Prayer: Jesus, rabbi: thank you for teaching us. Holy Spirit, guide: thank you for inspiring those who minister. God, creator: thank you for your word, your example, and your love. Amen
Reading: Jeremiah 23: 1-6 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: I am in awe of those people who hear God’s call and allow the Spirit to lead them into ministry. They are asked to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and His disciples, bringing the good news to many while extending the message for others. The charge must at times feel overwhelming. Yesterday, I happened to come along just as a pastor received word that one of her parishioners had died. She was visibly shaken and saddened by the news. In that moment, I thought of Jesus at the news of Lazarus’s death and how He shared Martha’s and Mary’s pain. Despite knowing death would be conquered in just a short time, He wept. I think we occasionally forget that our church leaders are both shepherds and sheep. We rely on them for guidance and protection, as we should, but they need support and fellowship just as any of us—probably more so. In His time as a teacher, Jesus was also a friend, eating and talking, resting and socializing. When the apostles complained or questioned, He sometimes grumbled before explaining His message again…and again…and again. There were times when He was exhausted, angry, or impatient. We should consider these lessons from our Lord, as well, and expect no more from our beloved pastors. They are the ones raised up to shepherd; let’s try to be affable sheep. --Heather LeBlanc
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