Mediation for Tuesday
Reference: Hebrews 13:7-21
Reflection: Today’s text is part of the final greeting from the Book of Hebrews. These last words call the believers to a life rooted in Christ, embracing Jesus’ sacrifice for our sakes, and following Jesus’ example for our daily living. At the heart of these instructions is a call to deep humility. There is the humility of Jesus, who willingly died outside of the city – where outcasts and lepers lived – and there is the challenge to embrace this humility for ourselves – going to him “outside the gates” (Verse 13).
There is the call to two simple practices – praising God and doing good to those in need. Then there is the call to obey our leaders and help them find joy in their work. These are not dramatic actions, but they are transforming. When we live in this simple, humble way, we find life for ourselves, and we bring life to others.
The obsession in our society with fame, recognition and wealth can sometimes make us feel like a humble life is somehow inadequate. When we are not striving to be “the best”, or to stand out and be noticed, we can feel invisible and unimportant. But, the healing and transformation that the Gospel offers to our world is not primarily revealed in dramatic, important actions and people. The power of the Gospel is in ordinary people living with humble praise of God and service of one another.
When we follow Jesus in his example of humility – joining hands with the least and the most vulnerable – we not only help to make the world a healthier place, we also find abundant life for ourselves.
Practice: Part of the power of praise is that it heightens our capacity to recognize God’s presence in unlikely places and people. When we praise God authentically, we cannot help but begin to see God in those who are outcast and “unlovable”. And then, we find ourselves trying to celebrate the God in them as we serve and love them in Jesus’ name. Today, allow your praise to open your eyes to God’s image in all people.
Prayer : I praise you, O God, for your love and grace, and for the way you reveal yourself in other people.