Psalm 67; Isaiah 56:1-8; John 5:33-36
"For all of recorded history there seem to have been people who didn't quite fit, (by society's view) either because of poverty, or disability, or nationality, or age - those so beaten down by abuse, or struggle, or scorn that they seem paralyzed, without the will to change or be changed. We have come to think of them as outsiders - the hopeless homeless, the alcoholics, the aged, the single mothers, the chronically ill or crippled, whole families dying of famine on parched continents, or decimated by genocide. Have we forgotten that Jesus himself, in his manner of birth, was also a misfit? (Luci Shaw, God With Us)
Jesus asks, "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life.
Matthew 11:28 (msg)
Jesus continues to invite...Come to Me.
Forgive me, Jesus, for instinctively shunning those who don't quite fit my preconception of propriety or responsibility. As I gather with others at the stable - shepherds and sages - forgive me for being so absorbed in my own concerns that I ignore the deep needs of others. May your loving, restorative Spirit find a home in me. Show me, today, someone whom I can love and embrace in your name.
Amen
(Prayer by Luci Shaw, God With Us)
2 comments:
Mary, what a wonderful post! Thanks for the reminder...that's what Jesus was all about...love God, love your neighbor! Oh, how quickly we sometimes forget. Amen in agreement with the prayer.
Mary
We do need to not ignore those who aren't as "good as we are" b/c the day may come when we are the same as they are. AND when they have come to the Lord, serving Him, maybe they will be more servant-hearted than we've ever been.
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