Luke 7:18-23 Little by Little

Luke 7:18-23 Little by Little

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Lord, increase my faith for I long to see your face!

At the very beginning of time, the Lord formed the light, and created the darkness. He formed all things. What do I say? Why did you create the darkness? Why did you allow evil to penetrate our world? Was not your skill all-knowing, or your strength all-powerful? Was not your care for man all-loving and your Will unbending? Could not the days and nights be harnessed by you? Could there not be “no room in the world for evil” rather than “no place in the world for your son?”

“Thus says the Lord: You say, ‘The Lord’s way is not fair!’ Hear now: Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair?” (Ez 18:25)

Steps from humiliation to exultation

Though he was in the form of God, he emptied himself of any glory (Phil 2:1). These words mean so much. We claim to be more than we are. We strive to be more than we can be. God’s ways are surely not my ways. I do not find it easy at all to fall to my knees and seek the Lord; to bend the ear rather than lend the mouth. God’s ways are surely not my ways.

Taking the form of a slave (Phil 2:2). The Lord is humble in appearance; humble in attitude, humble in life and humble in death. But because of all of this, he was greatly exulted, above all other names. And every tongue on earth will confess (there’s that word again!), Jesus is Lord.

The challenges outweigh the graces. The day, the week, this year has been a burden. I have felt the presence of the evil one, he surrounds me. I falter. I stumble. I fall. Humble in appearance, humble in attitude. I am reminded, “You are in good company. You are my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Don’t give up! Don’t give in! I hear the words of the Baptist, “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.” There is only one Way, and it is the best Way - the glorious Way – God’s Way which is the fairest way. Baby steps are required here. Step-by-step, one day at a time is the best way to proceed. When I think about it, little by little really means more and more. One day, I will arrive to my final destination. I will make it. I will cross the finish line either by running, walking or crawling. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. See how good the Lord is! He offers a variety to me! My nose will gather the fresh air above the ground or the dirt near to it. The Lord has given me many ways to cross the finish line. I will not fail or falter. I will make it across that invisible but clear line that delineates the living and the dead, the begotten and forsaken, the lonely and the loved.

Only a few more days left to encounter the Lord. Get up! It is time to go. Repent and believe. Recommit yourself once again to the promise made – the itinerary received. Review the day and rest throughout the night. Along the journey did I live with faith, hope and love in my heart? Was I just to my neighbor and to God?

The Baptist knew. He understood. It doesn’t matter what God has to do. He will do anything for you. He will pay any price for you, and will give everything to you!

Blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.