Matt. 13: 1-13 and Luke 12: 13-21 were used this week; what struck this writer was:
"The disciples came up & asked, "Why do you tell stories?" Jesus replied, "You've been given insight into God's kingdom. You know how it works..... when someone has a heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely. But if there's no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears. That's why I tell stories (parables): to create readiness, to nudge people toward receptive insight." (Matthew 13, v. 10-13 / MSG)
I admired and was stimulated by our dear Peggy Maxwell's Sunday sermon relating the above biblical texts to our times. So many relevant points; I love it when one appreciates our Creator's creation so exuberantly. These are difficult times for so many across God's green earth and common platitudes don't cut bait, or keep the electricity on, or reinstate an employ, or feed the kids, or __?__, you fill-in the blank. The task for me remains, that despite my acute awareness of the threat of our way of life being threatened, the reality of my hope / faith is best, having coming to the fore. What is important to you at this time? As in the text, will the seed fall on gravel, or among the weeds, or in fertile soil? We still [all] get to fill-in our own attitudinal blank and choose our battles for the most part.
In the Bible text above, Jesus intimates: there is a deeper human listening that can enable spiritual understanding. Now, all of us exposed to His words, life and truths have varying degrees of that understanding, as well as the potential to encourage those we encounter. That support could take the shape of helping someone through a seemingly simple physical issue or even a complex faith-deepening situation. What depth of stories are we sharing in our sphere of influence? At times insight comes easily, however my 'timid-Saint-in-waiting' is unwilling to be the bold participant that would serve in a better manner. I know, I know none of us gets all the gifts, and I am a human being rather than a 'human-doing', but it's my action that makes my faith complete. (James 2:22). Truth is, I just sleep better when I follow through after becoming openly receptive to any of those spiritual nudges.......
onward Christian soldiers & please Lord make us instruments of Your Peace, the Deacons