DAILY READING
REFLECTION
We Are Being Watched
by Judy Webb
One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. (Luke 14:1)
I must admit, if I could invite Jesus to a meal at my house, I would watch Him carefully too. But for a different reason. I would want to study everything He did, imitate his actions, and learn from His Presence. The Pharisees knew Jesus was different, special even, and that intimidated them. Did they fear they would lose their place in society? Did they fear Jesus would replace them as the teacher, jeopardizing the legalist life they enforced?
What about us? Are we ever afraid that sticking close to Jesus will require that we give up our ways? There was a time I fought change as well. I was comfortable…until I wasn’t, then God stepped in and changed everything. Have you had a moment like this? Has God challenged you to change and embrace a new life, new behaviors? How’d that go for you? Did you fight it, or did you realize a new way of living was a good thing? If you are like me, it didn’t happen overnight, but gradually.
My Bible is now my friend. Just this morning Psalm 119:105 spoke to my heart. “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (NLT) As I studied this verse it became clear that without God’s Word to feed my soul and show me the way, this dark world would overpower me. Darkness is terrifying, were it not for His word guiding me each step of the way.
The Pharisees carefully watched Jesus, and we too, are under scrutiny. The evil one wants to discredit us in the eyes of the world. But take heart, Jesus has overcome the world.
PRAYER
Lord, show me what you want me to see, teach me what you want me to learn, and lead me step-by-step in the path of your perfect will. Amen.
