Friday, 6 December, 2002

This is a part of a series of devotions based on: God Was In This Place & I , i Did Not Know - by Lawrence Kushner



In the first devotion using this book, I referred to Menachem Mendl of Kotzk - also known simply as Kotzker. He would say Jacob could see that God was with him only when he was able to subdue his ego. Here is a little story to make just such a point.

The Talmud says: "When Nebuchadnezzar, the might King of Babylonia, wanted to sing praises to God, an angel came and slapped him in the face." Asked the Kotzker, "Why did he deserve to be slapped if his intention was to sing God's praises?" He answered himself: "You want to sing praises while you are wearing your crown? Let me hear how you praise me after having been slapped in the face."



For the Kotzker, each day "the truth had to be found anew as it had never been found." As followers of Jesus, we claim that the way, the truth, & the life is in Christ, Jesus. The reminder we may need to carry with us each day is one that presses for that truth no matte what might be the situation of the day. Do we trust in God's word of love for us...God's promise to be our foundation...God's never failing presence among us, even when the things in our lives do not treat us as though we are kings and queens who rule our own little world? Trusting in our God - being faithful - is a constant calling. And yet, there can be so many thing we let get in the way of trusting that word of life that is offered to us. A good slap in the face is not a "put down," it helps put things into perspective so that our lives may be seen within the eternal grasp of our God...the God who Create all things...is for us. But often, we will let everything in the world rule us but that. Whack! Thanks I needed that.



Connection: Our journey is not one in which we are to belittle ourselves. Rather we are given the freedom to find our worth in something other than what sells in the marketplace or what I am able to do as compared with others. Beginning from our place before God...the promise of new life, the day can be viewed from a position of new strength and humility.



Praise to you O God! Let our lives be filled with the creative power of your love so that we may face all things with a sense of confidence that comes as we see ourselves as your beloved. Amen.