Today’s Scripture: Luke 6:39-40 and 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 (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 (Tyler Connoley):
I thank God often for the strong leadership at Jesus MCC. I’m so grateful for Jeff and Melody, not to mention the leaders of all the ministry teams. The Discipleship program is literally a godsend, as it helps people grow into lives of deep faith. The work of Deb Doty and all the Discipleship teachers is instrumental in that ministry. Thank God for faithful leaders who can guide us in our spiritual journeys!
However, Jesus and Paul warn us not to rely too heavily on our spiritual leaders. Jesus says, “Can a blind person lead a blind person?” And Paul says, “Was Pastor Jeff crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Melody?” (Okay, that’s not exactly what Paul says, but I think that’s what he means.)
Elsewhere in 1 Corinthians, Paul says that all people see things as if we’re looking “through a glass, dimly, but one day we will see face to face” (1 Cor 13:12). The metaphor is that we are like people who have smudged and dirty glasses. Even the smartest person you know can’t know everything. Only God can. The other part of that promise is that someday we will know God fully, and God will be our teacher. And, until then, we thank God for our spiritual leaders, while accepting that they don’t have all the answers.
Thought for the day: Think about the spiritual leaders in your life. Now, take a moment to thank God for them, and pray that they too can learn to see God more clearly every day. We are all ultimately disciples of Christ.
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.