Devotion - Monday, August 28

Mark 8:11-21 is yet another story which exposes the inability of the disciples to understand.  Jesus speaks of leaven; they think he is commenting on the lack of bread; Jesus reminds them that with five loaves he fed 5,000 and with seven he fed 4,000.  They are confused (and this passage confuses me a bit, too.)

But here is what comes through very clearly - while the disciples are clearly earthen vessels, they are the instruments of the building of a community which has endured and continued to this very day.

They did something right.

It is to us (earthen vessels which we are) that God has entrusted his message and his community.  While we may be quick to see our shortcomings or our failures, God has chosen wisely and God will accomplish what Got intends.

Be God's instrument this day.  Bring the Good News of God's love and compassion into the lives of those whom you encounter.