This week we are blessed by Clare Lebold as he brings a message of Hope in the midst of this Covid-19 crisis.
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I invite you this week to anticipate the miracle of the presence of Jesus. Daily, moment by moment receive Hope – invite Him to open your eyes so that you can see Him. (then share that experience with someone – encourage each other) And as you do, hear His call to participate with Him in the work He is doing in and thru you.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul.
He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil for you are with me,
Your rod and staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies,
You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Amen
Questions for Reflection:
1. Scripture says the two disciples on the road to Emmaus were "kept from recognizing Jesus". The result being that they were unaware of the presence of Jesus in their time of loss and discouragement. Was it due to incorrect expectations of Jesus as Messiah, was it the overwhelming emotional and mental stress, or were there other barriers? Reflect and ask God to provide insight into times when you have walked through "deep waters" and have not been able to "know" the presence of your Heavenly Father. What kept you from "seeing" Jesus at that time? What are things you may be able to do to increase your awareness and sensitivity to the presence of God in all and every situation?
2. I also invite you to consider a question that has stuck in my mind over the past days. In John 18: 15-18, we read that both John and Peter followed Jesus, after His arrest, to the courtyard of Annas, father-in-law to Caiaphas the high priest. Because John was known by the High priest, he went into the courtyard with Jesus, and then went back outside to gain permission for Peter to also come inside. It was here that Peter was then questioned three different times, each time denying ever being with Christ or knowing Him. My questions are these: Did John see these interactions and hear Peter's denial of Christ? If so, did he attempt to support or care for Peter at that time? And during the days that followed, even to that night on the shores of the Sea of Tiberias when Peter was again confronted and invited into forgiveness by Jesus (John 21), did John ever speak to Peter about his denial of Christ? And if so, did Peter listen or refuse to talk?
And the primary question for you and I may be what is our responsibility when a fellow believer, a close friend sins or struggles greatly in his/her relationship with God? What does it look like to love, support and walk with that friend?
