The Second Week of Easter: From FEAR to WORTH

STEP ONE: BREATHE

Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.

STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD

“He said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear.”
”

— Luke 12: 22

A Jesus Story Retold : Before the Good News “FEAR NOT”

“My feet hurt.

I’m hungry.

I tore my cloak again and I’m tired of all the people… the dust… the chaos.

I’m tired of worrying about the lawyers and scribes and the Pharisees. “Why didn’t you wash before dinner,” they gripe. “When you say those things you insult us, too,” they charge. “Show us a sign of heaven,” they shout. I wish they’d shut up and leave us alone. Either that or help us out. Lord knows we could use a decent meal and a soft quiet place to sleep. A blanket or two would be nice. Maybe even a fresh cloak or new sandals.

The crowd following us gets bigger by the day. So many people need healing; so many mouths to feed and tears to dry. If this is what Jesus means by fishing for people, I don’t understand what he’s talking about.

Between you and me, ever since he set his face on Jerusalem, I’ve been filled with this growing sense of dread. I fear that things are getting out of hand. Somebody has to think about the practical things - like how are we going to pay for all this. How are we going to take care of all these folks?

I wish he’d take command, like he did with Pharisees and lawyers the other day. “Woe to you Pharisees!” “Woe also to you lawyers!” That’s putting them in their place… that’s how to get things done. I bet the others agree. Especially Simon Peter, he’s a no-nonsense kind of guy. And both Judas’ - Iscariot and the Zealot. I can sense that they’re as worried as I am. It’s their eyes that give them away… the sharp glance, the distant stare, the way they quickly look away when you catch their eye.

But, no, now’s he’s telling another parable. C’mon Jesus, all the guy wanted you to do was tell his brother to share the inheritance. All he wanted was a simple answer. And to tell the truth, I wouldn’t mind being like the rich man you’re talking about. Barns upon barns of grain and goods - enough to last years. Nothing to worry about… just relax, eat, drink, and be merry.

As if.

I can’t relax. There’s not enough to eat. Not enough to drink. Not enough.

No wonder I’m not merry.”

STEP THREE: PRAY

Gracious God, calm my fears and worries. Remind me of your great love so that I might find my worth in you. Grounded in your love, let me care for others. Through Jesus, amen.

Today’s devotion is by Pastor Scott Simmons