Today’s scripture: Luke 5:27-32 (ESV-text and audio) (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Brent Walsh):
When I am looking to buy a house, I’m not likely to go into neighborhoods where all the houses look the same. I’m not drawn to a row of lawns that are perfectly manicured without a stone out of place. I don’t look for a neighborhood that imposes rules about how many pets you can have or what color your house is allowed to be. I know that there are people who value this kind of neighborhood and find peace and security in that sort of order and structure — but it’s not for me.
When I buy a house, I want it to be one with a character of its own. It might be one that sits alone on a farm road. It might be in a neighborhood, but unique from the rest of the houses on the block. If the landscape has been neglected, all the better! I want to be able to use my own creativity to shape the yard and garden. If the house needs new paint or carpet, I can choose exactly what I want. Give me a bit of chaos — a house that I can be creative with — and I’m happy. When I sit on the front porch and watch the dusk turn to dark, I want to know that I’m in a home that I have made my own.
Maybe this is what Jesus thought when he was choosing disciples. Maybe he chose people he knew he could work with. Maybe he wanted a bit of chaos that he could shape into his own image. This seems evident with each of his disciples. They were not theologians or society leaders. They were outcasts; rough-talking fishermen and tax collectors. He wanted people with character. He wanted people with imperfections and unique qualities.
What kind of shape were you in when Jesus called you to be his disciple? Were you a bit rough around the edges? Did you need some reconstruction? Maybe this is why Jesus chose you. When he called you to be his disciple, he looked past the mess you were and saw what he could make out of you. He’s got a picture in his head of what you’ll look like when he’s done with you, so be patient. You’re going to be the best looking house on the block!
Prayer for the day: Lord, help me to remember that my imperfections are what made me appealing to you. Help me to be a willing project for your creativity!
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.