Mary’s Lent Diary (Day 23)

Jesus has definitely had his teacher hat on recently!  He went down from the mountain where he had chosen his 12 disciples, and found somewhere more level.  Crowds of people came to listen to him, so choosing his spot first was a good idea – maybe remembered what had happened in Galilee, when he had to use a boat to get a bit of breathing space!

I decided to join the crowds and I am so glad I did, the teaching was amazing.  I know that a lot of the crowd were probably only there because they hoped to see more miracles.  Some people almost seem to see Jesus as a good luck charm.  I grumbled about this to a friend but, as she said, at least people were there. At least they were listening to Jesus.  He talked about loving our enemies and not judging people.  And he said to pray for people who are mean to us!  That is a bit radical, I thought.  Why would we do that?  And it is almost as if Jesus read my mind because he answered my unspoken question – it is so we are merciful, just as God is merciful.  So we can be God’s children.

Praying hands

Why were the crowds there?

Because of Jesus.

Maybe they did just want to see more miracles.

Maybe they did see Jesus as a good luck charm.

But they were there.

They were where Jesus was.

And, because they were there, they were in a position to hear from Jesus.

They could have put their fingers in their ears, and not listened, but they were there.

We can’t force people to draw closer to God, but we can invite them to.

Is there someone you could invite to church this Easter?

Or someone you could pray with and/or for?

And what about inviting yourself to draw closer to God?

Do you take time to deliberately still yourself before God, being in a position to hear from Him?

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God

Psalm 46:10

Stop, and know that He is God.

Breathe, and know that He is God.

Be, and know that He is God.

Be still.

In the stillness, ask Him if there is anyone you can pray will draw closer to Him.

Who has He brought to mind?

In the stillness, ask Him if there is anyone you can pray for who is causing you unrest at the moment.

Who has He brought to mind?

Could you ask Him to bless that person?

…you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Luke 6:35,36

When we forgive,

when we are kind,

when we are merciful,

we live our genes as God’s children.

They are qualities we inherit from our Father.

We can live them.

Mercy is in our genes.

May people recognise our Father through the way we live.

Lord Jesus,

Is there someone I can invite, through word or action, to know You more this Lent?

Please show me.

Help me to be still before You.

Thank You that, as a child of God, I share His genes.

May He be seen in me.

Amen

Mary’s Memo Live My Genes