Devotions Archive Archive: 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 Search Archive Print This Article Jesus' rebuke Tuesday, February 26, 2013 Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, let us reason together," declares the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as whilte as snow. Though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." Matthew 23:3-4 Jesus spoke to the crowd about the Pharisees: "They preach but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people's shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them." In The Divine Conspiracy, Dallas Willard explicates (at length) Jesus' sermon on the mount as a "curriculum of Christ-likeness." When Jesus asks me to follow him, he promises to show me how to be like him. Following Jesus, as Jesus followed his Abba, is a reasonable thing to do. It is also difficult. Sometimes others look to me for direction. They might say, "What do you mean, let go and let God? How?" I see confusion, fear, and anger in their eyes, because there is a heavy burden on their shoulders, and they don't know how to move it. None of us should settle for emotional moments, or rationalized explanations, or other quick fixes when it comes to living life like Jesus. In the afterglow of salvation and redemption, we have plenty to do. True, much of our activity involves slowing down, getting quiet, becoming patient, waiting, learning the art of gratitude. But sustaining this is very hard work. Simply accepting the gift of grace from God begs the question: What is "accept?" What do I do when I find myself resisting the gift? How well do I know the Giver? What kind of relationship do we have with each other? What do I know about the Giver? How do I know what I know? The Holy Spirit assures me, offers rest for my troubled mind, and reminds me of the all-encompassing love God has for me. I am grateful. In God's acceptance of me, I become more accepting too. Holy osmosis. That is something I can share with my friends, and they with me, as we pass along and pass around the bread we've each been given for the journey. Lord, when I hate discipline and cast your words behind me, do not be silent. You are not like me; instead you want to make me like you. Let me offer you my praise. Make my way steadfast. May I look upon the salvation of my Lord. (Psalm 50) http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022613.cfm "; Add      Edit    Delete