It's hard to imagine that anyone would choose to be weak over being powerful. But the way of Jesus sometimes calls us to do exactly that, with the understanding that somehow in our weakness we have the greatest impact.
Consider now your strengths and your weaknesses, and wonder which of these actually holds the greatest potential in your journey of faith.
He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.
Mark 6:1-3
In the time of Jesus, if you wanted to see someone famous you had two choices – follow him around or wait until he came to your town. Now we can see everyone from rock stars to Olympic athletes on screens we carry in our pockets. But if we want to see Jesus, where do we look?
It’s tempting to think of Jesus as an unreachable celebrity. But he had brothers and sisters and neighbors who didn’t think of him that way. Some of them even laughed at the idea that he could be anything special.
Would you be surprised if someone very close to you turned out to have the same powers as Jesus? What if it was your own brother or sister? Jesus said his followers would continue his work. If people close to you had special wisdom, special power to love, heal, and inspire, would you believe?
Maybe they already do. All we have to do is look up from our screens.
Sarah Turner
Dear God, thank you for my family and closest friends. Help me see how special they are to you, and help me see Jesus in them every day. Amen.
Now as you journey into this day
Go understanding that it is not you, after all,
Who is powerful.
Any weakness you know only opens the door
For God's power to become evident,
And weakness to become your greatest strength.