Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick.”
NL Daily Devotion for Friday, September 4, 2020
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
Jesus was grieving. Exhausted. His friend John the Baptist had just been murdered by King Herod. So he disappeared for a while to refill his well. But when he got to what he hoped would be a deserted place, he found that the crowds had followed him. He could have been angry. Frustrated. Disappointed. Dismissive. He would have had every right. We all know that self-care is critical in any ministry. But Jesus had compassion. So he kept on doing the work.
I know we can’t run ourselves ragged, that we’re no good to anyone if we’re not taking care of ourselves. And none of us is Jesus. But I can’t help thinking of my BIPOC and LGBTQ+ siblings whose lived experience is that there is no rest. Who don’t have the privilege I do to absent themselves from the challenges of living in an oppressive system in which they are in fear for their lives with regularity.
I’m not here to give advice, merely to give voice to my own struggle with Jesus’ example. And to ask God for help in taking the next right action.
Sustaining God, give me the compassion of Christ for all who suffer, and energize me in my service to you and my neighbor. Amen.
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