Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
THURSDAY, November 19 (Elizabeth of Hungary)
Matthew 18:1-9. The disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
The disciples certainly did a lot of the heavy lifting for us. Had they not asked Jesus some of the least important questions, we'd be stuck wondering the answers.
Like the disciples, we are often concerned about pecking order--as if knowing our place in the chain of command makes us more important. Jesus calls a child over and says that whoever "becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
Of course the disciples are shocked to hear that. I suspect they wanted to hear they would be the greatest in the kingdom, or close to it. Jesus says that in the kingdom all are equal. The only requirement is that one have the humility, the innocence, the joy, and the wonder of a child. Those of us who have spent a lifetime practicing arrogance, deceit, unflappability, and doubt have much to unlearn.
Just as this child does not persist in anger, does not long remember injury suffered...does not think one thing and say another, so you too, unless you have similar innocence and purity of mind, will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
--Jerome
PRAY for the Diocese of Wangaratta (Victoria, Australia)
Ps 105:1-22 * 105:23-45; 1 Mac 4:1-25; Rev 21:22-22:5
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
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