God’s relational way can surprise us

Every day we're reading or listening to part of the Bible together and sharing thoughts with you. Today it’s Bern Leckie:

What did I like about today's passage?

In our more isolated than usual state, I think it’s easier than ever to see life and faith in terms of stuff and things to be done. Maybe I do this more than most, as I’ve always found it a bit easier to focus on the apparent certainties of processes and achievements than the uncertainties of relationships. But I’m struck in these stories by Jesus turning anyone who had their minds on stuff getting done towards relational health, and who bonded with Jesus relationally might have come as a surprise to the high religious achievers.

On sin – yes, be concerned about it. But be more concerned with repentance and forgiveness. Keep forgiving when asked!

On healing – it’s great stuff to experience. But life-changing faith and wellness are shown when someone comes back, praises God, wanting a relationship their culture might not have had.

On prayer – be persistent. Faith isn’t in the thing of prayer but the relationship and determination to keep asking.

On how we regard ourselves – be humble. We might think we do all the right things, but in relationship with God we should have the perspective to know that we are servants, imperfect, exalting him rather than ourselves.

If our things are more important to us than relationship with God, we wouldn’t be able to obey Jesus if he told us to sell stuff. And if we think our experience, achievements or any other kind of status make us special, we might miss Jesus wanting us to make way for children, foreigners or a blind beggar.

What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

God’s plan to bring people back to himself does involve him forgiving and transforming us, but not so that we become proud models of self-improvement. Everything in his kingdom is about moving into healthy relationships, living with him as King and adopting his values, loving others and growing in relationships.

God also surprises even the faithful followers with who he brings into relationship with him – seemingly everyone who wants to be, even if we think they are too young, too old, too sinful, from the wrong culture… The people who ask for access to God get it, and the people who ask for forgiveness (and therefore relationship restored) from us should get it too.

What am I going to do differently as a result?

This has made me think about times when I might have missed someone’s faith when I focused on things and processes too much. There are people I want to pray for and restore better relationships with!

Who am I going to share this with?

Those people directly, and others I pray and follow Jesus with.