Today’s chapter continues to discuss Edmund and his fixation with “Turkish Delight” or as C. S. Lewis calls it in his book, “bad magic food.” Edmund no longer has an appetite for regular and nutritious food. He becomes addicted to the “bad magic food” both physically and spiritually. He is under the power of the White Witch and he doesn’t seem to notice.

“Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” ~John 6:32-35

Have you ever been in a similar situation? Many things can become addictive and unhealthy. Spending too much time on social media; time online gaming; watching TV; medication, alcohol, caffeine, food, sports…get the idea. None of these are necessarily bad, they just need to be in moderation. Time management can help accomplish moderation, making a list of things you want to complete in a specific time frame can help; relying on a trusted friend to talk with when you’re struggling. *I used to be obsessed with watching TV, I would record all my favorite shows and on my weekends I would watch them. I basically barricaded myself in my home and literally camped out in front of my TV for hours. One day I decided, I can’t live and continue this weekly cycle. I gave my TV away and over time I didn’t really miss it. It’s been more than 5 years and I just recently started thinking about getting another TV. I feel I’m more disciplined now, I’m not going to make any rash decisions.

Jesus tells us that He is the Bread of Life! What does that even mean? Jesus feeds us spiritually through relationship with Him! Indeed, we all are hungry in real ways and in those situations God is providing, He may not be sending mana from Heaven to us, but He most certainly uses other humans to provide life sustaining nutrition to those in need.

Are there things you practice to stay healthy with Jesus? Here’s a few suggestions:

• Read your Bible

• Attend a worship service

• Join a group that participated in activities you enjoy.

• Spread the love of Jesus with someone new every day!

• Pray in the morning.

• Pray before bed.

• Pray in the i between time.

Questions for Reflection:

What are some “bad magic foods” in your life?

Do you ever hunger for Jesus? Describe what that feels like?

When thinking about Jesus as the “Bread of Life, what images come to mind?

Finally, from those imagined images what do they mean for your spiritual growth within the your church community and your relationship with God?

~Peace & Hope

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://biblia.com/

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Isaiah 4:2-4

“On that day the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and glory of the survivors of Israel. Whoever is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy, everyone who has been recorded for life in Jerusalem, once the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodstains of Jerusalem from its midst by a spirit of judgment and by a spirit of burning.”

Below is a hymn I found that was written using the passage of Isaiah 4:2-6. It was written by Thomas H. Troeger. Audio files: MIDI, Recording 

In the midst of our preparation and anticipation of Jesus’ arrival as the baby born in Bethlehem, do you think it’s rivals with that of the people of the that time in history? Do we still seek the Star of Bethlehem and the arrival of the King of kings? The followers of Jesus and His disciples expected Jesus’s return to be imminent, during their lifetime. Since that time, more than 2000 years ago countless individuals have believed that they too would see Jesus’ return as promised in the scriptures.

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” ~Matthew 24:35-37

Perhaps, the idea of being lazy, displaying a lackadaisical view of scriptures as they relate to Jesus’ Second Coming. This might explain some of us when it comes to expecting Jesus’ imminent return. Being ready, being prepared is more about the little things we do every single day than a huge overreaching plan with hash marks of completion. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 12:1, “ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Live everyday in anticipation of Jesus’ return and you will always be prepared, the plan is to be Christlike in everything we do and do all for the glory of God. In Jesus only is our HOPE!

Prayer:

Lord, may the preparations we make to remember your birth also serve as a reminder of your promise to return. May we be ever vigilant for your return, knowing that through our baptism into your death and resurrection we are invited to participate in the glory you promise to restore. ~Amen.

~Peace & Hope~

References:

https://hymnary.org/

https://www.biblegateway.com/