Luke 17:20-21
“Some of the Pharisees asked Jesus when the Kingdom of God would come. His answer was, “The Kingdom of God does not come in such a way as to be seen. No one will say ‘Look, here it is! or, ‘There it is’; because the Kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20-21 (GNT)
As I begin commenting on this text, I must share a quote from M. Scott Peck who said, “The idea that God is actively nurturing us so that we might grow up to be like Him brings us face to face with our own laziness.” And what is that like to come face to face with our own laziness? I like to recall those days in grade school and high school when I would ask the teacher for an explanation and she would say, “Nile, you already know the answer.” And then that teacher would take the time to help me discover and realize what I already knew. Moments like those are so rewarding and I think of Luke 17:20-21. To make life more enjoyable and free flowing I often say to folks in a conversation, “Your version of reality is as good as mine" and then we move into some very significant awareness. This Luke 17 text is always a reminder to keep the playing field level. In this devotional let me remind myself and all of us what Mark Nepo says, “The flower doesn’t dream of the bee. It blossoms and the bee comes.” I always need quotes like that one. And I always like the insights of Soren Kierkegaard who said, “A man who as a physical being is always turned toward the outside, thinking that his happiness lies outside him, finally turns inward and discovers that the source is within him.” Something I am going to do more of in the future is create more and more tall tales and share them with my grandchildren so they will appreciate more and more the power and significance of their own mind. Tall tales can be a powerful tool for us to wake up our inner being. And since I cherish the thoughts that live inside of quotes, I would like to have us recall a comment from someone by the name of Hafez who said, “An awake heart is like a sky that pours light.”
Questions for Reflection:
- Who are the authors of books who have caused you to be more and more in touch with your inner being?
- How do you like to have other folks challenge you?
Prayer
Lord, There never has to be a dull moment in life so keep us always on the growing edge of life. Amen
About the Author:
Nile Buch has been an ELCA minister for 55 years and is now retired. He is married to Lorraine and they live at Savannah Pines. They have been members of Southwood Lutheran for three years. Their three children are Renee, Kendra, and Marshall. Nile likes brainstorming and role play because it is such a good way to learn. He strives to be a "scintillating conversationalist."
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