“He came to His hometown and began teaching them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these things?’ And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.’ And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief.” (Matthew 13:54-58)
As I was reading the above passage this morning, I couldn’t help but nod my head in agreement, roll my eyes and think to myself, “hoo-boy, He sure got that right!” I’ve experienced that prejudice myself on several occasions, and I know several people who have as well. We all have a hard time looking past the people who we’ve known for so long. If you have been out of school for more than 10 years, you know what I mean. You go through school with a variety of people; you graduate and go your separate ways. Then several years later, you experience the “High School Class Reunion”.
Crazy.
“Who are all of these old folks?”
“Holy cow! John is a doctor now? How’d that happen? He barely passed biology his Freshman year because Stacy broke up with him! Remember that?”
“Monica is a lawyer? Get outta town! Didn’t she get suspended her Junior year because she was caught smoking in the girls’ room?”
We tend to still think of our former classmates in terms of how they were back when we were in school with them. In our minds they’re still goofy 17 year old kids, so it’s really hard to think of them as responsible adults or knowledgeable professionals!
Same sort of thing can happen at church, and does happen at church.
I grew up in a small, rural church where everybody knew everybody. (Heck, everybody was RELATED to each other for the most part!) I loved church (still do) and was active while I was a kid. I was an acolyte for years, active in our youth group, and attended Sunday School and Sunday Worship every Sunday. It would be a natural progression to continue to be active as an adult, right? Of course! So I ended up serving on different boards and graduated from acolyte robes to assisting minister albs. One problem. Most folks still thought of me as being 9 years old. If I had an idea or a thought about something, it was as if I was a 9 year old again, who when trying to share with the “grown-ups” and was rewarded with a smile, a pat on the head and an “aw, isn’t that cute” before being dismissed. I didn’t take too much of an offense to it, I realized that it’s not easy to see someone as an adult when you used to wipe off their Kool-Aid mustaches at Bible School!
When I finally ended up at a different church, that stigma was gone. The people at the church hadn’t known me as a child; they only knew me as an adult. It was MUCH easier for them to listen to and relate to me than it was for those at the church of my childhood.
(Disclaimer: Now, just because you might be caught in that trap, doesn’t mean you must switch churches. Having strong ties to a hometown church can be wonderful. I still visit my former church on occasion. They’re good people. And…well…most of them are relatives of mine!)
I cannot blame those who couldn’t see past my past. Like I said before, we are ALL guilty of that. We need to be conscious of it, however, and not let it blind us. We might have friends and neighbors who are actively letting their light shine forth for the glory of God (to paraphrase Matthew 5:16), but we can’t see their light because we’re still wearing our dark 1980’s Ray-Bans. We should pray that God help us to be open to hearing the truth from the folks that are around us, because you never know who God is gonna use.
“And a princess pulled a baby out of the water. He was hidden in the rushes, sleeping in a basket made of reeds. And you never know who God is gonna use: a princess or a baby, or maybe even you or me!” – “Who Is God Gonna Use” by Rich Mullins (The World As Best I Remember It – Volume 1, 1991)
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Step by Step...
This morning as I was reading through the headlines & various blogs I subscribe to, I came across a story, originally written earlier this week in The Washington Post that grabbed my attention. The story told of six Franciscan Friars who undertook a 300 mile journey, walking from Roanoke, Virginia to Washington, DC clad only in their brown Franciscan habits and sandals. They each carried only a wool blanket, toothbrush, water, a change of underwear, and a cell phone (to be used in case of an emergency). The only other thing that these friars carried with them was their love for the Lord and their faith that God would provide them with everything that they would need.
The journey lasted six weeks. Throughout those six weeks, they encountered many people and were able to share the love of God with those people. Sure, some folks chastised them, swore at them, etc…but they tended to meet more people who were intrigued. There were many opportunities to minister. Cliff Hennings, who at 23 years old was the youngest of the six friars, was quoted as saying, “Dressed like we are in our habits, it's like a walking sign that says, 'Tell us your life's problems.'”
People confessed, people asked for advice, people gave them food and money. They didn’t plan on carrying money with them at all, but within the first minutes of their journey, people were giving them money, so they used what they received for food that they required, and gave the rest to others in need.
The full story can be read here.
I have always had a great respect for those who devote their lives to serving God. It is exceedingly difficult to completely give over your life to God – it always has been. Recall in Luke 18:22-23 (and similarly in Mark 10:17-22), where a rich man asked Jesus “what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18):
“When Jesus heard this, He said to him, ‘One thing you still lack: sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.’ But when he had heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich”.
As human beings in this world, we want things. Things make us feel comfortable, show our status to others, open doors for us in some instances, etc. It’s HARD to give that up! We become so attached to our possessions, we can’t let go. I admire those who do give up their lives to wear rough brown robes, cinched with a heavy white rope. They are stronger than most of us. Many of us have the desire, but fall short when actually faced with the reality of it.
