The Upper Room Devotion for Friday, February 2, 2024, was written by Pete Velander of Tennessee.
Scripture
15 People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. 16 But Jesus called for them and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 17 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”
Luke 18:15-17 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
It was an exciting Sunday for my daughter Petra. She would be receiving Communion for the first time at our new church. Petra was excited. Finally our turn came to receive the elements. When Petra stood in front of the pastor, he instinctively placed his hand on her head and offered the children's blessing, forgetting that she was supposed to receive Communion that Sunday. As she turned to walk back to our pew I could see the crestfallen look on Petra's face. "It's okay," I said, "he just forgot." "I know, Dad. It's fine" But I could see that it wasn't.
But then, as the pastor was covering the Communion elements, he took one wafer and one small cup and began walking down the aisle toward the back of the church. He made his way to the middle of the row where Petra was sitting and spoke the words, "The Body of Christ broken for you, the Blood of Christ shed for you." That experience remains for me a powerful and tender reminder that Jesus comes to each of us. We are not forgotten.
Pastor Anthony's Thoughts
Friends,
I invite you to reread Pete's reflection and ask yourself: How has God reminded me I am not forgotten?
Author's Prayer
Inviting God, we are grateful that you come to each of us with signs that we belong to you. Amen.
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