Trading Spaces

Scripture Verses that Caught my Attention Today: John 18:1-2 After Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples.

Observation: Jesus had a place where he apparently enjoyed hanging out.

Application: This passage reminds me of that old Beach Boys song “In My Room.” It describes a place, in this case a bedroom, where the person can just be who he or she is without pretense. It’s a place where he or she loves to go and spend time.

Jesus apparently loved to spend time in the garden described above. It was apparently away from the hustle and bustle of the marketplace and even the temple. I’ve saw the general area where it may have been when I took a trip to Israel several years ago. Quite peaceful.

It seems that everyone would benefit from having such a place, whether in nature or in one’s home or some routine get-away. For me the home farm where I live is such a place. It’s not fancy and, in fact, quite a few of the buildings are very run down and in need of repair or demolition. But it’s still a place where perspective is gained and life is lived and faith is bolstered. The crops, be they good or bad, serve as reminders that there is something bigger at work in this world than me. The wildlife serve as reminders that not everything in this world is meant to be tamed. And in troubled times the land itself serves as a reminder that God’s provision is never restricted to just a single generation.

I’m not sure if Jesus saw all these kinds of things in the garden he liked to visit or not. Maybe it was just a nice place to hang out. If so, that too was reason enough to meet there, often.

Prayer: Lord, thanks for the places and/or spaces that you provide for your people to be your people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Readings today included: 2 Kings 24, Jeremiah 22, Psalm 112, John 18)