"You don't have to worry! It's all been taken care of for those who belong to Jesus" Romans 8:1 (RSV)
If you have ever spoken with me about movies, you know two things: 1.) I love them. And 2.) Big Fish is my all time, unquestioned, winner and still champion favorite. If you don’t like this movie, you’re dumb. Ok, that may have been a bit harsh. Anyway, near the end of the movie Will Bloom makes this statement in reference to his father’s tales,
“Have you ever heard a joke so many times you've forgotten why it's funny? And then you hear it again and suddenly it's new. You remember why you loved it in the first place.”
We all have, right? It may be a joke, a story, a quote, anything really. Something that once was so clear, returns to us again. Maybe even sometimes, there is an epiphany- some new discovery that allows you to understand it in a new way. Some new facet you were never quite able to see before.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit that what I’m about to propose is a stretch. That my head got a little creative on this one. And yet, it is my blog, so I am going to continue.
Second to movies in my opinion is music. I guess what appeals me to both is the core element they share. Whether it is an Oscar winning performance or a Grammy nominated masterpiece, most of these art forms engage the oldest human metaphor; story. It’s why we enjoy the Redemption from Shawkshank, or understand the heartache as every country singer loses his dog, his truck, and his girl; in the same song no less! Story enables us to identify with others. It connects us like nothing else can.
A few months back, I was made aware of Matt Wertz’s song “Everything’s Right.” (You can hear it at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAQL9-gYhPo) I enjoyed it when I first heard it. Two incredible people actually introduced it to me around the same time. And when two incredible people recommend the same thing, you gotta take heed. And so over the past several months I have continued to listen to it. Sometimes intentionally, and other times ‘Shuffle All’ happens to find it.
It was the other day though, that it’s chorus (as simple as it is) and the second verse shone to me in a completely new way. I’ll be the first to admit that this is ‘out there.’ That based on the lyrics it is pretty clear that Mr. Wertz is singing about a girl. But because I heard it while writing the last piece about humanity, it drew me to the resurrection.
Here’s the chorus, it’s pretty simple:
‘Hey, everything's right, said everything's right tonight
Hey, everything's right, said everything's right tonight’
Did I lie? Pretty basic. But as I look at John’s gospel (20) it seems to be the resounding message we get as the Messiah appears to his disciples. As he enters the room the first thing he says (twice actually) is “Peace be with you!” This isn’t a chaotic moment for Jesus. The fact that he desires, no demands peace is the first sign that things are good. He goes on to show them his hands and his side. Can you imagine?!?! Your leader, your friend, your GOD whom you thought was dead has just resurrected and he is in the room with you. You better believe everything’s right!
Wertz’s second verse is what I imagine happens that we aren’t told in this text of John’s. Wertz’s lyrics continue,
‘Smiles light up as we walk in
Old conversations begin again
Nostalgia's thick as the August air
It takes us back to a time when we didn't care, we didn't care’
I imagine the disciples sitting there with Jesus; laughing, joking, sharing. Reminiscing stories from their previous times together, it reunites them to a time where they simply enjoyed the presence of each other. Can’t you see it? James says while chuckling, “Hey Peter, remember that time you walked on the water?! And then fell!” Still others recall other incredible accounts, “Yeah, and remember when 5,000 ate from 2 fish and five loaves.” And still others ask questions. “Jesus, how on earth did you just put that guard’s ear back on?!” Things were back to right, back to the way they were before, back to the way they should be.
But it’s more than just this. There is a minor detail in this passage that can easily get looked over. One that allows us to see that Everything is (more than) Right. As a matter of fact, everything is put back to rights!
In verse twenty-two, Jesus does something a bit odd; at least to the untrained eye. It says, “And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” What? When I have read this passage in the past I am drawn to the obvious-the gift of the Holy Spirit. And yet I cannot help but wonder why it is necessary for Jesus to breathe on them. Has he found a new toothpaste he is recommending? Is he trying to make his friends squirm because he’s just had a bit too much decaf? And while I don’t mean to mock this in any way, it really is an interesting note John includes.
Unless of course we head back to Genesis. What does God do to bring man into being? He breathes the breath of life into him. It is what separates man from all other creation. It seems here Jesus is making an immediate parallel. He is drawing them, us back to the Garden. In this action, Jesus is saying, Everything’s (back to) Right. Where Adam failed, I have conquered. The powers that you have struggled against for so long have been defeated. You have been set free to live as you were originally designed to.
