Not NOW, Lord...

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 23:29-39 (NRSV)

Woe to those who kill and crucify the prophets

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous, and you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' Thus you testify against yourselves that you are descendants of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your ancestors. You snakes, you brood of vipers! How can you escape being sentenced to hell? Therefore I send you prophets, sages, and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town, so that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. Truly I tell you, all this will come upon this generation.

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you, desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'"

MEDITATION—Today is Saturday Psalmody! Today, the meditation is offered as a psalm from my heart. If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)

Not NOW, Lord…

All too often Lord

When you have tried to speak to me

I have turned a deaf ear

To your wisdom

Your warning

Your words

I have hidden my face

From your cries

Knowing that to listen

Would mean to change

And I don’t really want to do that.

I hate it when your people

Speak Truth to me

I hear it

I know it

I believe it

But not now

Not

NOW

Now I am young

And now life is fun

And now I don’t have time

For You

GOD

But, later…

When I am old

When I am ready

When I am strong

When I get my life together

Then

I will listen

And then

I will follow

And then

I will hear

And then

I will heed you

But not

NOW

Because now

I am too busy

Too cool

And too independent

To strap myself to

YOU.

THE INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, "Come to Jesus."

http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html