Today’s scripture: Luke 8:40-42; 49-56 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me in this passage? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (David Zier):
As Jesus was on His way to heal Jairus’ dying daughter, the crowds prevented Him from making his way there. In spite of the sense of urgency to reach the girl, Jesus took time for the woman Julie wrote about yesterday. Jesus moves on to his appointment, where his sick daughter has died. I wonder if Jesus plan all along was to raise her from the dead. After all, is God ever late — even in our impatience and lack of understanding of how God works in the world?
In our culture we are always in a hurry to get somewhere and to get something — point A to point B, NOW. We make demands, question others motives but not our own, and we want everyone to get out of our way so we can get where we are going. We usually do not see the people in the crowds, the homeless woman, or the hungry children in need, or those seeking justice or equality, as they are just distractions in our way. We mentally toss them aside to get to our destination.
But Jesus sees it a different way. Jesus took the time to notice the people around him. Jesus saw and identified people in need, and they were cared for. He causes the blind to see as he is on his way. People touch his clothes, and they are healed.
Do we take the time to notice people on our journey through life? Are we missing opportunities to bring justice to people, or a healing wholeness, or to meet their needs? Are we missing opportunities to bring people spiritual nurture which brings them to God and back to life because we are too concerned about destination and less about interruptions? Are we living fully in each moment, and seeing God around us and in everything?
Thought for the day: How might I take the time to look with more awareness at the creation around me, and respond to what I usually miss?
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.