Although I don’t think it happened, I can picture Jesus sitting there amongst his disciples, whispering a chorus that had been in the works from day one…
‘Hey, everything's right, said everything's right tonight
Hey, everything's right, said everything's right tonight’
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
More Human
"And then, he became a man. A living breathing, flesh and blood man. He looked, sounded, and interacted the way we might."
John 1:14 (RSV)
I guess you could say that I have the fortunate opportunity to write this morning. I am sitting in the midst of a group of people in somewhat of a food court. There are some sitting in pairs, but the majority of these people are sitting alone. As I look out the window I see two things: fog and docked airplanes. As I sit and wait. And wait. And wait, I am amazed at the number of people that are running past trying to catch their flights, get home, grab a bit to eat, or anything else one might do. These don’t seem out of place at all. As one sits in an airport it is actually exactly what you would expect to see. It’s what humans do in an airport. They are trying to get to places; meetings, families, interviews, vacations, and other things.
Likewise, I am currently coaching a college soccer team. When we take the field on any given day the guys go and do what you might expect them to; play soccer. They run, and kick, and defend, and score, and make saves. We try and win games; we try and get better. The hope being that by the end (of the season, career) the group or individual is advanced in their ability to play soccer. These same players go to class during the day. They attend a pretty rigorous academic school and spend the actual majority of their time increasing their minds and ability to use and apply them. In both of these arenas, they try and accomplish something more.
I also like to find myself at the gym from time to time. There is nothing particularly special about the one I attend. It has weights, and treadmills. Exercise classes and summer camps. What I love about gyms (as I have written before) is that people are there, mostly, trying to change themselves for the better. Whether it is to get stronger, more fit, more energy or some other reason, the general idea is that of betterment. That we might take better care of our bodies.
In all of these situations, these people are just being themselves, acting, being human. To do anything else would be either out of the ordinary or potentially impossible. It is with this understanding that people for the most part, go about their daily lives. With the exception of a very rare few, the majority of humanity is trying to better itself in some way or form. To leave this world ‘a little better than before they got here.’ I can’t imagine anyone reading this would disagree.
And yet, for whatever reason, it has been my experience that somehow the only place we don’t understand this is the church. Specifically, I see this in the area of growth in godliness and discipleship. In actuality if we are to break it down as we attempt to become more and more Christ-like we subconsciously believe that in some way we are supposed to become something different. I am not sure exactly what that is but to become more like Christ is seemingly a desire in our American churches to become less human. Sound weird? Think about it. At least for me it seems as though growth in godliness is about removing things, about becoming more spiritual.
And while I don’t disagree with those two needs, I think they are both very possible in the conditions of being a human; as a matter of fact I believe, more human.
Too often I feel we see spiritual growth as removal of a certain sin or pattern of sins. We sit around either by ourselves or in a small group and confess and beat ourselves up over the sin in our lives. We think to ourselves, if we could just get rid of this, this sin problem, we would be fine. We could grow. And please don’t misunderstand. I think this is absolutely a piece of spiritual growth. But I think it is just that; a piece.
There is something else about becoming ‘more spiritual’. I think that due to the respect for saints that have gone before we feel like to grow as they did we must take on their current physical state (which somehow we believe is simply spirit.) Again, I don’t discount spiritual fervor, spiritual growth; at all. It just doesn’t seem like it should be at the expense of what we have been created to be.
In the book of Genesis, God creates man and does something incredibly unique with them. He ‘breathes the breath of life’ (2:7) into him. Though other creation has life, there is something unique to man. Here we already know that we have been made in God’s image (1:26). There is something different; something more to being human. Adam is the first example of what this looks like. He however, goes on to mess it up. We know the story, we live the story. This story is our story. Daily, we choose to eat the apple. There is nothing we can do to save ourselves.
And yet, there is hope. There is a man. A flesh and bones, in every sense of the word, man. One who has come to put things to rights. He is referred to as the ‘second Adam.’ (1 Corinthians 15:47) Where Adam fell, this man was to do right; to fix things as it were. The writer of Hebrews notes that he was like us in EVERY way, and yet did not sin (4:15). In John’s gospel we first see that the Word put on flesh. It is essential he let his readers know just how human Jesus is.
You see, two thousand years ago as we look at the gospel accounts it is pretty clear that Jesus’ disciples have an issue grasping the fact that this very man is God. In 2010, I think we have flipped it. We find it very difficult to believe that God, is personified in this man named Jesus. The author N.T. Wrights notes that instead of trying to come up with our own thoughts on God, we are to look at a first century rabbi named Jesus and allow our image of God to be shaped around him.
