Monday, June 17, 2024  

Today's Scripture
Matthew 18:10–14

“Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost. (NRSV)

Reflection

A few years ago, my kids pointed out that when I’m hyperbolic, I say a situation will last for three days. For example, “It is going to take you three days to pick up the dirty laundry from your bedroom floor.” Or “Why is it taking you three days to find your shoes?” It’s uncanny how they picked up on a speech pattern of which I was completely unaware. They knew that when I declared something would take three days, it was a signal that I was at the end of my patience. We all knew the task wouldn’t actually take that long, but it was their clue into what I was thinking.

Jesus used hyperbole quite a bit in his teaching. He would say something so ridiculous that his listeners would clue in. No, Jesus, no shepherd we know would leave ninety-nine sheep alone to focus on one who was lost. In the risk-versus-reward calculation, that one lost sheep doesn’t warrant placing the entire flock in danger. And why would Jesus tell us not to despise the little ones? Sure, they can be sticky, messy, and needy, but despise is a strong word. Just because I’m frustrated that no one can clean their rooms or find their shoes in under three days, doesn’t mean I despise them.

Oh, that’s our clue. Pay attention. Listen to what Jesus is really teaching. The economy you know doesn’t work in God’s dream for the world. When it comes to God’s love, one is as important as the ninety-nine. And no matter how far we’ve wandered astray, there is unending, unrelenting love and mercy. Order your life in this way.

Prayer
God of endless patience and grace, help me to read your signals and pay attention to what’s important to you. Remind me that your clue is always love God and love my neighbor. Amen.

Written by Andrea Denney, Executive Director of Operational Ministries

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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