Daily Devotional for May 24

 

May 24                                                             Luke 13:18-30

O Lord, what is this realm you keep preaching about? You say
it is a mustard seed which grows into a shelter for the birds.
It is leaven that fills three pecks of meal. It has a narrow gate,
and when the door is shut, even those who have heard your
Gospel cannot enter. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the
prophets will be there. They will come from the east and west,
north and south, to recline at the table.

We are anxious to enter into your realm because we have
always wanted to partake of the good things of life. We want
to recline at the feast and take pleasure in your company. We
thought that we should be first. We have always lived a good
life. We have gone to church and prayed and given our tithes.
We have paid our way and worked hard to get ahead. We
should be first. We deserve it.

But you say that the last will be first and the first will be last.
What kind of realm is it that does not reward those who have
labored hard for achievement and recognition? Your realm is
upside down, and we don't know how to get in.

Dear Jesus, teach us the way of humility. Help us give up our
pride and our striving for competitive status. We have difficulty
learning a new way. We are afraid we will lose everything if
we give up one inch of hard-won gain. We need your word
of assurance that in your realm there is enough for everyone
- that no one will be left in need, even those who enter last.

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From The Road to Emmaus - An inclusive devotional Edited by Joseph W. Houle

Emmaus House of Prayer - Washington D.C.198