SUNDAY, August 23
12 Pentecost
Matthew 16:20 Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
I have a nagging suspicion today’s church isn’t what Jesus had in mind.
I can’t imagine he’d want everything to be about him. He did not bask in stardom. He practiced service. Forgiveness. Honesty. Gratitude. Healing. Love. Jesus did the hard, boots-on-the-ground footwork and deferred to his Father’s will. He gave his Father the glory.
Jesus did not work in a building. He did not stick to his neighborhood. People came to him with nothing and found a place to belong. He consorted with outcasts and foreigners. He washed the feet of those who worshiped him.
When he learned, he allowed his mind to change and illuminated how little we allow ourselves to see. Love led him to bear the sins of all people, everywhere, for all time.
MOVING FORWARD: WWJD: What would Jesus do in our churches today?
Ps 124 or Ps 138 | Exodus 1:8—2:10 or Isaiah 51:1-6 | Romans 12:1-8 | Matthew 16:13-20
Read the original post at Forward Day by Day.