Thursday, August 25, 2011

Matthew 13:44-14:12

Life is so full of interesting contrasts. I am enjoying another crisp, cool, refreshing morning. Not all that far from us it is already hot and humid. I’m pondering how to spend the day; curled up with another good book or explore the beauty of the mountains or take Buster & Hershey to the dog park by the French Broad River or all of the above. Not that far away people are boarding up in preparation for Hurricane Irene.

Jesus was a master at revealing the contrasts within the Kingdom of God. One person is simply trying to make their way through life and stumbles upon the Kingdom. The discovery is so profound for them; the Kingdom is given top priority in their life. Another person is searching desperately for meaning in life and finds the Kingdom of God. It is so just what they have been looking for that everything else in their life pales in comparison to the love of God.

This love of God is so amazing. All people everywhere are invited to live under the care and love of God. Many respond, but not all for the right reasons. Some just follow the crowd; others are seeking only to find themselves, not God.

In the midst of the beauty of holiness (harmony with God) there is also evil, as evidenced by the brutal murder of John the Baptist. In the midst of the revelation of the Glory of God that is in Jesus, there is also apathy, as evidenced by the dismissive attitudes in Nazareth.

In the midst of all these contrasts I see the unwavering commitment of God to save His people. I also see the unwavering justice of God. The choices I make matter to God. Without God’s justice, His love is like marshmallow soup. It may be sweet, but it doesn’t do anything good for me.

What does today’s reading reveal to you
about God?
What does it reveal to you 
about yourself?
Think about what God wants you to do 
or remember about this passage.
Does God want you to 
change anything in your life? 

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