10 June 2016 - a tiny whispering sound

[ Today's Readings ]

This morning Jesus offers us the grace to put him first in our hearts.

Even the goodness of our own eye, hand, and body must come second to serving the LORD. If we put them first we find ourselves dominated and enslaved by lust and other passions. We find ourselves hurtling headlong toward Gehenna. Promised freedom becomes slavery leading toward death when we try to enjoy the goodness God gives apart from the God who gives it.

Instead, we must be like Elijah.

He replied, “I have been most zealous for the LORD,
the God of hosts.

Even if others forsake the covenant and tear down God's altars we cannot. When we do look for what we need from the LORD we cannot seek him even in the more impressive sensual manifestations of wind, earthquake, and fire. Instead, we must be faithful enough to wait until we hear the still small voice. The world, we see, is ready to offer us whatever distractions will best distract us. We must be zealous for the LORD.

This makes possible new depth in even our human relationships. They need no longer be subject to the weather of circumstance.

But I say to you,
whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful)
causes her to commit adultery,
and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Priorities are what we need. We need not only to have a vague feeling that we should seek the face of the LORD, but rather to actually seek it. We cannot be indifferent. We must long for him. If we do find ourselves to be somewhat indifferent this morning he offers us grace this morning to put him first and to desire his face. Let us confess:

I long to see your face, O Lord.
Your presence, O LORD, I seek.
Hide not your face from me;

And having spoken these words in faith we can wait with confidence as the LORD changes our hearts until we do in fact see him.

I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD with courage;
be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.