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Entitlement and expectationsThursday, March 10, 2011
Luke 9:23-24 Don't run from suffering; instead, embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, of finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want only to lose you, the real you? (from The Message translation)
Jesus tells me what to expect: sacrifice. When I embrace sacrifice and say "yes" to what otherwise looks like suffering, I discover his love in my gut. It's as deep as it needs to be; his love wins over angels, demons, present, future, height, depth, and everything else in all creation. I sense God's patience as I struggle with my American addiction to comfort and pleasure. I'm tempted to cling to comfort, call it more than what it is. Then God encourages me to turn around, look toward the needs of others. He reminds me that I have all I need, and when I open my hands to give, He fills them up with even more. Jesus was so full of God's love. He opened his whole life; he gave so much away, and never ran dry. How could you do that day after day, Jesus? "Follow me and I'll show you how ... take a risk that's not really a risk at all, and I will introduce you to your true self." Jesus' words ring true. Your healing is so deep, Lord. Through my body and my mind your truth makes all things new. Let my giving and receiving be for gladness. |
God loves me. He removes me from spiritual orphan-hood and makes me his son. He provides a feast when I come home. He celebrates with all his might. He is my father, my protector, my provider. Since God is for me, who can be against me? And I should expect ... what?