Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

RE-SPECT

Friday, March 1, 2013

Genesis 37:19-20
Joseph's brothers said of him, "Here comes that master dreamer! Come on, let us kill him."

Matthew 21:37-38
Jesus said to the chief priests, "The landowner sent his son, thinking the tenants would respect his son. But when they saw the son they said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.'"

In the long run it became obvious that neither Joseph nor Jesus were selfish. Joseph found ways to bless his brothers in spite of their betrayal. Jesus died for his.

Why would these good-natured, gentle souls be so misunderstood? True, their words inflamed their listeners at times. Joseph seemed not to comprehend that the dreams he spoke of cast him in a superior role to his brothers. Jesus regularly spoke bluntly and clearly about the hypocrisy and selfishness of the Jewish leaders.

But neither group listened beyond their own self-interest. His brothers missed Joseph's heart - his ingenuous, child-like, generous heart. The Jewish Pharisees and scribes missed Jesus heart - his love, his compassion, his wisdom.

I am likely to do the same thing unless I "respect" the words I hear. "Respect" finds its roots in the Latin verb respicere, to "look back at," to take a second look.

My first response to a surprising or critical statement is often self-protective. But I do get a second chance, if I wait for it. On the second thought, I often see how painful truth really does know my heart and love me.

Killing the messenger seems to be a regularly occurring disaster for the human race. i want to do less of this senseless murdering and learn to use the wonderful gift of taking a second look.

Open my eyes, Lord. And when you open my eyes, open my mind. And when you open my mind, open my heart. Life does not revolve around me. Your perspective is better than mine. Oh, yes, better. Way better. In my weakness you are strong.

Devotions Archive

RE-SPECT

Friday, March 1, 2013