Friday, June 16, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading
Luke 19:28–40

After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’” So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They said, “The Lord needs it.” Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.” (NRSV)

Reflection
I’m one of those people who can be totally caught up by risk. I am always thinking about the potential risks of an action or decision. So, if I were the disciple asked to untie a donkey and some random person asked me, “What are you doing?” I’m not sure Jesus’ suggested response would cut it. I mean, a donkey in biblical times was akin to a car. And a donkey that “has never been ridden” is like a new car. Plus, this is the Passover and the whole region is filled with pilgrims and Roman soldiers. “What, this donkey? This brand-new donkey that clearly doesn’t belong to me? Don’t worry about it. The Lord needs it.” No way. I would have declined the assignment.

And yet when I take a breath and think about this text without my mortal anxiety, I see that this is really about trust. Jesus is asking those two disciples to do something for him, on his behalf and to trust that he won’t lead them astray. Now, I’m not saying that Jesus is asking us to go out and steal new cars. In fact, some scholars believe that Jesus had prearranged the donkey rental. No, instead Jesus is asking for our trust. He is asking that when he commands us — calls us — we don’t respond with fear and doubt, questions about risk or purpose behind the request. He wants our trust. He wants us to follow. He wants our devotion.

Now here’s the good news for those of you like me. You’re going to question. You’re going to think about the risk. You’re going to pause. And that’s OK. It’s a part of being human. But Jesus won’t give up. He will continue to bid our trust and devotion until we are completely liberated from the anxieties and fear that hold us back from living into our faithful relationship with God. And why should we give our complete and utter trust? Why should we attempt to quiet our fear and question? Because the Lord needs it. The Lord deserves it.

Prayer
O God, thank you for putting up with my questions and fears. You are ever patient and ever loving. Help me to trust in that love so that I may be free from the anxieties and worries that keep me from fully following you. Amen.

Written by Shawn Fiedler, Major Gift Officer

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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