Our Sacred Roots: The Priesthood of All Believers

104

T he S eason after E piphany

Departing to Serve

Benediction Lord Jesus, forgive us for the many times we assume that we understand you, and treat you with the disdain of overfamiliarity like your hometown neighbors in Nazareth. Free our minds and our spirits to see and hear you afresh, and to be ever ready to receive a new, fresh Word from you for our lives and for others. In your name we pray, amen. Affirmation for the Day Sunday: The people of Nazareth misjudged Jesus, as their overfamiliarity made it difficult for them to see him as he truly was. Monday: Though his hometown folk spoke well of Jesus, they did not receive him for who he was. Tuesday: Jesus saw the skepticism and doubt of those who knew him well, and rebuked them for their disbelief. Wednesday (The Presentation of the Lord): Jesus is the light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of God’s people, Israel. Thursday: The example of Elijah and the Sidonian widow and Naaman the Syrian leper reveals that God’s favor is upon those whom he chooses. Friday: We must be careful not to allow our overfamiliarity with who we think Jesus is to interfere with his true identity. Saturday: Jesus is who God says he is, not who we think him to be.