Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 14: Year 1
Morning, Psalms 97 and 99; Evening, Psalm 94;
2nd Samuel 14:1 to 20; Acts 21:1 to 14; Mark 10:1 to 16:
“Then Paul answered, ‘What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’ Since he would not be persuaded, we remained silent except to say, ‘The Lord’s will be done.’” (Acts 21:13 and 14)
I don’t know if we can call Paul’s words here, acts of courage. For Paul has had visions and voices from our Lord Jesus and therefore had more than just belief. Paul had certain knowledge. Once we know, we can’t un-know. Once we know what our Lord Jesus is doing, it is no longer a matter of faith, belief or courage, it is a matter of knowing and of obedience to the will of God.
We have pivotal names in the Bible that hinges our faith together. We have Abraham and Sarah, Moses, Ruth, David, Mary and Joseph and of course our Lord Jesus. Then we have Peter, James, John and Paul. All of these names represent turning points in our journey from faith to knowledge. But the most instrumental and important Name is the Name of our Lord Jesus.
The people of faith cry and try to persuade Paul, a person of certain knowledge, not to go to Jerusalem in order to save his earthly body. But Paul has seen the will of God. And nothing will stand in his way. It is like those who comforted him said, “The Lord’s will be done.”
I ponder about how my life would change if our Lord Jesus took me aside and was present to me as he was with Paul while he was on his way to Damascus; or as Jesus was to Peter, James and john on the mountain at the Transfiguration; or even as God was with Moses as bush, fire and voice – in a Trinitarian Presence wherein Moses no longer had to rely on faith or belief, for after the burning bush experience, he knew, and he knew God’s will, at least for him.
Should we fear the Day of the Lord? It is a trick question. On the one hand, when God visits us all guess work and doubt is gone forever. On the other, what possible pain awaits us as it did for Paul and the apostles and even the predicament Moses found himself in with the king of Egypt?
The good news is that no matter the outcome, we will KNOW that we will arrive in glory! So, should we pray for God to make God’s self known to us? I’m scared. How about you? Sometimes just believing is a safe way out. All we have to do is live, love and trust in God. Amen; Halleluiah.
Let us live to love, rather than just live to live, listening to what the Spirit is saying to, and through the saints of God, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
onewhoponders 