Divine Interruptions
Good Morning Friends,
Whatever your goals are today be aware that events might well intervene to change the direction and course of what was happening in your life. The flow of activities could press the work of the moment into service of another kind that more reflects worship and opportunity. You may not be diverted by a burning bush or a voice that says, “Build an Ark!” But you might just get a nudge that is not of might or power but of the Spirit. There is always the possibility of God intervening in our plans with a much better plan. Thankfully God is in charge and it is a blessing when these opportunities knock, but make no mistake about this, there are responsibilities related to Divine Interruptions.
Scripture: Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
Mark 2:4-5 (NIV)
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. ‘If any of you put a stumbling-block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Matthew 18:1-6 (NRSV)
Message: Then as we read today’s scripture we reminded that Jesus did not go out looking for children. Perhaps parents brought them to Him to bless. We read that the disciples did not like the interruptions of the children and scolded the parents for bringing them to bother Jesus. But Jesus saw an opportunity. He saw value in the children for in their unique existence they point us to grace…the undeserved favor of God poured out on the cross for sinners. So too we see it in the interruption of the friends and the paralytic. In them Jesus saw, and we should too see, the characteristics that should mark the people of the Kingdom. As we encounter grace in the interruptions of our own lives, we might just discover them a blessing. Nothing in life is better than the will of God. There is no better plan than the one God has for us.
Pray we embrace the element of surprise in divine interruptions. Pray we realize that sometimes in these moments listening is more important than speaking…that waiting is more important than acting…..that following is more important than leading…that interruptions are more important than our plans…. that business is always about serving someone else…that life is not about problem solving or even being in balance… it’s about being available. Pray we realize that the world needs to change but maybe it has to happen one person at a time. Pray we repent and obey. Pray we respond responsibly to Divine Interruptions.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 