Opening Prayer
Gracious God, I put myself before you in this moment with waiting heart, expectant desire. Open my eyes that I may see your promise fulfilled; open my ears that I may hear your word whispered to my deepest being.
Amen.
Passage
Romans 13:11-14
And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
Reflection - Kevin Knuteson
My initial reaction to this reading was fear, scarcity, guilt, and shame. This is never how Jesus led. It is instead quite evident that this was an invitation. While we do not know how many moments we have left on earth, one can be certain that we have less time now than when we read the passage above.
Jesus taught us servant leadership. He continues to do so through his relentless pursuit of our heart and inviting us to absolute freedom. A life that is free of fleshly desires (sin), false idols, and anxiety is His offer to us.
Remain conscious today of the things in your life that are holding you back. Is there something that steals an absurd amount of your day, only to produce more anxiety? Is there something you have lost control over and need help overcoming? Understand that Jesus is not standing over you, hands on hips, shaking his finger. He wants YOU to bring these to him, and for you to be released.
Closing Prayer
My Lord, may all that I have seen of you and all that I have heard from your word now enflesh itself in me. Send me from this place as the incarnate promise of life to all whose life I will touch this day.
Amen.