Saturday and Sunday, December 22 and 23, 2018
See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until
the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the
name of the Lord.’”
Luke 13:35
This passage is set among a series of parables in Luke. The parable is
titled, “The Lament over Jerusalem.” In the beginning of the story Jesus
dismisses the Pharisees warnings to Jesus, ‘get out of here! Herod wants
to kill you!’ Jesus fires back that he has better things to do than worry
about Herod; Jesus sends the message that for now he has demons to
cast out and healing to administer; running from Herod will have to wait.
Continuing, Jesus notes his desire to care for the people of Jerusalem, but
that he must be on his way soon as Jerusalem is not very hospitable. He
will return only when the people are ready to say, “Blessed is the one who
comes in the name of the Lord.”
Sometimes in desire to respond to very difficult situations, and in our
compulsion to be of service, we get lost in the fervor of organizing,
coordinating, ordering food for lunch, getting speakers arranged, putting a
curriculum or agenda together, and making sure all supplies are ordered.
Service can be very busy.
Sometimes when I am frazzled and too busy, it is helpful to remember,
“Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” Jesus calls us to
serve in response to the love God has shown us. Coming in the name of
the Lord is indeed a blessing. It is what gives us the freedom to give as
we can, with loving, generous, and faithful hearts. Coming in the name of
the Lord gives us permission to give what we can in service, and to leave
what’s still left to do to the hands of others who will come following us a
God provides.
In our service, let us come without worry about not being the right person
for the job, but with hearts open to the caring work that God puts before us
each day. Amen.
Julia Menzo is Director of Community Outreach for Liberty Lutheran/
Lutheran Congregational Services.
Click here to download you full 2018 Advent Devotional
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