what sort of seeker am i

What sort of seeker are you?

Determined like the woman with a sick daughter or hesitant like the leper? Are your questions for Jesus ones of action or explanation? Do you seek a theology or a relationship? Our stories suggest all sorts came to him. And I would think all sorts still come. Have you seen yourself at all in these encounters?

We often are reluctant to ask for help; our culture encourages us to take care of ourselves. To admit to another our need, to ask revealing our lack, makes us vulnerable. So often we carefully couch our requests trying desperately not to reveal weakness. Perhaps now we have the time and the place to ask honestly. Deeply within we are broken; deeply within we seek assurance; deeply within we want to know we have meaning and purpose. So will we ask Jesus?

What have we learned of Jesus this week?

How does he answer? Were you surprised at his responses? Does he seem helpful, encouraging? Would you go to him with that which is deepest in you?

When we do ask someone we hope for an answer. Often we have in mind what we want. Surely the leper and the Canaanite woman did. Sometimes we have an ulterior motive. Maybe the rich man wanted to be commended for what he did. John certainly hoped for a direct yes or no. Jesus seems to know the deeper truth. But he doesn’t always answer directly. Maybe he too hopes that in our questioning we will find our truth, his truth. Maybe he knows that without the struggle we will not value the response. Maybe he trusts us.

Jesus, open our hearts to voice our truest questions. Answer us please. Enable us to hear the truth. Amen.

Blessings, Caroline