I sat down briefly this morning, Father, and other, out of the norm, responsibilities called, so now is the time I have come to sit…and listen…and write. Though of course, I’ve had a couple of things rattling around in my brain.
Yesterday I caught the tail end of a pastor’s sermon on the radio. He was speaking on another topic (a good one mind you) but something he said resonated within my heart. Now I can’t quote it word for word but here’s the gist of it. The pastor was speaking about Jesus telling his disciples in Mark 6:31,
“Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.
They were exhausted, so they boarded a boat to get away for a little while. But the crowds saw where they were headed and met them when they came ashore. So what did Jesus do? Did he barrel ahead with His original plan? After all, they were worn out! No…Jesus’ heart cried out more than His body did. Mark 6:34 tells us that “he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd…”
Before all was said and done, he ended up feeding them all – over 5,000 of them (Mark 6:30-44)!
Lord, plain and simple…You loved them. And You want us to love each other, too. Not because it’s easy. Not just when it’s convenient. Not when it’s comfortable. Not just when we agree.
You said, “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” John 15:12
You said, “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.” Matthew 7:12
We refer to that one as the Golden Rule.
Lord, with my whole heart I believe that You cause things to intersect in our lives. This had been rattling around in my brain since yesterday but You dropped a video in my lap today. It’s a song by Dottie Rambo, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Its message is strong and so relevant for today. It may make you flinch a little bit but it is well worth watching it through.
Lord, may I live out “Love Is the Golden Rule” in all I am today and every day. Amen.
Aug 22nd, Tues, 6:00 pm
