empty rituals. Status, where you came from and your family’s origin were highly regarded and judged, often harshly.
Jesus chose His disciples from many backgrounds and taught them to become brothers: fishermen traveled, slept and ate at the same table tax collectors and zealots. Jesus was from the notable house of David, but He wasn’t given much credit for status from the priestly class. The Son of God simply was viewed by many as a carpenter who came from Nazareth, chose to spend His time preaching to common men and women, and relied on the kindness of others as He traveled.
But in spite of Jesus’ example, were His disciples still
carrying around baggage about class and rank? In Capernaum, the disciples came
to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” He drew a
child into the center:
“Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this
child, will rank high in God’s Kingdom. What’s more, when
you receive the childlike on my account, it’s the same as
receiving me.” Matthew 18: 4-5
Jesus calls on us to come simply, just as we are, into brotherhood with Him. Of course, His Church needs our spiritual gifts, our energy and talents, our leadership, strength and faith. But leave barriers, prejudices, judgment, sin, self-indulgence behind us, and come into fellowship like children, He tells us.
We can sing with one voice, without pretense or embellishment, when we rely on His guidance.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, I can feel Your strength and Spirit when I let down my guard in prayer or at worship. Help me to find ways to serve others, receiving them without prejudice and selfishness. 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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