Daily Thoughts about God

By Marilyn Ehle

“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And He sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for Him; but the people there did not welcome Him, because He was heading for Jerusalem.” Luke 9:51-62

Jesus is totally devoted to accomplishing his Father’s will and finally, resolutely begins the journey to Jerusalem. The decision is radical and final. The followers who by now have at least some sense of his plan trudge alongside him, fear mixed with obedience. Do they understand the Savior is “living on borrowed time”?

One definition of that English idiom is “a period of uncertainty during which the inevitable consequences of a current situation are usually postponed or avoided.” If we look into the future that looms ahead of Jesus, we can see him agonizing with his Father, asking if there could not be some other plan: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me…” Jesus’ acceptance of that plan (“yet not my will, but yours be done”) eliminates any thought of postponing or avoiding the consequences of the situation.

Shortly after Luke describes the resolute path to Jerusalem, he records a conversation Jesus has with his friends in which he talks yet again about the cost of following the Savior. Some who hear the cost will want to return to the assumed safety and security of what they have become accustomed to. Others, like those trudging disciples, will follow the path to Jerusalem, not understanding all the cost, but willing to live—with Jesus—on borrowed time.

Questions: What does it mean to “live on borrowed time”? Do we also live on borrowed time?

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/05/06/me_living-on-borrowed-time/

by Rod Marshall

“But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 (ESV)

I find that it is my calling to continue to walk the walk, and talk the talk, where I am. However, in my impatience and lack of faith, sometimes I find myself like Martha, asking for more help!

One Sunday morning I presented my case to the King of Kings. I comforted myself in the knowledge that I had said what needed to be said and thus far was untouched by thunderbolts or gaping holes in the ground. I became aware of a little girl. She stood a short distance away on her own to the side of her parents nearby. She was not more than four years old.

The following question came to mind: What is the one thing that this child you see in front of you needs above all else? Simple, I thought, every small child needs to be loved, accepted, cuddled and protected by their parents. Nothing means more to a child at that age because, untroubled by news, exams and fashion, this is the totality of their world view. They just want to rest secure in the feeling of being hugged, safe from harm.

Then, in my mind, I could see clearly the smile on a child’s face being held against a parent’s chest. It was at this point that I realized that this was not just my imagination because I was also aware of the invitation from God for me to do just that.

So, right in the middle of a Sunday service, I let go of the questions, attitude and stuff, to be enveloped with the warmth of my Savior’s love! I climbed up and I rested in God’s arms. Several weeks later as I write, the picture is clear in my mind and His Love and warmth evident.

All are welcome.

Luke 10:20-21:– “Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. (ESV)

PRAYER: LORD, I thank you so much for Your Grace – Your willingness to accept us, clean us, and re-clothe us. In Your mercy keep us safe in Your care. Be with all those who need a hug from You today and grant us Your peace, because we come in the name of Jesus, amen.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/05/04/rm_small-child/
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Living on Borrowed Time

Small Child

Daily Thoughts about God Posts

Living on Borrowed Time

Small Child