Desire: a Reflection on Psalm 3, Deuteronomy 33:1-5, 1 John 2:12-17, and John 6:41-47

Thirteen Egyptian Coptic Christians were kidnapped on Saturday who were working in conflict and war-torn Libya. On Friday, 500 migrants, stranded on a cargo ship without a crew, were rescued. Many are escaping from the conflicts in Iraq and Syria.

Desire is a curious thing. Assisting refugees in Libya and seeking a better context to live one’s life are meritorious. Consequences of desire are both intended and unintended.

The psalmist desires protection from his enemies. God is his shield. When Moses charged the people to possess the law and make it their own, the tribes desired to do so, but it was short lived.

Desire of the flesh, desire of the eyes, and pride in riches are powerful. Desire and pride want what they want when they want it.

Many complained about Jesus…his ways and sayings…his doings and teachings. Some desired to be in relationship with him and others not so much. Only those whom the Father gave to Jesus had their desire fulfilled.

What do followers of Jesus desire? Entertaining worship services; convenience not obedience; a community of like-minded people; riches; comfort; and proclamation not justice?

What do we desire? Pondering the desires of my heart is in order this Lord’s Day.

Scripture texts are taken from the two-year daily lectionary cycle which follows the liturgical calendar and begins on the First Sunday of Advent.