Day 18, Tuesday, Book of Faith – Lenten Journey
Why did Jesus put these words, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” into our mouths? Why did Jesus think that it is vital for us to say them over and over again? Surely it was because it is all about love.
We are created in the image of God, which doesn’t mean that God has two eyes and two feet, but that we are created to love as God loves. God is love and being created in that image means that we are created to love; that we are created for community founded upon love. God’s will is love. We know that often our will is not to love but to selfishly take care of ourselves first. Jesus lovingly puts these words in our mouths because he wants our lives and the lives of all people to be filled with love. He wants us and the world to experience the God-given joy of love.
The quote from Paul’s letter to the Philippians makes it clear: “Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave.” Love can have it no other way. Love is not about getting our interests met but the interests of others. It is about emptying ourselves so that others can be filled.
Luther says it this way in the Small Catechism: “Whenever God breaks and hinders every evil scheme and will – as are present in the will of the devil, the world and our flesh – that would not allow us to hallow God’s name and would prevent the coming of his kingdom, and instead whenever God strengthens us and keeps us steadfast in his word and in faith until the end of our lives. This is the God’s gracious and good will.” Again, love can have it no other way.
I’m playing catch up. So I’ll start with Tuesday and hope to advance to Wednesday before the end of the day.
Will we ever love as God loves? We have the capacity I’m sure. After all God created us and I know he doesn’t ask us to do something without equipping us to do it. Oh that I could just flip a switch and love for all mankind would be there each and every day. But, once again I discover that I’m human and though I pray “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done” I know I don’t measure up.
As I was reading this lesson today I feel the need to speak with someone with whom I had a bit of a strained conversation this past week. This individual was looking after the interests of my father while I, in my fear, was looking out for myself. And so I’ll write and thank him for setting into motion a transfusion for my Dad because without his intervention I could very well be attending a funeral this week rather than having my father to love for whatever time God gives us.
I have much to learn and much to be thankful for.