Saturday, November 15, 2014

Walking with God is a shared labor

"Companions can point out things we might miss or relieve our fear of contemplating new ways," wrote Judith Jenkins Kohatsu. Sometimes it helps to have someone listen with us. In what ways might your companions on the journey into the unexpected help you go forward with confidence?" 

Writing this week's meditations in the Upper Room Disciplines 2014, Kohatsu refers to Judges 4: 1-9.  Barak enlists the help of a woman, Deborah, the judge. He will go into battle only if she goes with him. It's kind of amazing, how "a woman confidently leads a patriarchal nation as though it were an everyday occurrence." 

Kohatsu suggests that we all might need to invite a companion on our spiritual journey, that "shared creativity" is valuable. "Are we shy about asking for companionship, or are we determined to do it ourselves?" 

 Even Jesus in the desert had the Holy Spirit as a companion. "Companions can point out things we might miss or relieve our fear of contemplating new ways. Sometimes it helps to have someone listen with us. In what ways might your companion on the journey into the unexpected help you go forward with confidence?

Of course, by going with Deborah, Barak gave up the right to singly boast of victory. "The spiritual journey isn't about rewards,..but about living ever more fully into God's way with attendant benefits for all creation." 

"Ever-patient Companion, challenge us to dare to accomplish your work in this time and place..."