Lectionary Reading from the Blue Book
Just a few snapshot verses from todays reading Matthew 10:16-42 MSG (Read all here)
Hear these words of life from Jesus—
16 “Stay alert. This is hazardous work I’m assigning you….
17-20 “Don’t be naive. Some people will question your motives, others will smear your reputation…
26-27 “Don’t be intimidated. Eventually everything is going to be out in the open, and everyone will know how things really are.
28 “Don’t be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies.,,,
32-33 “Stand up for me against world opinion…
34-37 “Don’t think I’ve come to make life cozy….
21-23 “When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you…
38-39 “If you don’t go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don’t deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me…
Lent is a season to ask ourselves the hard questions in the presence of great love from God. You can’t face into scriptures like this with “shoulds,” “oughts,” and perfectionism but with a willingness to enter into the life you are created for, moment by moment. So listen for an invitation from God to get honest and receive grace to really live.
Reflection questions:
How do you hear Jesus in these verses? Do you know Jesus in this way? Is there a call for you to “stay alert” “don’t be naive” “don’t be bluffed” “stand up” or “don’t think“? Stay with that phrase and talk to God about it. Listen…
Finally, will you go “all the way” in with God, and are you willing to “forget yourself to find God and yourself“?