Luther Seminary

A daily devotion brought to you by the alumni of Luther Seminary

Archives for July 19, 2024

Friday, July 19, 2024

Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 (NRSV)

Read Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 on biblegateway.com

Verse 30The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. Verse 31He said to them, "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. Verse 32And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Verse 33Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. Verse 34As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Verse 53When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. Verse 54When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, Verse 55and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. Verse 56And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.

Devotion

The disciples’ ministry was so busy they had no time to eat. We might prefer to plan all the situations we will encounter, but we often find ourselves in situations beyond our knowledge or strengths: caring for a parent who has increasing dementia, raising a child with disabilities, going to the police station to bail out a daughter arrested for DUI, or caring for a spouse who is suddenly ill. In 2021, my wife had brain tumors requiring three cranial surgeries. During the third surgery, she suffered a major stroke and needed my care. In many situations in life, we may not know what to say or do. God’s work is like that. We are not always in control. But in these difficult places, our Lord brings life. So, with humble hearts and holy awe, we do not ignore those who are sick, hungering, or in need of rest. Instead, we step up to serve, knowing that, at the end of the day, we will be on holy ground.

Prayer

Gracious God, it is our privilege to be called to be your disciples for the sake of your mission in our world. Give us the courage, wisdom, and strength we need to honor you in all that we say and do. Amen.

Lon Kvanli ’08 D.Min. Retired, Sioux Falls SD


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