Scripture: Luke 4:20-21
Jesus rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the synagogue assistant, and sat down. Every eye in the synagogue was fixed on him. He began to explain to them, “Today, this scripture has been fulfilled just as you heard it.”
Thought for the Day: Notice the movement in the story. Jesus has just finished reading from the scroll of Isaiah. He is standing as he reads from the scriptures, and then after returning the scroll to the attendant in the synagogue, he sits down and begins teaching. It was common for a teacher to sit on the ground, and for his/her students to gather around. Some of my fondest memories of my early years of school was on the rug. I believe it was first grade, and each day the teacher would invite us to get up from our desks and sit on the big rug. The teacher would come and sit on the rug with us. She didn’t bring a chair and sit above us, but with us. There is so much that I do not remember about those early years. In fact, there are things I do not remember from last week, but the connectedness she demonstrated is vivid in my mind. It was there on the rug that she was often passing things around for us to feel or smell or even taste. In that kind of setting, the disconnection associated with someone pontificating from on high disappears. Though I don’t sit on the floor, I like the Forum Sanctuary as it is in the round and the congregation is either at my level or even above me. It feels more intimate and connected. I’ve got to believe that part of Jesus’ success was found in his ability to connect with people on a personal level.
Prayer: Great God of Heaven, you are the One who chose to come alongside us and to demonstrate the life of a servant by becoming a servant. Your witness has blessed generations and inspired countless individuals who have taken on the yoke of a servant. Teach me anew this day that I might choose the way of my servant king. Amen.
LET US WORSHIP
Jesus and the Spirit
