The Daily Office for January 23, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 41,52
Genesis 14:1-24
Hebrews 8:1-13
John 4:43-54
Reading (John 4:43-54)
Reflection
“Safe?" said Mr. Beaver."Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.” – C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia
In the denomination I grew up in Jesus was often referred to as our friend. He was portrayed by paintings of a gentle and somewhat passive, good looking man with long flowing hair and a tender smile. He was not to be feared and we certainly should never expect a harsh tone or glance from Him. When I was taught to pray, I was to pray knowing Jesus wanted to hear everything about my life and I should expect good things around every corner. While these teachings did instill in me the importance of having a relationship with God, as a young believer it often lead to a deceptive picture of a God who was more subservient and genie-like.
In today’s passage Jesus, the Son of Man, is anything but passive or friendly. In fact, Jesus seems exasperated that he must show people signs for them to believe. He is God. He is the first and last, the holder of the keys of Death and Hades. But he is not a magician performing tricks or a servant who jumps at our command to meet our need for certainty. Of course, through every circumstance he is still a friend who showed the greatest love by laying his life down for us. He wants a relationship with us and is righteously jealous for our complete worship.
Who is Jesus to you? Is he so safe that you only go to him when you’re in need? Or, does he strike cords of righteous fear and a longing in your heart that keeps you hungry for more?
Collect for the Day
Almighty God, whose Son revealed in signs and miracles the wonder of your saving presence: renew your people with your heavenly grace, and in all our weakness sustain us by your mighty power; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.