February 18, 2024. Texts: Ezekiel 22:23-31; Psalm 25:1-10; Mark 7:1 – 8:21.
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To Walk with Jesus
They left their fishing boats,
Every hook, line, and net.
To walk with Jesus.
They didn’t know the way
But trusted that Jesus did.
Though they had some doubts.
Their teacher was tireless
Paused rarely to rest
but they slept hard.
And rose hungry.
Sourcing bread and fish,
For thousands of thousands.
Eating grain by the road.
Precious water carried far
For thirst but not for washing.
Drawing dismay
And damnation.
For dining with defiled hands.
But they walked on
Already cleansed in holy water
that sluices sin away.
So to walk with Jesus
Daily in new skins.
Filled with new wine.
In and out they went.
One land to another
Familiar and strange.
Across the sea
And back again.
Sometimes caught between.
Until Jesus came
With words of peace
For inner storms and gales.
To walk with Jesus
Is to go unshod.
Emptied of self and opened.
Two years on the road.
So little time to learn.
So much to forget.
God’s best ways are revered.
Instruction has its place.
Tradition bears wisdom.
Considering sacred numbers
Of twelves and sevens.
The calculation of God’s love.
Yet failing to understand
Stumbling with clouded eyes
Ears filled with insensible roaring.
Gives grace a chance to flourish.
Opens the way to humility
To practice confession and holy return.
They leaned into the promise.
Walk with me and you will be amazed.
And they always were. Amen.
Questions to Ponder
How do you walk with Jesus?
Where do you see evil?
What healing do you desire?
What abundance can you share