Thankfully, despite our selfishness and stubbornness, God’s love and grace rescues us. He can do the impossible - he cleans us and makes us holy so that we can have eternal life too. Thank God for that, because we surely cannot do this on our own accord!
That’s not saying that we should be complacent and comfortable in our lives. We shouldn’t just go about saying, “well, I’m saved by grace, so I can pretty much do whatever I want”. We should accept God’s love, and in accepting God’s love, we should be motivated to share this love with others and do good works. Help the poor, love one another, forgive each other.
Nope…it’s not easy. Jesus didn’t say it would be a walk in the park. But really, with all that God has done for you, don’t you think you should try?
"Lord it's hard to turn the other cheek, hard to bless when others curse you. Oh Lord it's hard to be a man of peace. Lord it's hard ~ oh it's hard ~ you know it's hard to be like Jesus!" ~ "Hard" by Rich Mullins (A Liturgy, a Legacy & a Ragamuffin Band, 1993)
The journey lasted six weeks. Throughout those six weeks, they encountered many people and were able to share the love of God with those people. Sure, some folks chastised them, swore at them, etc…but they tended to meet more people who were intrigued. There were many opportunities to minister. Cliff Hennings, who at 23 years old was the youngest of the six friars, was quoted as saying, “Dressed like we are in our habits, it's like a walking sign that says, 'Tell us your life's problems.'”
People confessed, people asked for advice, people gave them food and money. They didn’t plan on carrying money with them at all, but within the first minutes of their journey, people were giving them money, so they used what they received for food that they required, and gave the rest to others in need.
The full story can be read here.
I have always had a great respect for those who devote their lives to serving God. It is exceedingly difficult to completely give over your life to God – it always has been. Recall in Luke 18:22-23 (and similarly in Mark 10:17-22), where a rich man asked Jesus “what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18):
“When Jesus heard this, He said to him, ‘One thing you still lack: sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.’ But when he had heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich”.
As human beings in this world, we want things. Things make us feel comfortable, show our status to others, open doors for us in some instances, etc. It’s HARD to give that up! We become so attached to our possessions, we can’t let go. I admire those who do give up their lives to wear rough brown robes, cinched with a heavy white rope. They are stronger than most of us. Many of us have the desire, but fall short when actually faced with the reality of it.
Thankfully, despite our selfishness and stubbornness, God’s love and grace rescues us. He can do the impossible - he cleans us and makes us holy so that we can have eternal life too. Thank God for that, because we surely cannot do this on our own accord!
That’s not saying that we should be complacent and comfortable in our lives. We shouldn’t just go about saying, “well, I’m saved by grace, so I can pretty much do whatever I want”. We should accept God’s love, and in accepting God’s love, we should be motivated to share this love with others and do good works. Help the poor, love one another, forgive each other.
Nope…it’s not easy. Jesus didn’t say it would be a walk in the park. But really, with all that God has done for you, don’t you think you should try?
"Lord it's hard to turn the other cheek, hard to bless when others curse you. Oh Lord it's hard to be a man of peace. Lord it's hard ~ oh it's hard ~ you know it's hard to be like Jesus!" ~ "Hard" by Rich Mullins (A Liturgy, a Legacy & a Ragamuffin Band, 1993)
Monday, July 27, 2009
Walking in the Light
I’ve been accused of being a “Pollyanna”. Apparently, my outlook on life is incredibly optimistic and I am usually looking on the bright side of things, rather than grumping about or wallowing in misery or self-pity. I don’t tend to worry about things, which can drive some people who are close to me rather crazy. Even if things are looking bleak, I usually say with a smile, “eh, things always end up working out the way they’re supposed to" or "everything will be just fine”.
I recall almost eight years ago, September 11, 2001 - the day of the terrorist attacks. It was crazy. Non-stop news coverage. People were completely freaking out. Kids were pulled out of school by their parents. No one wanted to leave their homes.
I went to lunch with my best friend. The terrorists wanted to induce panic. It worked…but not on me. I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction.
Some folks called me cavalier and un-feeling. This was not the case. Of course I was deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the destruction of property…I was exceedingly saddened by it. I prayed for the souls who never made it home from work that morning or who never made it to the airport in their destination cities. I mourned the loss of the feeling of security that we as Americans had felt for so many years. However, I wasn’t scared. I wasn’t worried.
On the contrary! I walked with my head up and went about my life. I knew the secret!
Well, it’s not much of a secret. Not really.
You see, the thing that I knew then that kept me feeling secure - and what still holds true today - is that I know who’s really in charge. I have the security of knowing that because I am a baptized child of God, no matter what happens here on earth, I’ll be fine. It will all work out in the end.
