Scripture: Mark 12:1-12
Journal: What is the message God has given you to proclaim? Are you proclaiming it? What has being a messenger cost you? What does that tell you?
Reflection:
“Don’t shoot the messenger,” the old saying
goes. But, in reality, that is often
exactly what happens. The life of a messenger
is not an easy one, especially where the kingdom of God is concerned. Because when the message that is given
requires a lot from those to whom it is given, the result is often
rejection. Therefore, being a messenger
can be quite costly. Just ask the
messengers sent to those working in the vineyard. It can even cost you your life.
That is, of course, unless
you try to water down the message to make it more acceptable to its recipients. Jesus himself warned us that the message of
the gospel was costly, that it would require everything of us (Luke 14:25-33). He also warned us that if we are truly
proclaiming his message and his kingdom, it would actually divide rather than
unite (Luke 12:49-53). Therefore, the
life of a messenger is not likely to be an easy one. He, or she, is not likely to win any
popularity contests.
Therefore, maybe I should
begin asking myself some serious questions.
What is the message that my life and my lips proclaim? Is it truly the message of Jesus? What has being his messenger really cost
me? And if it has cost me little, or
nothing, am I really proclaiming the message of Jesus, or simply one of my own
creation? Because if I am truly
proclaiming his gospel, I am likely to get attacked in one way or
another.
Prayer
Closing
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I confess that all too often I want to be popular and
accepted and well-received more than I want to be your messenger. And when I do this, I sacrifice the radical
nature of your message for the acceptance of those to whom the message is given. Jesus, help me to be true to you,
and to your message, regardless of what it may cost. After all, it is all for your kingdom and
your glory. Amen.
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