Monday 17th August, 2009
Judges 2:11-19. Lord, remember us, for the love you bear your people—Ps 105(106):34‑37, 39-40, 43-44. Matthew 19:16-22.

  
Meditation: mp3 | podcast
Readings: Text | mp3 | podcast

‘Come, follow me.’

The frailty of the human condition is displayed in the scriptures today. In the Old Testament we read of the stubborn ways of the Israelites. In the psalm, we have rebellion, unclean acts and sinfulness. In the gospel, the rich young man goes away grieving when he realises what it means to follow Jesus. He is unwilling to sell his possessions and give them to the poor.

Following Jesus is all-consuming and demanding. But amidst the tough love in the scriptures the psalm tells us that God hears our distress and responds with love and mercy. This means we can be both realistic and hopeful—we are flawed and we are called to follow Jesus.

We have a God who loves us even when we fail. With that ever-present encouragement, we journey forward.