Full disclosure - I did not comb my hair or brush my teeth before I took this picture, not because I am adverse to hygeine, but because I want it to be real... Reading God's word is real. It doesn't have to be hard. It can be the first thing you do in a day. It doesnt require a special spot or serious concentration. My five year old was watching cartoons in the background, our new puppy was trying to chew my Bible, my fourteen year old had a strange question about making chicken nuggets for breakfast, which I am pretty sure I said, yes. But I did it. I pushed through and let God break through. Just read.
Today I am reading Mark's Gospel, chapter 1 and 2. It's a quick start into the ministry of Jesus. I love John the Baptist- wild and passionate about helping people to prepare their hearts for Jesus. I love the calling of the first disciples, who followed Jesus... what did they see in him that made them drop everything to follow? I love the early healings... Setting the tone for Jesus' ministry- spending time with the outcast, the marginalized, the suffering. I love Jesus' determination to build the Kingdom, one person at a time, irregardless of religious law.
I love that it began at the River Jordan, the very place where Israel crossed into the Promised Land. All of it together points to a new way, a new life, a very old promise- made new by the life and teaching of Jesus.
I wonder if the first Christ-followers heard these stories, learned of Jesus minsitry and were amazed, challenged? Did it draw them out of their homes and Bible studies to seek those who were hurting? Did it challenge their understanding of worship and religious law/practice?
I wonder as Christ-followers today if we are ready for this kind of faith? The kind that calls us from our daily grind, from our obligations and asks us to slow down enough to heal the hurting people around us? Are we ready for the kind of faith that calls us to risk our time, our days, our plans and go out into the world... to offer healing, and in the healing invite people into the Kingdom of God?
Big thoughts for a Monday morning. But what a great way to start the week! Happy Reading!
Today I am reading Mark's Gospel, chapter 1 and 2. It's a quick start into the ministry of Jesus. I love John the Baptist- wild and passionate about helping people to prepare their hearts for Jesus. I love the calling of the first disciples, who followed Jesus... what did they see in him that made them drop everything to follow? I love the early healings... Setting the tone for Jesus' ministry- spending time with the outcast, the marginalized, the suffering. I love Jesus' determination to build the Kingdom, one person at a time, irregardless of religious law.
I love that it began at the River Jordan, the very place where Israel crossed into the Promised Land. All of it together points to a new way, a new life, a very old promise- made new by the life and teaching of Jesus.
I wonder if the first Christ-followers heard these stories, learned of Jesus minsitry and were amazed, challenged? Did it draw them out of their homes and Bible studies to seek those who were hurting? Did it challenge their understanding of worship and religious law/practice?
I wonder as Christ-followers today if we are ready for this kind of faith? The kind that calls us from our daily grind, from our obligations and asks us to slow down enough to heal the hurting people around us? Are we ready for the kind of faith that calls us to risk our time, our days, our plans and go out into the world... to offer healing, and in the healing invite people into the Kingdom of God?
Big thoughts for a Monday morning. But what a great way to start the week! Happy Reading!
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