Eggs, Fish, Snakes and Scorpions

In this week’s passage, Luke 1:1-13, Luke links together Jesus’ instructions on how to pray with parables. In both the teachings on prayer, and the parables, Jesus is encouraging his listeners to ASK for what they need. Along with this encouragement, Jesus is reassuring them that it is in God’s nature to care for them. It’s not in God’s nature to give dangerous gifts, like snakes and scorpions, but the nourishing gifts of fresh bread, fish, and eggs. 

 It is vulnerable to ask for what we need. We are not in control of the response to our vulnerability. We might get ignored. We might get rejected. We might get scorpions and snakes rather than fish and eggs. Yet, in this passage, Jesus encourages us to trust God with our needs, and ask for help. We know that part of being human is learning to live with unmet needs and desires. This passage is not a guarantee that life will always give us what we want. It is an affirmation, however, of God’s good heart. God seeks our well being, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Despite what narratives we carry about God in our minds and despite the wounds we carry in our heart, God is responsive and generous in the way God cares for us. And, as Donelda shared with us, God cares for us through the kindness and generosity of each other. We become “God with skin on”.

What is a need you are carrying these days? It could be practical, like a ride, or more ephemeral, like rest.

Can you think of a time you were in the vulnerable position of needing assistance, and someone came along and gave you help?

What kind of support or assistance would be beneficial to you right now? Who might you approach for support?

This week, practice asking God for help. Practice naming your needs to one another and asking for help. Notice what it feels like for you. Notice the response.

Deep peace and blessing,
Anne

Rev. Anne Baxter Smith
Pastor, Southpoint Church