God’s Things

I think we are all in Peter’s shoes, focusing on human things and not God’s. I suspect that we in the church are just as guilty as everyone else.

When I read through the gospels, I get nervous. If looking at Jesus gives us a clear glimpse of what God wants (God’s things), then we have strayed off course.

For one thing, Jesus wasn’t worried about career advancement or laying up a big nest egg. It’s not that Jesus was against work-he was a carpenter-it’s just that his call to serve God came first.

For another, Jesus put others before himself. He taught, healed, fed, exorcised and forgave, even when he would have rather slept or gone fishing. Even his family came after his call. (As a relatively new grandpa, I have a hard time with this.)

Moreover, Jesus challenged those who twisted God’s words to fit their understanding or to keep sinners at bay. This stance was incredibly brave and dangerous.

Jesus denied himself and followed God’s plan. It cost him his life. And it is the hardest thing that we will ever be called to do.

Giving God, grant us your Holy Spirit so we will do your will not ours. Amen. — DAB

Contributed by God’s Things

I think we are all in Peter's shoes, focusing on human things and not God's. I suspect that we in the church are just as guilty as everyone else. When I read through the gospels, I get nervous. If looking at Jesus gives us a clear glimpse of what God wants (God's things), then we have strayed off course. For one thing, Jesus wasn't worried about career advancement or laying up a big nest egg. It's not that Jesus was against work-he was a carpenter-it's just that his call to serve God came first. For another, Jesus put others before himself. He taught, healed, fed, exorcised and forgave, even when he would have rather slept or gone fishing. Even his family came after his call. (As a relatively new grandpa, I have a hard time with this.) Moreover, Jesus challenged those who twisted God's words to fit their understanding or to keep sinners at bay. This stance was incredibly brave and dangerous. Jesus denied himself and followed God's plan. It cost him his life. And it is the hardest thing that we will ever be called to do.
Eternity for Today