Monday, March 31, 2014

Lenten devotions: April 9, 2014

April 9, 2014                           Psalm 143
Wednesday                             Jeremiah 32:1-9, 36-41
                                                Matthew 22:23-33

How willing are we to give control of our lives to someone else?  For me the answer is quite honestly, very little.  I like to know what is happening, plan what will happen and anticipate the details along the way.  However, as a person of faith, I have to resist that urge to control and be willing to let go and let God reveal to me his plan and call.  I don't think that God has every one of our days planned in detail but I do believe that he is calling us to help fulfill his kingdom here on earth.  We just have to listen, see, and allow him to reveal our path.

In Jeremiah, we see a prophet imprisoned in a land of exile.  Israel has been in exile for some time and things are about to take another negative turn.  Yet God tells Jeremiah to buy a piece of land, deep in the land of Israel's exile.  Why would anyone do such a thing?  It seems crazy.  But when we look closely we see that it is an act of faith.  Jeremiah is asked to resist his human conclusions about what makes sense and follow a radical path.  God knows what he is asking - he has promised to deliver Israel and knowing that he will fulfill that promise - it makes perfect sense for Jeremiah to put down some roots and invest in a piece of land.  In Matthew, the Pharisees are testing Jesus but also revealing their need to know all the details and control the rules.  Jesus has to remind them that they cannot know what heaven will be like.  All their human planning will pass as God's kingdom is fulfilled.

Loving creator, you formed us from the earth and continually show us that trusting you will bring us joy and help us to thrive.  Help us to let go and take the paths that you reveal, even when we can't see where they will lead so that we may flourish in the way that you intend.  Amen.


Dawn Morello

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