In The Wee Small Hours

(Miranda asked for volunteers to help with the Presbyterian Bloggers site. Each Sunday, I'm going to write a short devotion connected to the lectionary -Stushie)

Grumble Pie

John 6:43 "Stop grumbling among yourselves," Jesus answered. (NIV)

These are trying times for our denomination. No one seems to know where we are headed, and local congregations are beginning to feel the effects of a lack of leadership from the top. Pastors are desperately trying to keep things together, using their personal gifts and powers of persuasion to stop the rot. Some people want to jump ship or throw others overboard in an attempt to purify the church. Everybody wants to have their say and everybody wants their own way. We're fumbling, mumbling and grumbling, instead of praying, praising and persevering.

“Stop grumbling among yourselves.” Christ rebukes His people for questioning His teaching. Instead of accepting and experiencing Him as the Bread of Life, they insist upon tearing His words apart and pulling chunks off for themselves. They question His authority and dissect what He says. And that’s when the bickering starts, the grumbling begins, and the conflicts arise. Instead of receiving Him, they reject His words. Instead of embracing Him, they embattle one another.

Sounds familiar, doesn't it? In our obsession to have our own opinions heard and speak our peace, we drown out Christ’s voice and ignore His rebuke. We'd rather grumble than be humble. We'd rather bellow and divide than let go of our pride.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we think more of ourselves than we think of You. Forgive our foolish and selfish ways. Help us to get back on Your path, instead of trying to make our own. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.