A friend of mine recently told me that the devil isn't creative. He always reacts to what is going on around him, while Jesus does not react but rather acts with intention and creativity. Your article and response to Scripture reveals that so beautifully to me also. Also, in how you yourself chose to sit in the tension of how this passage made you feel, allowing the Holy Spirit to shift you from demoralized reaction to intentional hope-filled action. Thank you for this beautiful insight into your personal process. It encourages me.
I have always been so drawn to how Jesus desires rest for Himself and His disciples after the death of his cousin, but then when immediately faced with such a crowd in the midst of his personal grief and his grief for his friends, He does not turn the crowd away, but is filled with compassion for them and cares not just for their souls but their famished bodies too. He does not react with self-preservation, but acts with care and intention, abiding and trusting in the will of the Father. Thank you too for reflecting this heart of Christ in your exhortation and boasting in your weakness to the glory and grace of God.
It is refreshing to read that, regardless of our opinion on any presidential candidate, no one should dismiss or condone an assassination attempt. I couldn't agree more, Brian. I am appalled at how we have devolved as a people. We don't have to like someone in order to defend their dignity as a human.
Yes. We are in for interesting times ahead, for sure. I think we will do well to remember the humanity of those with opposing views from our own. I'm trying to remember that the people I "other" are also beloved children of God, made in God's image.
A friend of mine recently told me that the devil isn't creative. He always reacts to what is going on around him, while Jesus does not react but rather acts with intention and creativity. Your article and response to Scripture reveals that so beautifully to me also. Also, in how you yourself chose to sit in the tension of how this passage made you feel, allowing the Holy Spirit to shift you from demoralized reaction to intentional hope-filled action. Thank you for this beautiful insight into your personal process. It encourages me.
I have always been so drawn to how Jesus desires rest for Himself and His disciples after the death of his cousin, but then when immediately faced with such a crowd in the midst of his personal grief and his grief for his friends, He does not turn the crowd away, but is filled with compassion for them and cares not just for their souls but their famished bodies too. He does not react with self-preservation, but acts with care and intention, abiding and trusting in the will of the Father. Thank you too for reflecting this heart of Christ in your exhortation and boasting in your weakness to the glory and grace of God.
Thank you Anna... and thanks for reading. Glad it is encouraging for you. I look forward to reading some of your work too!
It is refreshing to read that, regardless of our opinion on any presidential candidate, no one should dismiss or condone an assassination attempt. I couldn't agree more, Brian. I am appalled at how we have devolved as a people. We don't have to like someone in order to defend their dignity as a human.
Yes. We are in for interesting times ahead, for sure. I think we will do well to remember the humanity of those with opposing views from our own. I'm trying to remember that the people I "other" are also beloved children of God, made in God's image.
I try to remember that every day, too.
This story is still a ten!
Thanks Debbie.