Wednesday Evening
Scripture tells us that Jesus and his disciples worked in and around Jerusalem from Palm Sunday through the early part of that week.
Much of their work remained as it had been for all the years they had shared their journey. Preaching, teaching and healing those who came to hear Jesus, to experience his authority and power, filled their days and continued on into their nights. Perhaps there was a greater sense of urgency on Jesus' part. But between the increased numbers of people in town for the Passover and the tensions brewing among the Temple authorities which added to their own ever-present exhaustion, the disciples could easily have brushed aside any concerns they had that something felt different, not quite right, even ominous. Jesus' messages focused on servanthood, the kingdom of God and watching for the trials and tribulations to come, all of which were well-received, Chief Priests and Pharisees excepted, of course. Jerusalem was their territory. Confrontations between them and Jesus were inevitable and had been expected. Having faced violence here before it had been a risk to come at all. But Jesus had insisted, here they were and any potential threats seemed to be at bay. It was unlikely any troubles would erupt with so many followers of Jesus close at hand.
Then something unexpected happened.
Unlike so many times before, as the daylight neared its end, Jesus rounded up the disciples and led them to Bethany, just outside the city, to rest privately for the evening. No crowds, no fitting themselves into a gathering of strangers filled with tax collectors, laborers, shepherds and tradespeople, sitting around a table eager for refreshment, both physical and spiritual, after another long, grueling day of life. They would have time together to eat, rest and pray with Jesus by themselves. None of them could remember the last time this had happened. It felt good to be away from all the noise and excitement, all the people jammed into the narrow streets of the city. Many of the twelve had families with whom they would not be spending this sacred time. To be able to pull back from their work, if only for an evening, was a luxury they didn't think they would be afforded, especially tonight. They would savor it, cherish it, for a long time. Who knew when they would have this chance again?
As Jesus and his disciples walked along, several of the twelve began to feel the shift. They glanced back at Jerusalem, then looked to Jesus, and a new awareness took hold of them. But only for a moment. In an instant, it was gone. Jerusalem was loud and bustling and Jesus was simply as worn out as they themselves were.
Tomorrow evening the Passover would begin. Who knew what miracles Jesus would perform? Perhaps this would be the night Jesus claimed his full power. Maybe they would witness the Messiah of God coming into his glory and see God's kingdom established on earth before their very eyes. What would that be like? What would the Chief Priests and Pharisees say to that? What would Rome do in the face of God's almighty reign? Time would tell.
But for tonight, they would rest.
Mighty One, You are my strength. You have done and continue to do great things in my life and in the world. Please help me to focus on these great gifts and to offer the knowledge of Your presence to those I encounter today. Your strength is love in action. Amen.
Great Sustainer, thank you for Your readiness to assist me in anyway I need, every hour of every day, no matter what. I am excited to be here, ready to do Your will, knowing that You have empowered me with spiritual gifts just for me and my purpose on this planet. The mystery of how You know each of us and what we need to accomplish our goals and live with passion throughout our lives fills my heart and makes me want to dance with joy. Heaven sounds like a great place, God, but life feels incredibly wonderful too, and I am grateful for every moment of every day You have given me. Amen.
God, we yearn to hear You loving words of direction and guidance in our daily lives. Yes, we pretend to avoid You like the plague, but what we need so desperately is to know that what we hear is really Your voice, even if we are afraid, confused or downright defiant in following what we believe You are asking us to do. But what we also need to remember is that You don't ask us to do what we can't. You also don't leave us deserted with no help to accomplish the task at hand. Nor do you bully, prod or poke at us because that is not who You are. Most importantly, God, we need to remember that Your voice is based in love for us that is frequently loving toward us in just the way we need. Even if the world seems like a rough and tumble place, You are always beside us, not to chide, but to hold our hand as we cross the street. Amen.
Great Creator of All, Your warmth and kindness permeate everyone and everything You touch. Your imprint is so clearly evident, as obvious as a painter's brush strokes are her own and a designer's style is custom made only by them. Every creation with You as its source is filled with Your spirit. Thank You, God, for Your bold strokes and elegant designs. Amen.
This morning I was not quite ready to get out of bed, but I heard Your voice, God, and decided that dawn was not a bad thing. The sun rising and setting each day gives me plenty of time to care for myself, my loved ones, my work, my home. You speak to me through all of these activities, small gestures that add up to my life and my intention in serving You. Thank you for the ordinary things that weave my life, held together by the strength of Your spirit. Amen.
Thank You, God, for this day that reminds us what journeys are all about. We have finished packing up Christmas and entered a new calendar year, but the Wise Men, traveling across a wide and lonely desert have just arrived at the manger. They didn't take their time. They were moving as fast as they could, but they missed what we consider the main event. Or have we? Getting to know You takes time, patience, energy and imagination, qualities these three on camels probably exercised in their many days together before reaching Your son. Remind us of the lessons they can teach us about You. Amen.
When the sun shines we praise You, God from whom all blessings flow. When the stars twinkle and sparkle beyond our reach, we remember that You created everything and we are grateful. When we can meet our obligations, have a little left over to share with those we love and with those we don't yet know, we find that You are always present and active in our lives. Amen.
