Feb 03

Another person who lowered herself in God's presence is found in the story we have been following, of the supper party given by Simon the Pharisee for Jesus. There we see the jar-woman fall at the feet of Jesus and further humble herself in God's presence by taking that which is her highest glory of body, her hair, and letting it become soiled and dirty by wiping away the tears and dirt from Jesus' feet. In this she becomes like the Lord himself, one with the One she feels so unworthy to be with.

Philippians 2:5-8 tells us that Jesus gave up the highest glories of heaven to come down to our dark and dirty world to bring us back to life, just as Elisha did in restoring a single child to life. Only Jesus' humility and sacrifice enables an entire world to come back to life. And to do this, he also had to come into close contact with the inhabitants of this world.

Soul to soul, Spirit to spirit, Jesus came down from heaven to minister to us. Once we have become united with him in spirit, he calls us to go and minister to the rest of the world in this same Spirit. He did it; Elisha did it; we are to do it. The question is, will we? Will you?

Scripture for today: Matthew 25:31-46
Thought for today: The presence of Jesus in my life demands a response.
Prayer for today: Jesus, give me balance between doing for you and refraining from overdoing for you. Make me aware of where you want me to serve and where I should not serve. I don't want to be like Martha and wear myself out when I should be sitting down and listening to you, but neither do I want to do nothing for you. Show me where and when I am to serve you by serving others. Thank you.

FEB 03