Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this question: ‘What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?’ They said to him, ‘The son of David.’ He said to them, ‘How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet’ ”? If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?’ No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions. Matthew 22:41-46
We all know that being tested is not fun or joyful. This is the time of year when students all over are having final tests, taking standardized tests and writing papers anxious about grades. Out of school we are also tested, among our peers, our supervisors and strangers on the street. "Who are you, what are you doing and why should you be here?" All those questions and more are part of existence. Jesus was tested and tried just as we are. He was the son of God and we, in contrast, can wonder who we are and where we belong. The testers never get the final word, our Creator does. We are the children of the living God, and no one can snatch us out of God's hand nor call us anything but beloved.
Loving Creator, you call us each by name
and protect us during the storms of our lives
so that your love and care can shine through us.
Often, we feel inadequate and like imposters
we put on attitudes and fight for attention
when you always are with us holding us up.
Lord Jesus, help us remember we are beloved
so many need to be reminded of your love
may we be those who shine with your love today. Amen.
