This series of devotions are focused around Soren Kierkegaard’s “Christian Discourses etc.” The biblical text to consider during these devotions is: Matthew 6:24-34.
Paganism stands in opposition to Christianity, but the lilies and the birds stand in no opposition to any of these contending parties; if one may say so, they play apart by themselves, keep shrewdly aloof from all oppositions. So then, the Gospel, in order not to condemn and denounce, uses the lilies and the birds to show what paganism is, but also at the same time to show what is required of Christians.
The lilies of the field and the birds of the air as used by Jesus in Matthew’s gospel are quite like a light. They reveal. They instruct not by bashing or pouncing or putting down. They instruct by being what they are. We are invited to consider them so that we may see the wealth within the life of those who follow Jesus. The Good News really is an adventure in which we are invited to consider a whole new life. It is not a method to condemn and limit life in an attempt to bring the right life to light. Isn’t it odd that we hold among us this Gospel that has become known in our society and world as more of a battering ram or a judgment/measuring stick than it is a life liberating word that evokes new life from those who consider its wealth, beauty and grace?!
Connection: So what can a lily and a bird bring into your day. We each are given many opportunities to consider such strange things within our work and play.
Gentle Lord, you hold up the simple gifts of your creation and from them you create a whole new way of leading us through life as the followers of your Beloved, Jesus. Guide us in this day so that we may be open to the wealth of your gracious Reign. Amen.
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