Does anybody remember story time at the Library?
Yeah, me neither.
But don’t those brand new mommies who buy the Mozart playlists for their babies to take naps with (It’s okay, kids. Mozart still makes me fall asleep, too) drag their toddlers to those things so they can get a head start on pre-reading skills?
Asking for a friend!
Jesus did story time. A lot.
Apparently that’s how teachers back in His day taught their students. Lots of stories.
Parables, in Jesus’ case. Which are like stories with a punch.
One day as he saw crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples circled up and Jesus began to teach.
This is what He said first:
“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule (way of doing things).”
Matthew 5:3, MSG
What does the end of your rope look like?
We joke sometimes about people tying a knot and hanging on. But when that’s where you’re at in life, it isn’t a joking matter.
Sometimes, the best you can do is to just hang on.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is saying that less of ME in any given situation is a good thing. That less of me is worthwhile and valuable. Because MY way of doing things is a mess.
And more of God’s rule in my life is the better thing.
In your life, too.
One of the songs we sang yesterday says this on the bridge:
Take my life and let it be all for You and for Your glory, take my life and let it be Yours.
Glory To God Forever, Steve Fee & Vicky Beeching
Today, make that your prayer. Less of me, and more of God.
That’s worship.
–Pastor Steve.
P.S. If you like you can listen to Steve Fee’s original recording here: https://youtu.be/kA4-ioUmYjo