February 5 | Luke 6:24-26

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DAILY READING

Luke 6:24-26

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REFLECTION

Woe Is Me

By Katie Borden

Okay.

I’ll admit it.

I like verses 20-23 better than these verses.

It’s so much nicer to hear the words of Jesus as he blesses people and offers them hope. It's... less nice... to hear the words of Jesus that call out the people who were being oppressive, or who were putting their trust in their own successes and comforts.

But these words of blessing and woe, presented side by side in Luke 6, offer us a vision of Jesus turning the world upside down in order to make it right. The oppressors will not remain in their happy-go-lucky state forever. Those who are suffering and waiting--no, yearning--for the world to be made right will eventually see that day come, and they already see that kingdom’s existence beginning in the presence of the King Himself, Jesus.

I may like one over the other, but I need both of these words of Jesus.

The part of me that is uncomfortable with this passage of Scripture–the part of me that is resistant to hearing these “woes”–is exactly the part of me that needs the truth Jesus is offering here. 

I can get caught up in the comforts of this world (..."the newest water bottle will finally adequately hydrate me and make all of my stress and problems go away, right?"...). I can hoard my resources to make myself feel more secure. I can find myself grasping for safety, status, and power--often at the expense of others. But all I am really doing in these actions is anesthetizing myself to my deeper, truer need for Jesus himself.

And so, when these words of woe make me yet once more aware of that needy condition of my heart, I turn my face away from the luxuries of this world that promise to fulfill me and satisfy me... and I turn my face back to Jesus, seeking the breadth and depth of a life rooted in love that he is already offering to me. 

Woe is me if I settle for anything less than Jesus.

PRAYER

Take some time to quietly reflect. Notice in your own heart where you experience the pull to chase after something other than Jesus, and life with him. Then you might want to pray something like this:

Jesus, thank you for your words of truth that shine light even on the parts of me that I keep hidden from myself. Replace my fears, my insecurities, and my shallow longings with the truest, deepest love that comes from your heart. Help me turn back to you and to the joy you offer.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KATIE BORDEN

I’m a lifelong member of UALC and have had the privilege of serving our community in both volunteer and staff roles over the years. I love learning, OSU football, good conversations, chocolate croissants, laughter, and sharing about the good news of Jesus in whatever capacity I can.

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