URC Daily Devotion 1 February 2023

Reflection

Peter had a mother-in-law. As I mourn the recent death of my wife I treasure the memory of her mother who joined the household four years into our marriage. She became a reliable third parent to our children while we busily pursued our different callings which often took us out of the house for long periods. Contrary to the music-hall caricature, my mother-in-law was an active helper to all of us, but sufficiently self-effacing to let my wife and me create and develop our marriage partnership.

So, disciple Peter had a wife, perhaps a child on the way. And he had met and been called by Jesus of Nazareth, who visited and healed his mother-in-law. It seems so domestic, just like many of our lives are, or were once. In contrast Jesus calls people away from their homes and what they see as their domestic responsibilities. No security, no resting place, can’t even stop for Father’s funeral.

Where are we being called today – domestic duty or risk-taking change? How can we bear the two-way stretch: home against far wider discipleship? Is our calling to be fulfilled at home? or are home duties our pretext to refuse the hazardous challenge?

Let’s pray for one another, whatever calling presses on us, however we sort out the unique priorities of our own setting.

Prayer

Jesus, you called Simon Peter out of his setting,
yet you brought your healing into his home life
and caused one laid low to rise and serve.
you call women and men, old and young;
you heal and bear our infirmities;
you challenge us to go beyond the limits we set.
Meet us as we ponder your loving, searching ministry
give us insight to know what it will mean to follow further.
Amen