WATCHWORD:
15 And Jesus said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” 17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Luke 22:15-20
Meditation:
Ruthless Faithfulness
I was reading a commentary on the Luke 22 passage where the writer uses the phrase “ruthless faithfulness and unfailing love”, in reference to the atonement through Jesus Christ and the cross.
I think I have a better understanding of “unfailing love”, then I do of “ruthless faithfulness”. I understand that unfailing love is one of constant presence, love that holds us fast even during difficult situations, but also what we might call tough love of accountability when he says follow me, he means totally, and we leave our “nets“ and follow him.
Wait a minute. Here’s a thought; having said that, I wonder if God’s love for us contains the quality of ruthless faithfulness, a demand that is summed up in the father’s comment to Jesus: “I believe, help my unbelief “?
Recently during my time with the Lord, I had the distinct impression that I was being told, “Why do you doubt and deny my covenant?”
In our earth-bound lives, we have certain standards; red lines that we will not cross. We hold to that standard throughout our lives whether we are shepherding our own children or working through our careers. If we were honest, we would have to admit that there are times when our standard becomes a suggestion; much like speed limits on the highway.
God’s standard, on the other hand, is different. When we deny him, or step away from the ‘Big Ten’ (The Ten Commandments) we are held accountable, uncompromisingly and ruthlessly. We are still loved but we must pay the price.
Prayer:
Lord, you know that we sometimes turn our backs away from You, trying to solve darkness in our lives by our own strength, our own ideas. Doing that we deny you; we ignore your presence. Forgive us Lord for denying You and take us by the hand and lead us along your way. In Jesus name. Amen.
