Serving

DAILY READING

Luke 13:31-35

Without the broader context of these verses, you lose the scope and impact of Luke’s words. Let’s zoom out. 

Currently, Jesus is traveling with the disciples from village to village, teaching and healing. Stories of Jesus, his messages, and miracles have reached King Herod, and he wants Jesus out of the picture. Some Pharisees have caught on to this, offering the warning seen in verse 31. Jesus does not respond to the Roman threat by packing up his things and going home. Instead, he doubles down on his call, affirming he will continue to do this work “today, tomorrow, and the next day” (vv. 33, CSB). Don’t forget, Jesus knows his travels will conclude in Jerusalem. He even alludes to it in the second half of verse 33. Yet that still does not slow him down from teaching and healing. 

Think about the barriers that pop up intending to impede the work of the Lord. Sickness, broken relationships, natural disasters, and threats of violence all make the short list of obstructions which try to hinder the move of God. But organizations like Dream Streets see what the enemy meant for evil and turn it for good, pivoting to a model centralized around mobile food distribution sites in communities of need when the COVID-19 pandemic prevented them from gathering at their 39th Ave N campus. 

ACTION FOR THE DAY

What barriers have popped up in your life which prevent you from living out God’s call in your life? How might you overcome those barriers to live more fully into your call and giftings? Go to bumc.net/serve and check out the service projects addressing this month’s hunger emphasis. Consider participating in an event with one of our mission partners, or the organization addressing hunger of your choice.