Wiping the Sleep from my Eyes

Scripture

Jesus also used some sayings as he spoke to the people. He said: …. You can see the speck in your friend's eye. But you don't notice the log in your own eye. How can you say, “My friend, let me take the speck out of your eye,” when you don't see the log in your own eye? You show-offs! First, get the log out of your own eye. Then you can see how to take the speck out of your friend's eye. (Luke 6:39,41-42 CEVUK)

“Wiping the sleep from my eyes”

 The other morning as I was reflecting on this saying of Jesus, I was wiping “the sleep” from my eyes as my mother called it. The accumulated grit from the day before had been wonderfully flushed to the edges of my eyes; hardly noticeable, but better removed.

I imagined Jesus doing the same thing on an early morning and translating it into a helpful comment about life. Even the small grit can impede our vision. As we experience life at high speed we can accumulate grit in our vision that damages our perspective on the true human value of another.

The further removed I am from a person and the further removed I am from the eyes and ears of Jesus the easier it is for me to diminish you and your struggles. Judgment is easier than understanding, disdain is easier than compassion. The “sleep” in our eyes needs removing for the good of us all.

 A Prayer for Today

Loving God, thank you for a simple action like cleaning my eyes that reminds me of your kindness toward me – and your desire that I express the same to those who cross my path. In this world where vicious criticism is the order of the day let my eyes be clean to see what really is going on, on all sides of issues...….for Jesus’ sake

Life's Floods

Scripture

 “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’).
 (Matthew 1:21-23 NIVUK)

Life’s Floods

On Friday I attended a funeral for a remarkable man, Michael Freeman. A world-renowned cardiologist, hundreds came to pay their respects. I knew him as a wise member of a group that meets for dinner regularly for friendship and prayer.  

Michael died suddenly; his presence and the depth of humble friendship he offered us will leave a large gap in our circle of friends in Christ. We arrived at the funeral in beautiful weather but with our inner seas roiling with sorrow.

That morning I was meditating on the story of Joseph’s conversation with an angel about his unexpected role in bringing “God with us”. In the middle of nowhere, under despotic political and religious turmoil, and soon to be a refugee, he responded with humble love and compassion.

It was easy to see God’s presence in the people at the funeral but I was struggling to visualize “God with us” as the floods in Asia, the Caribbean and the U.S. have shaken millions. More than a thousand died in the Asian floods. The shock and grief is beyond measure for so many, whether in comfortable surroundings or the raging floods and winds.

Yet we know that our place is working with God, especially in the extremities of life to comfort and care and repair what has been broken. While we know that “God is with us” we become his presence even in the simplest humble acts of caring and love.

‭‬‬‬‬A Prayer for Today‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Loving God, death and disaster are reminders that today is the best day to do good, love you and love those who cross our paths. Help me to serve and comfort where I can and be watchful for signs that you are present even in the darkest moments. Let me be prepared to be “with” those who need me most this day…for Jesus’ sake

Love in the Face of Darkness

Scripture
“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.  I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me…. 
I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.  (John 17:20,21,23 NLT)

Love in the Face of Darkness
Even with the holiday months behind us and hopefully some regeneration from it all we face the normal challenges of life. The world is in conflict, under water some places and we face both sorrow and joy as life continues at a heightened pace. It can be overwhelming to find perspective in it all

It constantly amazes me how much the founder of our faith spoke about the mystery of love and relationship. Among the Father, Son and Spirit and among us as the human family. During his last moments before his arrest, trial and crucifixion his passion was to pray for his friends and for us as well. 

He wants his love to be in us, the love the Father has for him to be ours and to cap it all off he prayed that we would know we are loved. And loved as deeply and intimately as he was by his Father.

It is a mystery. It isn’t precise but it is extravagant. It is beyond definition but deeply fulfilling as we are embraced by it. While we are separated by so many issues, ideas, ideologies and disputes, Jesus prays that we could experience love while still having our significant differences. The centre of our fellowship is love, not agreement about each and every idea.

‭‬‬‬‬A Prayer for Today‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬
Loving Father, you must shake your head when we are so firmly committed to ideas that can change, while your love for us never changes. Deliver us from the pride that causes us not to listen to others, to you, even to our own deepest needs. Let Jesus’ prayer for us be answered in our experience together of being loved beyond measure….for Jesus’ sake