So what exactly does this mean for us? Surely Jesus, being God had an advantage on us. While I cannot be certain, Luke is very clear that Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God (2:52). Did you read that? Jesus had elements of growth to his life! At no point does he abandon whom he is as man in order to grow. Here He is the example of what growth looks like. I think if he were to come and speak to our churches today it might be very different than we picture. I honestly believe he might say (with a bit of pleading in his voice) “Repent…you have believed a lie about what God is like. Instead, look at me.”
That to grow in our faith, to become more like, to walk with Jesus includes every part of who we are as humans. That to sit around and attempt to become anything else would be misguided. No more than trying to fly from one location to the next; on the power of our arms with no plane. That we might desire to become more of what we already are: completely and totally human of a new generation in Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:20).
Isn’t that the cry to the first disciples?
“Follow me.”
“You can be like me.”
“You can do what I do.”
It is no different today. Jesus is still crying out, in 2010, “you…can be like me.”
John 1:14 (RSV)
I guess you could say that I have the fortunate opportunity to write this morning. I am sitting in the midst of a group of people in somewhat of a food court. There are some sitting in pairs, but the majority of these people are sitting alone. As I look out the window I see two things: fog and docked airplanes. As I sit and wait. And wait. And wait, I am amazed at the number of people that are running past trying to catch their flights, get home, grab a bit to eat, or anything else one might do. These don’t seem out of place at all. As one sits in an airport it is actually exactly what you would expect to see. It’s what humans do in an airport. They are trying to get to places; meetings, families, interviews, vacations, and other things.
Likewise, I am currently coaching a college soccer team. When we take the field on any given day the guys go and do what you might expect them to; play soccer. They run, and kick, and defend, and score, and make saves. We try and win games; we try and get better. The hope being that by the end (of the season, career) the group or individual is advanced in their ability to play soccer. These same players go to class during the day. They attend a pretty rigorous academic school and spend the actual majority of their time increasing their minds and ability to use and apply them. In both of these arenas, they try and accomplish something more.
I also like to find myself at the gym from time to time. There is nothing particularly special about the one I attend. It has weights, and treadmills. Exercise classes and summer camps. What I love about gyms (as I have written before) is that people are there, mostly, trying to change themselves for the better. Whether it is to get stronger, more fit, more energy or some other reason, the general idea is that of betterment. That we might take better care of our bodies.
In all of these situations, these people are just being themselves, acting, being human. To do anything else would be either out of the ordinary or potentially impossible. It is with this understanding that people for the most part, go about their daily lives. With the exception of a very rare few, the majority of humanity is trying to better itself in some way or form. To leave this world ‘a little better than before they got here.’ I can’t imagine anyone reading this would disagree.
And yet, for whatever reason, it has been my experience that somehow the only place we don’t understand this is the church. Specifically, I see this in the area of growth in godliness and discipleship. In actuality if we are to break it down as we attempt to become more and more Christ-like we subconsciously believe that in some way we are supposed to become something different. I am not sure exactly what that is but to become more like Christ is seemingly a desire in our American churches to become less human. Sound weird? Think about it. At least for me it seems as though growth in godliness is about removing things, about becoming more spiritual.
And while I don’t disagree with those two needs, I think they are both very possible in the conditions of being a human; as a matter of fact I believe, more human.
Too often I feel we see spiritual growth as removal of a certain sin or pattern of sins. We sit around either by ourselves or in a small group and confess and beat ourselves up over the sin in our lives. We think to ourselves, if we could just get rid of this, this sin problem, we would be fine. We could grow. And please don’t misunderstand. I think this is absolutely a piece of spiritual growth. But I think it is just that; a piece.
There is something else about becoming ‘more spiritual’. I think that due to the respect for saints that have gone before we feel like to grow as they did we must take on their current physical state (which somehow we believe is simply spirit.) Again, I don’t discount spiritual fervor, spiritual growth; at all. It just doesn’t seem like it should be at the expense of what we have been created to be.
In the book of Genesis, God creates man and does something incredibly unique with them. He ‘breathes the breath of life’ (2:7) into him. Though other creation has life, there is something unique to man. Here we already know that we have been made in God’s image (1:26). There is something different; something more to being human. Adam is the first example of what this looks like. He however, goes on to mess it up. We know the story, we live the story. This story is our story. Daily, we choose to eat the apple. There is nothing we can do to save ourselves.
And yet, there is hope. There is a man. A flesh and bones, in every sense of the word, man. One who has come to put things to rights. He is referred to as the ‘second Adam.’ (1 Corinthians 15:47) Where Adam fell, this man was to do right; to fix things as it were. The writer of Hebrews notes that he was like us in EVERY way, and yet did not sin (4:15). In John’s gospel we first see that the Word put on flesh. It is essential he let his readers know just how human Jesus is.
