Daily Worship

Seeing

Linda Pollock April 08, 2022 0 0
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John 10: 17-21 (NRSVA)

17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.’

19 Again the Jews were divided because of these words. 20 Many of them were saying, ‘He has a demon and is out of his mind. Why listen to him?’ 21 Others were saying, ‘These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?’

The context of this passage reveals Jesus explaining that He is the Good Shepherd, and He will lay down His life for His sheep. Our reading invites us to ponder the relationship between God the Father and God the Son — there is mutuality, equity, and love. As the story progresses throughout the chapter, we see that the relationship between the Father and the Son is mirrored in the relationship between the Good Shepherd and His sheep. In laying down His life and taking up His life for His sheep, the Good Shepherd reflects the immeasurable love and faithfulness that the Father and Son share, and which empowers the Son to enter a harsh and unwelcome world. If we read on in John’s Gospel account, we discover that the sheep accept the invitation to abide in their Good Shepherd. They see Jesus as the One Who can be trusted to guard them with His life.

Today, Christ Jesus invites us into relationship with God the Father, as He is in relationship with God the Father through God the Holy Spirit. We are invited to enjoy this inexplicable union, don’t worry if you can’t get your head around the concept of being one with God – there will be wee glimpses offered, because that’s all we can cope with – if we have the desire to open our eyes and see!

 

PRAYER:

 

Holy God, how can we possibly be in union with You? Some days we feel so very different to You and yet, You see us through Your eyes, eyes filled with love, grace, kindness, mercy and generosity. Thank You, may this day be one of those days when we receive a wee glimpse of our union with You and may that transform how we live, serve and love those around us. Amen

Lent Disciplines

Each day this week make time to say a short prayer for those feeling sorrow, who feel isolated or alone. How can you be part of making the world a kinder pace this week?