Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

"Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert
mind and a thankful heart."
Colossians 4:2, NLT

Reflection:

Have you ever grown tired of praying for
something or someone? Paul says we
should "devote" ourselves to prayer and be
"watchful" in prayer. Our persistence is an
expression of our faith that God answers
our prayers. Faith shouldn't die if the
answers come slowly, for the delay may
be God's way of working his will in our lives.

When you feel tired of praying, know that
God is present, always listening, always
answering--maybe not in ways you had
hoped, but in ways that he knows are best.

Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby
towns and villages, preaching and announcing the
Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his
twelve disciples with him, along with some women
he had healed and from whom he had cast out evil
spirits.Luke 8:1-2

What an honor, privilege, and opportunity these
women had to walk with Jesus, in the flesh, from
town to town--serving him, experiencing miracles,
witnessing to others, and continuing to learn from
him along the way. But what a scandal! It was
unheard of in first century Jewish culture for women
to be taught by a rabbi. These women were not
necessarily among the elite or influential of their time,
either (see Luke 7:36-50).

But infirmity and transgression know no social
boundaries. Neither did Jesus. He crossed those
barriers. He treated all people equally. By doing so,
he demonstrated their significance to the Kingdom.

These females may have come from diverse
upbringings, but there was still a common thread
that bound them: God valued them. Mary Magdalene
is depicted in Luke 8:2 as having seven demons cast
from her. Yet Jesus took her into his closest circle.
She is reported in Matthew 27 and 28 to have
witnessed his crucifixion and was first to discover his
resurrection. Joanna, who was the wife of one of Herod's
officials, would have lived in extravagant surroundings,
but nevertheless required some type of healing. Susanna
is listed, and we know nothing about her, yet God
redeemed and treasured her as well. These women didnt
wallow in inadequacies and limitations. They realized
they were forgiven much, and they acknowledged their
need and love for a Savior. Jesus accepted these women
just as they were, but he didn't leave them in that condition.
He restored them to health.

Not unlike womens involvement in modern day mission
trips and various spiritual activities, these women arranged
their daily routines and family duties to do whatever was
required to aid in spreading the Good News. They may not
have been in the forefront of Jesus' ministry, but their tireless
work for little recognition is an example we all can follow.
These women remind us that effective service for Christ will
eventually mean more than recognition by others.

Your faithful acts of service may not seem to be noticed.
Or they may be noticed and devalued by others. But
remember what Jesus told the woman whose actions
precede this summary of women's roles: "Your faith has
saved you; go in peace" (Luke 7:50).

(Tyndale House Publishers)

Scripture:

“‘Do not come any closer,’ God said. ‘Take off your
sandals, for the place where you are standing is
holy ground.’” — Exodus 3:5

Why? “For the place you are standing on is
holy ground.” Moses was about to become
the leader of the children of Israel. This was
holy work, and indeed, he was standing on
“holy ground.” God wanted to teach Moses
at the outset that in order to do His holy work,
Moses must remain extremely sensitive.

Leaders can easily fall into the trap of being
out of touch with the people. Most leaders of
nations enjoy luxuries that the general public
does not. It’s easy to become insensitive to
the needs of the common man or unsympathetic
to a poor man’s plight. God, on the other hand,
says “Don’t you dare! My people are my precious
children.” Moses was commanded to remain
as sensitive as he was at that moment until the
day that he died.

Insensitivity is a trap we all can fall into. It’s
hard to empathize with the hungry if your stomach
is always full, or to feel for the homeless when we
are enjoying the comfort and warmth of our own
homes. But, friends, we in service of the Lord are
on "holy ground." We must remain acutely
sensitive to the needs of His children and do our
best to meet them, whenever and however we can.

With prayers for shalom, peace,
Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein