Sunday, August 16, 2009

Today's passage: Luke 10

The Magnificent 70, Mister Rogers, and the Lady in Waiting

There is a common thread that runs through each of the stories. It is a theme of identity rather than action, being rather than doing. The seventy who were sent out were magnificent in their service because it flowed directly out of Who sent them and the power of Who sent them. For years now we tend to see success in ministry and look at the actions taken. We ask, "How do they do that?", "What did they do to get those results?" It is the power of Christ in us that produces fruit. It is the power of the Holy Spirit that tunes us into God's plan and prepares us for His blessing.
We also see this theme clearly in the parable of the good Samaritan (Mr. Rogers). He did not take care of the man for gain in the law or popularity or reputation. In fact, being a Samaritan, he was most likely taking care of a Jew, which was completely opposite of the acceptable social norm. The Samaritan took care of the man because he was a good neighbor.
This theme most poignantly seen in the story of Mary and Martha. Martha is working hard and stressing out and Mary is just sitting at Jesus' feet. As you've read, Martha asks for Jesus to intervene on her behalf. However, Jesus gently rebukes Martha telling her that actually Mary is doing the most important thing: being with Jesus.
Where are we at the start of another week? Are we wrapped up in our "To Do" lists? Are we wrapped up in our reputation? Are we wrapped up in our own concept of what it means to serve God? I hope we can all start out this week by being with Him, by being with Him together in corporate worship AND Bible study.
Amen?
AMEN!