Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“He said to them, ‘Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic.”
NL Daily Devotion for Thursday, February 13, 2025
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
What do we really need in order to be witnesses? I’ll be honest. I write these devotions and sometimes wonder whether I’m really qualified. I’m not a pastor. I don’t have a degree in theology (my MA from Luther Seminary in St. Paul is in Children, Youth, and Family Ministry). I can’t read Koine Greek or Hebrew. I can’t quote the great theologians of antiquity or the current popular theologians or anyone in between. I do have a decent Biblical literacy (for which I credit my parents, more than anyone). But beyond that, I have no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic.
What I do have is an open curiosity about God. I have a sense of awe and wonder in creation. I have a deep trust that God is present and acts in the world. I have a love for Jesus and a faith in Jesus’ love for me that frees me to be challenged, to disagree, to raise hard questions. I appreciate that you welcome me into your home and spend a little time with me in this devotional practice. But if you don’t like what I have to say, I don’t sweat it. (I also don’t kick the dust off my feet at you—I love you whether you agree with me or not, and do not condemn said disagreement.) My only hope is that maybe, for a few moments, I’m allowed to witness in whatever clumsy way I can, and that God might work through me to touch you in whatever way you need. May God bless you today.
Do I feel equipped to be a witness to God’s love? Why or why not?
