I will scatter the flock...
Today we are looking at Matthew 26
Dp you feel separated from God right now? Do you feel separated from your church family, your normal family? (even if they aren’t very normal?). We are all split up during this time. But that doesn’t mean God isn’t with us. It means we feel split up. And while this emotional reality is painful - it is not to be used as a measure for God’s activity in our lives or as a measure of our current “faith strength” as measured by daily emotional ups and downs. To feel distant from God is still to be in relationship with God! Jesus makes this clear in his conversation with Peter - I will go ahead of you to Galilee [after this is all over].
Some thoughts from the text - click the link above to read it.
Why do you think modern Christians try to “measure” our faith? Are there problems with this ?
What might it be like to “measure” faith rather than as strength or intensity or emotional state, as you might measure a relationship? What sorts of words describe a relationship?
Jesus has no condemnation for Peter or the other disciples in regards to their scattering. What words do you think Jesus might have for you today?
Could you deliver some of those words of love and support to other? How?
Prayer: God you know us better than we know ourselves. You love us despite our limits and our daily ups and downs. You desire to be close to us and for us to be close with you. Help us to frame our life with you in terms of forgiveness and trust rather than blame and inadequacy. Thank you for staying close to us - even in our very hearts, when we feel alone and afraid. Show us where we can serve you. Show us how we can rest in you. In the name of Jesus who walks with us and goes ahead of us. Amen.