Needing God’s grace - May 19

Today’s Readings:  AM Psalm 78:1-39; PM Psalm 78:40-72, Lev. 26:1-20; 1 Tim. 2:1-6; Matt. 13:18-23

During the Easter season, we celebrate the resurrection and ascension of Jesus and the renewal of our baptismal promise. The fabrics and flowers are white, and we say lots of alleluias. We (generally) omit the Confession of Sin. And yet, we still face situations that bring us regret. We still have the propensity to sin - lying, lashing out, and losing tempers. Or, is my household the only one in this situation?

I got really angry the other day; I lost my cool at one of my kids. Today’s psalm felt like antiseptic dribbling on a wound as I read the words, “many times he [God] held back his anger and did not permit his wrath to be roused. For he remembered that they were but flesh.” It stirred in me the need to confess: I do not always hold back my anger. I forget that my loved ones are human, and I expect them to be perfect. If I continue being honest, I hold myself to a similar standard of flawlessness, and yet, God somehow does not strike me down with lightning or plague when I fall short in my humanity.

How does that theology jive with Leviticus? Follow God’s law and you will flourish: “the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.” Break a statute and your fate is bleak: “I will bring terror on you; consumption and fever that waste the eyes and cause life to pine away.” Harsh, huh?

But that’s not the end. The gift of Jesus’ ministry and God’s redemption of the world through the Risen Son reveals that we can honor the structure set forth in the law and the healing grace of our God. We are called to live into the foundational statutes that order our hearts and lives: love God and love one another. Rather than the terminus of continual punishment seven times over for our sins, we are invited again and again to repent and be reconciled - turning away from those actions that separate us from God and living into the love that unites us as the Body of Christ.

Perhaps this prayer to confess your need for God’s healing grace can bring you peace and restoration in a time of trial and weakness:

Compassionate God, we confess our weaknesses and our need for your strengthening touch.

We confess that some illnesses stem from our own fault, while others are beyond our control.

We turn to you, source of life, and ask in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ for the gifts of true healing and life in you. Amen.

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the message of Leviticus match or conflict with how you see God?

  • What help do you need to feel from God today?

Daily Challenge

Sit with and pray the Confession of Need.

Katherine Harper