Today’s scripture: Mark 8:31-38; 9:1 (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 (Cheryl Stonestreet):
I wonder what Peter said to Jesus that made him so mad? How exactly did Peter reproach Jesus? Was it that Jesus was saying crazy things, or was it that Jesus was saying things that made Peter afraid of losing his beloved leader? It’s one conversation I wish I had been nearby to hear. I don’t know what was said, and likely never will in this lifetime, but I do understand about being rebuked for what I believe.
It is not always easy being a Christian, especially for LGBTQ Christians. On one hand, some Christians say, “You can’t be a Christian because you’re gay.” And on the other hand, people from our own community ask, “How can you stand to be a Christian when you’re gay?” (Or fill in the blank.)
God had a plan for Jesus, and God has a plan for each one of us. Sometimes I think the cross that Jesus says we need to take up is really just God’s plan for our lives, and not necessarily what we had planned — the divine things versus the human things. Perhaps God’s plan for me is living a life where I am answering the people on both sides. Honestly, sometimes I would love to say, “This religious stuff is too much trouble. Nobody thinks I belong in church anyway! So why do I bother?!”
Well, get behind me, Satan! I bother with it because it is my soul, my life, and my relationship with God that we’re talking about here. When I commit to prayer and meditation on a regular basis, I feel better. My days may not contain fewer problems, but I when I am God-conscious, I make wiser decisions in how I react.
When I attend church services on a regular basis, I connect with other people of faith. I notice that I get accustomed to seeing certain people, and it becomes easier to start up a conversation. Soon we start looking for each other at church. And then I’ve made a friend. I’m not alone anymore.
As I get more comfortable with a church home, I learn where I can best share my gifts and talents. In doing so, I hope I to make a difference in other people’s lives. But the truth is, I get back far more than I ever give.
It hurts to be rebuked, especially when it comes from someone close. And maybe that is why Jesus reacted so strongly to Peter. However, sometimes it causes me to take pause and discern what I believe and what I am doing. I need that sort of self-evaluation from time to time.
Thought for the day: Am I doing what I need to do to feed my soul? Can I use something that feels like an insult or a reprimand to honestly appraise where I am on my spiritual journey?
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.