Tuesday, March 27, 2007
From AscensionNYC
Tuesday in the Fifth Week of Lent
Psalm 102:15-22
Numbers 21:4-9
John 8:21-30
The readings for today come from different angles, but for me all point to one vital lesson about listening to God, who is always with us. The Psalm speaks of God hearing the prayers of the destitute, about His hearing us, and serving us. In Numbers we are taught that for those who have turned from God, God always provides a direct route for redemption. He is always there with open arms when we decide to turn to Him. He is the all-forgiving parent with unconditional love who will never spurn one of His children who has strayed but hopes to come home again.
But what is the route back? How do we turn to God? In John, Jesus says, "I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him." For me, this is Jesus acknowledging what any one of us can acknowledge, that God's Will can be done through us, if we listen to Him. God listens to our prayers, but we need to listen back. Jesus goes on to say that, "I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught me." As God taught Jesus, God is teaching us every second of our lives how to please Him. We can please God by listening to what is in our hearts, that inner voice that is insistent, unwavering, true. And when we follow what that voice tells us, then we are following God's specific path for our lives. And it is always right.
I often note how when I do not listen to that voice I am always sorry. It might be not speaking up when you hear a racist remark, not calling the aunt who is gravely ill and finding out she passed in the night, or not telling your partner, due to pride, how much you care even though your feelings are so palpable, so real, coursing through your heart.
This voice is so vital and valid, no matter how small or grandiose the messages received may seem, it spurs us on our own, personal, Godly paths. Follow your gut bravely, even brazenly, this inner wisdom, which is really God speaking to us loud and clear. We just have to be quiet enough sometimes, still, and at peace within ourselves, to hear. Acknowledge, honor and know that He is with you always. Telling you what to do. What is indeed best for you, one of His beloved children. And through us His will can be done. If we only listen.
Numbers 21:4-9
John 8:21-30
The readings for today come from different angles, but for me all point to one vital lesson about listening to God, who is always with us. The Psalm speaks of God hearing the prayers of the destitute, about His hearing us, and serving us. In Numbers we are taught that for those who have turned from God, God always provides a direct route for redemption. He is always there with open arms when we decide to turn to Him. He is the all-forgiving parent with unconditional love who will never spurn one of His children who has strayed but hopes to come home again.
But what is the route back? How do we turn to God? In John, Jesus says, "I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him." For me, this is Jesus acknowledging what any one of us can acknowledge, that God's Will can be done through us, if we listen to Him. God listens to our prayers, but we need to listen back. Jesus goes on to say that, "I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught me." As God taught Jesus, God is teaching us every second of our lives how to please Him. We can please God by listening to what is in our hearts, that inner voice that is insistent, unwavering, true. And when we follow what that voice tells us, then we are following God's specific path for our lives. And it is always right.
I often note how when I do not listen to that voice I am always sorry. It might be not speaking up when you hear a racist remark, not calling the aunt who is gravely ill and finding out she passed in the night, or not telling your partner, due to pride, how much you care even though your feelings are so palpable, so real, coursing through your heart.
This voice is so vital and valid, no matter how small or grandiose the messages received may seem, it spurs us on our own, personal, Godly paths. Follow your gut bravely, even brazenly, this inner wisdom, which is really God speaking to us loud and clear. We just have to be quiet enough sometimes, still, and at peace within ourselves, to hear. Acknowledge, honor and know that He is with you always. Telling you what to do. What is indeed best for you, one of His beloved children. And through us His will can be done. If we only listen.
Jennifer Farber (2001)
