Devotioner - Wednesday, October 17

The Gospel lesson for this coming Sunday is sometimes referred to as the "third prediction of the crucifixion."  Our world seems fixated on "predictions" as forecast of the future.  They intrigue us, because we want to see whether the prediction will come true.

In the Gospel of Mark, these predictions are not so much about telling the followers of Jesus what would happen, at some point, out there in the future. These predictions are instructions on what the events mean, and how we are to apply them to our lives.  Jesus isn't trying to prove his divinity by "knowing" what will happen when they get to Jerusalem.  Jesus is trying to tell them how one who is united with God lives their lives.

Jesus speaks of sacrifice.  Jesus speaks of power which is revealed in service.  Jesus speaks of a union with God in which one loses self and is concerned about the other.

This morning's appointed prayer brought me back to this.  It reads, "O God, whose almighty power is made known chiefly in showing mercy and pity, grant us the fullness of your grace....."  As I prayed that prayer images of political debates and arguments flashed through my head.  We do seem to live in a world where the traits we are likely to champion are accurate predictions of the future.  We seem to be looking for strength in the ability to overwhelm and dominate.

The way of a Christian is different.  The way of Christ is humility.  Mercy and pity are our strong suits.