God Has Our Back - April 20
Today’s Readings - AM Psalm 25; PM Psalm 9, 15 Exod. 18:13-27; 1 Pet. 5:1-14; Matt. (1:1-17),3:1-6
Yesterday, marked the third Sunday of the great Fifty Days of Easter. In the Gospel we saw the hospitality of two travelers extended to a stranger, someone they met along the road. Something that could have been dangerous, risky at best. Today’s reading from I Peter, admonishes the church to tend God’s flock, to care for one another without pride or arrogance, but with humility and compassion. Much like the two followers of Jesus on the road to Emmaus, who extended hospitality to the stranger, offering kindness, shelter and food.
It occurred to me in yesterday’s gospel that there are times in our lives when we are not ready to hear or see what’s staring us in the face. It may be the face of a stranger or someone we see every day. However, when we are ready to see with eyes that can embrace the truth the Holy Spirit is always present to lead us.
Each of us lives with circumstances that we may not be ready to fully see. It may be a relationship that needs attention, an illness, a family member’s addiction, or a mental health issue. It may be concern for the world, for our environment, for those caught in war torn areas or the thousands of other concerns that surround us daily. Whatever it is it may be that we cannot acknowledge the reality of whatever it is because we aren’t capable of picking up that cross and carrying it. The burden of it may seem too heavy, overwhelming.
The disciples who encountered the risen Christ on the road to Emmaus were not ready to see who was standing in front of them. It took a while, but eventually their hearts were opened and their spirits primed so that they could fully embrace the reality of who it was that accompanied them along the road.
Today’s letter from I Peter reminds us that “after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.”
The essence of our faith is that we have a God who will never leave us, never abandon us regardless of what we haven’t done or what we have done. In other words, our God will always have our back.
I don’t know how to rip off the blindfolds that prevent me from seeing all that I worry about but cannot fix, or all of the things that I might attempt but I’m paralyzed with fear or simply a feeling of incompetence. I do know however as Peter admonishes his church he might as well be speaking to me, to you, to all of us. We each have the capacity to do something, to do more. We each have the resources to make a difference, either in our lives or the lives of others. It just doesn’t always look possible.
Have faith in the knowledge that God will “restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.” That God will have your back.
Faithfully,
Sally+
Questions for Reflection and Challenge - What is it that you might be unwilling to acknowledge? Where are your blind spots? Ask God for the strength to open your eyes to the possibilities that lie before you.