Today’s scripture: Luke 22:39-46 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Tammy Mills):
This Scripture is a hard one for me. I always cry when I read it.
I identify with the disciples; I know I have disappointed people I really love. I identify with Jesus; people I love have disappointed me. So after a good cry about disappointment, my heart reminds me of Jesus’ reaction to the disciples. He seems a bit miffed, but then his next thought is, “Let’s move on.”
He tells them to “rise up and pray.” Jesus seems to be modeling the idea that folks let us down, but that doesn’t mean we have to cut them off. He simply lets it go and then, with the disciples, moves on.
Recently I saw an example of this at the school where I work. A 5-year-old didn’t make it to the bathroom in time, and right there in the project room she had a major accident. I watched as her face began to show embarrassment and shame. I’m sure she thought her “disappointed” teacher would soon whisk her away and punish her.
What happened next, though, was a lesson in forgiveness and moving on. Her teacher came to her and scooped her up for a big hug. I felt my eyes well up as I watched this urine-soaked child being cradled in her teacher’s arms.
I suppose the teacher could have gotten mad and heaped shame on the child. I’m sure Jesus could have gotten mad and spread shame. But in both cases they seemed to understand that disappointment comes with human relationships. No matter what, we are going to be disappointed from time to time — and we are going to disappoint from time to time. The question is, what will we do with that disappointment?
Thought for the day: How do I handle disappointment in my life?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.