Day 36: June 9Scripture: Luke 17:7-10 Our passage is sandwiched nicely between two teachings that challenge the church and the faithful follower of Jesus. Prior to our reading we are told to forgive 70 times 7. And afterwards we hear about how 10 lepers were healed but only one returned to offer thanks and praise to Jesus. These are challenges because we too often want to limit our forgiveness and love. We are willing to forgive only so far, and then we say, “Enough is enough!” And while many of us express our gratitude it is often directed toward the servants of Jesus and not to Jesus, the source and giver of all ministry. So when do we say, “We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done.” Have we done what we ought to have done? What ought we have done? Here is a short list:
Have you done these things? Has your church done these things? Has our conference done these things? We certainly can say we have done some of these things, some of the time. But can we truly stand before our Lord and Savior and say we have picked up our cross daily and followed Him? [(Luke 9:23 NRSV) Then he said to them all, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.] Prayer: Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon us sinners. We are quick to claim the glory and praise for doing less than you have asked and reluctant to admit that what we have done may not have much to do with what you would like. Forgive us and help us to live with the idea that we are in our doing and our efforts nothing more than worthless slaves and in your forgiving, empowering love we are called your friends. Help us to think much of you and little of ourselves, to your glory. Amen. Tony Forstall |