Prayer

I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that you keep them safe from the evil one.
John 17:15 (NET)

I had a mix of thoughts when I read this verse: firstly, how precious that Jesus prayed in such a way for his disciples: those with him at the time. But his prayer was also for all of us who would believe and receive his gift of salvation down through the ages. My second thought was how good that we can remain in this world and enjoy its beauty that God originally created for us to enjoy.  But on the other hand Jesus knew what it would mean for his followers to be left on this earth....temptation, persecution, heartbreaks, frustrations, pain, grief and trials of various kinds.  That's why he prayed as he did, "that you would keep them safe from the evil one."  Jesus himself interceded for us. Yes, you and me!

Jesus saw the 'big picture'.  He himself suffered much opposition, persecution and ridicule while he walked this earth.  In fact there were times that crowds would have killed him long before his ministry time was finished but God kept him until his appointed time. (Interestingly that time was the Passover, because Jesus was to be our Passover Lamb, the one sacrificed for our sins.  His death was a fulfilment of the old Law, and because God does everything perfectly and according to his plans, the sacrifice of His Son fitted perfectly into the Jewish calendar.)

Jesus knew that his disciples down through the ages would have to endure much persecution too.  In Matthew 10 Jesus spoke much of the persecution the would follow his disciples and he said in 10:24,
The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord."  We know that his disciples had taken that on board because in Acts 5:41 we find them rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer for him.

In many of our countries we are not experiencing great persecution.  (Perhaps because we are too silent in speaking out about Jesus and His love for our world, and standing up for his ideals.) However at this very moment there are thousands upon thousands of our precious brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering much persecution for their faith, in prison and out of prison.  Let us join our prayers with Jesus' prayer and pray that God will keep them strong, faithful, courageous and bold, able to count themselves worthy to suffer for His sake.  Pray as Hebrews 13:3 instructs us to pray......
"Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies."

Prayer: Father God, help me to remember to pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering for your sake.  Strengthen them, encourage them, make them bold for you, send your Holy Spirit to comfort them and your angels to minister to them. In Jesus' name. Amen

Distractions

Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.  Luke 10:40

These days I sometimes think that 'distraction' is my middle name.  It's a funny thing but as one ages it seems so easy to get off track with many distractions.  Yesterday I found myself in the garage and wondered why I had gone there!  At the time I was in conversation with Col and he was about to leave (through the garage) and I had actually set out to go to the kitchen.  Oh well!  I start out to do a task and find myself distracted by something else and completely forget what I had set out to do.  I don't think 'my case' is serious or anything to be concerned about.  I just have to be extra intentional about what I do....and keep a sense of humour!

This past few weeks has been full of distractions (good ones), as family and friends have visited with us to celebrate our Golden Wedding anniversary and then we went on holiday in the beautiful Deep South of this wonderful New Zealand.  These distractions have kept me from writing which I feel it is important for me to do because I want to use the gift of words that God has blessed me with so that I can encourage others.

One Bible character that many of us can identify with is poor Martha in Luke 10.  I love to have visitors and I think Martha did too, except that she failed to take time in the moment to enjoy her special visitor, Jesus.  She allowed herself to become very distracted by her preparations and serving.  I can imagine the thoughts that rushed through her head which would have then led to the resentment which caused her to rush into the midst of the guests with an angry outburst.  Oh dear!  Why do we often think food is more important than spending time with people?

Jesus gently but clearly reminded Martha that her sister Mary, who was the object of Martha's resentment at that moment, had gotten her priorities right by sitting and listening to the Master.  There will always be distractions or interruptions to our spending time with God and people but when they come, let's take a quick check on which is the most important thing.  Let's not allow the busyness of our day to rob ourselves of time with God in His word and in prayer, and let's remember to make time for people too.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, just as you chided Martha to check her priorities, would you also remind me when I am rushed and hassled about worldly things, that the most important thing is to take time with you and with your Word which can never be taken away from me.  Amen