Today's Scripture Reading (December 4, 2023): Matthew 4
In January
2017, before the inauguration of Donald Trump, there was a meeting at Trump
Tower between President-elect Donald Trump and comedian Steve Harvey. People
were surprised when the summit between the two men was announced, and the
criticism against Harvey was swift. After the meeting, the press had their way
with both men. They wanted to know why Harvey had come, and Harvey explained
that both President Obama's and Donald Trump's transition team had invited him
to come. When the invitation was received, Harvey decided to honor the request.
Harvey admitted that President Obama had pressured him to accept the
invitation, saying people needed to be willing to do something instead of just
sitting at a computer keyboard tweeting what they wanted. So, Harvey accepted
the challenge.
The press asked
what they talked about, and Harvey responded that they spoke about golf (big
surprise) and then got serious about inner-city housing and the needs of the
poor. On a lighter note, the press asked about the possibility of getting the
Trumps on "Family Feud," to which Harvey remarked, "Could you imagine
the Trumps against the Obamas, or even better, the Trumps against the Clintons?
We'd sweep in the ratings."
Then, one of
the reporters asked the question that was probably on everyone's mind. As a
comedian, what influence did Steve Harvey really have over the latest
Republican President? Steve works hard at his craft and is successful at getting
people to laugh, and we get it; he is funny, but what business did Harvey have interfering
with something serious like politics?
Steve Harvey's response to the question was
significant. Harvey replied, "Your career is what you are
paid for, and your calling is what you are made for." For Steve Harvey, he made people laugh to earn money, but he was
called for something more.
Everything
begins with an invitation; it is the starting point for everything worthwhile. Jesus
started his ministry in Israel by inviting people to come with him. People didn't
always say yes, but Jesus invited them anyway. He continually asked people to go
with him and walk with him. Such is the story of the Rich young man. He came to
Jesus, eager to know the path to life. And Jesus honored him by asking him if
he had kept the commandments. In the dialogue between the two men, this rich
young man wanted to be sure, so he asked which ones. It is here that the story
seems to go a little sideways. We would have thought that the first commandments
would be the most important; the commandments that direct us to honor God would
be the ones that Jesus would want to emphasize. Instead, Jesus mentions the
last six: Honor your father and mother, do not steal, murder, covet, commit
adultery, or lie.
The Rich Young Man is happy
and has kept these from youth, but Jesus isn't done.
Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One
thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and
give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come,
follow me."
At this the man's face fell. He went away sad,
because he had great wealth (Mark 10:21-22).
There is a belief that this young man
might grow up to be Barnabas; maybe the" no" he gives to Jesus was
only temporary, but we don't know. Jesus
has continued to extend the invitation ever since that conversation between him
and this young man, but, as was true for the rich young man, whether we accept
it is up to us.
Peter
and Andrew, James and John, had a career. They were fishermen; that is how they made money, but Jesus reminded them that they also had a calling for
something for which they were made. And so do you. If you are on this journey with Christ, you might have a career, but you also have a calling.
Jesus has spoken to you. You might not have heard him; sometimes, it is easy to miss his still, small voice in this
busy world, but that doesn't mean he hasn't called. The invitation to our calling continues to be extended,
but how we respond to that calling is up to us. Are you ready to follow him?
Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Luke 4
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