I recall what St. Paul wrote to the Ephesians:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)
And:
“Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)
That’s the key! If you remember to put on your armor…you’re golden! It’s like that television commercial for insurance…you’ll have a big umbrella covering you! To quote Alfred E. Newman, “What, me worry?”
Nah.
'Cos I know the secret!
I recall almost eight years ago, September 11, 2001 - the day of the terrorist attacks. It was crazy. Non-stop news coverage. People were completely freaking out. Kids were pulled out of school by their parents. No one wanted to leave their homes.
I went to lunch with my best friend. The terrorists wanted to induce panic. It worked…but not on me. I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction.
Some folks called me cavalier and un-feeling. This was not the case. Of course I was deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the destruction of property…I was exceedingly saddened by it. I prayed for the souls who never made it home from work that morning or who never made it to the airport in their destination cities. I mourned the loss of the feeling of security that we as Americans had felt for so many years. However, I wasn’t scared. I wasn’t worried.
On the contrary! I walked with my head up and went about my life. I knew the secret!
Well, it’s not much of a secret. Not really.
You see, the thing that I knew then that kept me feeling secure - and what still holds true today - is that I know who’s really in charge. I have the security of knowing that because I am a baptized child of God, no matter what happens here on earth, I’ll be fine. It will all work out in the end.
I recall what St. Paul wrote to the Ephesians:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)
And:
“Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)
That’s the key! If you remember to put on your armor…you’re golden! It’s like that television commercial for insurance…you’ll have a big umbrella covering you! To quote Alfred E. Newman, “What, me worry?”
Nah.
'Cos I know the secret!
"You know it ain't no use banging your head up against that cold stone wall. Cause nobody's perfect, except for the Lord, and even the best bound to fall. Remember He is de vine, and you are de branch. He'd love to get you through it if you'd give Him a chance. Just keep doing your best, and pray that it's blessed, And Jesus takes care of the rest." ~ "He'll Take Care Of The Rest" by Keith Green (For Him Who Has Ears To Hear, 1977)
Friday, July 24, 2009
Seeing is Believing...Believing is SEEING!
I don’t understand how a person cannot believe in God.
This concept is so foreign to me…it is as if someone went back in time with a car and handed the keys to a caveman & said, “here ya go…take it for a spin”. I just don’t get it.
Believing in God and having Him be a part of your life raises everything to another level. I imagine that without God the world would seem black and white, like a coloring book that hasn’t been colored. Everything is “off”. There is noise, but nothing truly melodic. The person might feel “happy” at times, but never feels true joy.
When I go outdoors, I see God in every bright green leaf on the trees. I hear God in every bird singing in its boughs. I feel God in the breeze that rustles my hair. I smell God in the lilacs that bloom in the spring. God envelops me with his love, much like a mother envelops her child in an embrace. Colors are brighter and more vivid.
I think of the story of Saul on the road to Damascus, when he was blinded by the Lord. He hadn’t been a believer and had done horrible things to God’s followers. But God had plans for him…and when he was finally healed by Ananias, “straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales and he received his sight; and he arose and was baptized” (Acts 9:18). God gives us sight…and when you accept him and believe in him with all your heart, your sight becomes crystal clear.
"Be praised for all Your tenderness by these works of Your hands Suns that rise and rains that fall to bless and bring to life Your land Look down upon this winter wheat and be glad that You have made Blue for the sky and the color green." ~ "The Color Green" by Rich Mullins (A Liturgy, a Legacy, & A Ragamuffin Band, 1993)
This concept is so foreign to me…it is as if someone went back in time with a car and handed the keys to a caveman & said, “here ya go…take it for a spin”. I just don’t get it.
Believing in God and having Him be a part of your life raises everything to another level. I imagine that without God the world would seem black and white, like a coloring book that hasn’t been colored. Everything is “off”. There is noise, but nothing truly melodic. The person might feel “happy” at times, but never feels true joy.
When I go outdoors, I see God in every bright green leaf on the trees. I hear God in every bird singing in its boughs. I feel God in the breeze that rustles my hair. I smell God in the lilacs that bloom in the spring. God envelops me with his love, much like a mother envelops her child in an embrace. Colors are brighter and more vivid.
I think of the story of Saul on the road to Damascus, when he was blinded by the Lord. He hadn’t been a believer and had done horrible things to God’s followers. But God had plans for him…and when he was finally healed by Ananias, “straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales and he received his sight; and he arose and was baptized” (Acts 9:18). God gives us sight…and when you accept him and believe in him with all your heart, your sight becomes crystal clear.
"Be praised for all Your tenderness by these works of Your hands Suns that rise and rains that fall to bless and bring to life Your land Look down upon this winter wheat and be glad that You have made Blue for the sky and the color green." ~ "The Color Green" by Rich Mullins (A Liturgy, a Legacy, & A Ragamuffin Band, 1993)
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