Author: Rev. Lorrie C. Reed, Ph.D.

Focus Scripture: Proverbs 29:18

The fundamental work of the church is saving souls and promoting healing and wholeness among God’s people. One vision for the work involves passing along the gospel message from one generation to the next. Keep in mind that this vision is crucial because “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

Making sure the vision remains in sight is no passive activity. The church has to accomplish its work in a mission field where the truth is often obscured. The church’s message has to encourage weary people to remain vigilant. The church must make the vision plain, as it calls out injustice and challenges structures of oppression in our society at large.

In spite of its many challenges, the church must be true to facilitating transformation in our individual and communal lives. The church must be willing to work side by side with wounded people of faith to promote ongoing critical reflection, cultivate well being, and nurture resilience.  The church must help the people receive their sight and hold onto their hope.

Prayer

God of order, help us to unite for the well being of our communities and our children.  Remove the blinders from our eyes so that our vision becomes clear.

Focus Scripture: Psalm 116:6

Throughout my studies, I have had opportunities to reflect on how people come to believe what they believe. I conclude that the way people view God depends in large part on the issues they bring to the table and the lenses they use to reflect on what they see. Sometimes, the thing that separates the groups is their answer to this question: How big is their God?

People in one of those groups do not place limits or boundaries on God. They consider themselves to be made in the image of God and strive to please God in everything they say and do. For them God is infinite, almighty, and all knowing. Not only that; God is so loving that he sent Jesus to redeem them from sin and has poured out his love into their hearts through his Holy Spirit.

People in this reflective group are those who believe that God exists and rewards those who diligently seek Him. In other words, this group of people has extraordinary faith. Accounts of such belief can be found throughout the biblical text. Some people might refer to such faith as childlike. And that is just fine, for, with childlike awe, they can place their trust in a God who is big enough to see what they cannot see and lead them in the direction for their good and God’s glory.

Prayer

Omnipresent God, thank you for being big enough to supply all my needs. Amen.

Reflection on (Luke 13:10-13)

Stories of healing are evident in many places in the Bible. One such story is that of the Bent Woman recorded in Luke 13:10-13:

Now [Jesus] was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your ailment.” When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. (NRSV)

I can identify with this “bent woman.” She is in pain and in search of some relief. She doesn’t know where to turn for help because, although she is distressed, she does not know the exact nature of her discontentment. No one is able to console her. No one has the “right” answers to help her out of her predicament. She desperately tries all kinds of ways and looks in all kinds of places to make the pain go away.

You may know someone like her, too. In the story, the bent woman doesn’t have the presence of mind to ask for help, but Jesus saw her need and responded with a healing touch. That’s what he did for me. He can do the same thing for you.

Prayer

Precious Jesus, thank you for anticipating our needs and calling us over so that we may be healed. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Source: Lorrie C. Reed. (2014) How Big Is Her God? A Black Woman’s Theological Reflections on Domestic Violence (2nd Edition).