Today is the commemoration of the prophet Elisha.
Today's readings are Psalm 94.8-14, Numbers 22.21-23.3, and Luke 22.24-46.
Today we remember that our Lord knows our thoughts. He is the one who knows our intentions. What good is that? We realize that our intentions are evil. Balaam goes to Balak with the intention of becoming wealthy. God confronts him and tells him once again that he is only to say what he is commanded by God. Jesus confronts Peter with his intention which Jesus knows Peter will not fulfill. Peter intends to stay with Jesus no matter what the dangers might be. Jesus knows perfectly well, and tells Peter clearly, that Peter will not live up to his intention, but will deny Jesus. What are our intentions? What is reality? We may have the best intentions in the world yet Jesus knows we are unable to be faithful to him. That's exactly why he came and died in our place. He knew we would not do it ourselves. Yet through faith in his name we can give ourselves, while still living, into the death of Christ, realizing that he has died and risen again on our behalf, that his body was broken for us and his blood was shed for us, that he could show himself to be both the master of all and the servant of all.
Lord, you know our hearts, that we are weak and quick to deny you. Restore us and live in us that we may proclaim your merciful love to all generations.
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