Devotion: Why This Way?
Why This Way?
Please read the scripture from the weekend: Luke 22:7-23
“All scripture is inspired by God…” is sometimes quoted when beginning to study the words of scripture from 2 Timothy 3:16. It’s a good place to start. Remembering this makes me hungry to know where this part will lead me. What knowledge or feeling will I glean from what I’m about to partake in. Often it even makes me try harder to understand what God wants to tell me.
So, the question, “Why this way?” had me wondering; “What do you mean Pastor?” But this became clear as Pastor Greg began his message. The concept of “desire”. We desire “things” as mere mortals. Take a moment… close your eyes… and remember when you were growing up. Was there a toy, or doll, or item you felt you “just HAD to have”? Those shoes you just fell “in love” with? My desire was a little different and I’ve been teased so often for it. I wanted brothers, or sisters, or both, desperately. I even prayed about it. That feeling of “belonging”. Of being a part of something or someone. That desire to be close to others who shared that connection. I think that’s how I feel about our church membership. The desire to be here Sunday mornings, seeing people I have known, some since I was little and others only for a short time. But the feeling I just want to cling to them like a treasured stuffed animal. I may be told, “Fran, you’re so silly!” or they give me that look that says, “Wow girl, you are over the top enthusiastic!”
Did Jesus feel this way? Probably not to the extent I get, but I can’t help thinking he experienced those same feelings. He’d been with these disciples and followers for three years! Grown to love them through thick and thin. Been part of their joys, their misunderstandings, and seen their hearts open gradually to Him and His heavenly Father. Been there as he saw their “wheels click on” (that was my mother’s favorite expression for learning). All of it knowing what He was sent here to do. Knowing He needed a way to help them understand why He would need to do it, and what they would need to do to continue the task of turning the world to God and His promises.
The task would be momentous for these mortals he knew. How will he make them understand all that lies ahead? All they would yet learn. All their fears and anxieties. How would they understand He would always be with them? Many of these feelings we still have today. There’s a song called “The Water”, and the chorus says, “May the water (as in, Christ, the “Living Water”) reach the deep of your soul. May it find in you a seed that only this water can grow. Something only you will know, what your Maker always knew, the water, runs through you!”
Dearest Heavenly Father; Thank you for this love you give me. Help me seek you today and always. Let me feel that desire to know you better. Let me seek opportunities to grow this same relationship with others that they would feel this kind of love. And let Christ be seen in me today. Amen.
Written by Fran Baatz
Fran has been a lifelong member of Sheridan as the first baby girl to be baptized back in 1953 as her parents were charter members.
She loves to serve as a part of the Hospitality team as well as one of the Sheridan quilting teams. She is also a member of Lydia Circle.
Fran has four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren she adores as well as her two daughters.