Personal Relationship
Week 2
Living Organically
Growing up, one of our close family friends owned a dairy farm. Theirs was a small-scale operation, one in which every animal had a name and every animal’s personality was known and accommodated. The cows were treated like part of their family. By contrast, my kids have encountered a much different scenario on their visits to working farms in our community. Cows are now identified by number rather than by name. And farmers seem only to be concerned with their medical conditions and production quantities.
A dramatic shift has occurred in the span of a single generation. We seem to be losing our personal connection to each other, to creation, and even to ourselves. And in the process, we are losing something vital to our lives.
We want to be seen and heard. We want to be accepted for who we are, for our strengths and gifts as well as our quirks and shadows. We want to be able to be vulnerable, to step out of our hiding places and embrace others.
Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus relating to every person around Him in a unique and personal way.
Food For Thought: Quote from Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom
“Have you ever really had a teacher? One who saw you as a raw but precious thing, a jewel that, with wisdom, could be polished to a proud shine? If you are lucky enough to find your way to such teachers, you will always find your way back.”
Scripture Reading: Matthew 8:1-17
Right There:
What do we see Jesus doing and hear Him saying in these passages?
Think About It:
What do these scriptures teach us about the ways of God?
Personal Reaction:
What is my response to how this scripture portrays God? Am I surprised, relieved, encouraged, frustrated, etc.? Why?