March 5 | Luke 9:46-50

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DAILY READING

Luke 9:46-50

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REFLECTION

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

By Katie Borden

Have you ever heard the phrase “work would be great if it weren’t for the people,” or similar tongue-in-cheek sentiments? I think of that phrase when I see how the disciples act in today’s passage (an experience I often have when I encounter the disciples in the Gospels!). How often must Jesus have been tempted to roll his eyes when hearing the bickering of his followers? In my sinful impatience, I am sure I would have thought, “oh great, another argument!” 

And that’s just the first two verses of the passage. Two verses later, the disciples’ indignance at the healing performed by others in the region demonstrates that the Twelve are, yet again, dissatisfied with the present conditions. 

Jesus, in his wisdom, attends to this griping not by addressing the issues as they are presented, but by going to the deeper issue. He sees past the argument over status and the appearance of righteous indignation. He sees through the thinly-veiled desperation for security. By turning the disciples’ understanding on its head, Jesus forces them to reckon with their idols of status and security.

I wonder how many idols we have placed on the thrones of our hearts? We may have cloaked them in theological terms or flowery spiritual language, but if we allow Jesus to diagnose our true condition, we will see that these impostors are robbing us of the joy of having the true King in his rightful place in our hearts.

Today is Ash Wednesday, a day when Christians historically have sat in recognition of their sin and mortality. We recognize that we are human. We recognize that God is God, and we are not. What might God be tenderly inviting you to acknowledge about your own condition and the condition of your heart today? You are safe to name your idols. You are safe to admit the truest things about yourself in the long and loving gaze of God. 

And.

God, in his goodness, does not leave us to chase these idols. As we open our hands and our hearts to the true King, we find that everything else we ever desired is found in him. Through the work of Jesus, God gives us status as his children and heirs of the true King. Through the work of Jesus, we have an eternal security that cannot be shaken. In Jesus, we find healing for our shame, a sense of belonging and purpose, and a place where we are safe. When we turn our eyes to Jesus, we find that we are and always have been dearly loved by God.

PRAYER

God, reveal to me the places where I have placed something else in a position of greater importance than you in my life. By your Spirit’s power, remove these idols and reorient my heart to you, to the one who gives true life. Amen.

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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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