You see, two thousand years ago as we look at the gospel accounts it is pretty clear that Jesus’ disciples have an issue grasping the fact that this very man is God. In 2010, I think we have flipped it. We find it very difficult to believe that God, is personified in this man named Jesus. The author N.T. Wrights notes that instead of trying to come up with our own thoughts on God, we are to look at a first century rabbi named Jesus and allow our image of God to be shaped around him.
So what exactly does this mean for us? Surely Jesus, being God had an advantage on us. While I cannot be certain, Luke is very clear that Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God (2:52). Did you read that? Jesus had elements of growth to his life! At no point does he abandon whom he is as man in order to grow. Here He is the example of what growth looks like. I think if he were to come and speak to our churches today it might be very different than we picture. I honestly believe he might say (with a bit of pleading in his voice) “Repent…you have believed a lie about what God is like. Instead, look at me.”
That to grow in our faith, to become more like, to walk with Jesus includes every part of who we are as humans. That to sit around and attempt to become anything else would be misguided. No more than trying to fly from one location to the next; on the power of our arms with no plane. That we might desire to become more of what we already are: completely and totally human of a new generation in Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:20).
Isn’t that the cry to the first disciples?
“Follow me.”
“You can be like me.”
“You can do what I do.”
It is no different today. Jesus is still crying out, in 2010, “you…can be like me.”
Friday, September 24, 2010
Kingdom Valuation
“Everyone else looks at WHAT you have done; how much you have accomplished. But I, the King, I care far more about WHO you are…” 1 Samuel 16:7 (RSV)
Currently, I am sitting in a Starbucks Coffee, just a bit north of Charlotte. The sun is just beginning to rise and with it my day is starting to take shape. I moved here about 6 months ago and other than home it will be the longest tenure of any city I have ever lived in.
That’s a big step for me.
I have relocated to 4 different cities in the last 3 years, at some point or another calling all of them home. This time period has also included fairly lengthy, though not ‘homey’ stints in other cities. In other words, I am not exactly the first class example of settled, or as I am often reminded, ‘grown up.’
As a matter of fact, even though I am 25 I feel more like a kid than ever before. I have almost no assets and if we’re honest live pay check to pay check; at best. I am woefully single, and steady wouldn’t exactly define my line of work. I don’t have a 401k, a real and active 10-year plan, or one penny saved for my kid’s college fund.
Six months ago, that was a big deal to me.
It was then that I was still living in Chicago. Based on my upbringing and the life path that most of my peers have chosen, the natural, almost necessary response is one we hear from the wise sage Lloyd Christmas, “Man, you are one pathetic loser.” And I felt like one. I was in a compromised line of work and an even more compromised state of life. I felt as though I shouldn’t be pursuing what everyone else had ‘simply because’ and yet I was so alone.
I was in a trap that thought life looked like a suit and tie, a wife at home, and a new car in the garage. It was basically the 2010 Dream for recent graduates. (Surely there is a Chicken Soup out there for this?) And even though this no way fit my paradigm, I bought into it, and big time.
As I looked around it seemed as though all of my friends were either married, or living the single life in the big city. Here I was living the single life in the married city. I was living at home with no real sense of accomplishment and certainly no understanding of value. As a matter of fact I thought I brought absolutely no value to the situations I found myself in. I was literally wasting away while my inner self was dying.
I couldn’t empathize with peers about marital bliss or market blunder. I wasn’t working toward any professional goal and was in no way close to owning anything, let alone a house. My social landscape looked like either a ramped up Cleaver household, or a dulled down Entourage experience. (1)
And my church life? Non existent. I simply couldn’t hear one more four-pointed sermon on prayer; each point systematically starting with P, R, A, and Y. (2) Many days I felt completely and totally worthless.
That’s a big problem.
And so I packed up and moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. There had been a unique opportunity for me there and I decided to take it. Want to know the funny part? The morning I took off I didn’t want to leave. I almost couldn’t bring myself to get in the car and drive off. Nuts, right?! I was completely miserable (San Diego…) and yet didn’t want to leave. The thought of starting something new, something unknown was at the time a much bigger risk and scare than continuing to exist in emptiness.
And have I found true fulfillment and happiness here? Is Charlotte the Mecca for believers looking to redefine themselves? I don’t necessarily think so. I do think this time has allowed me to step back, to step away from ‘life as I knew it’ and take a look at what Kingdom life, Kingdom value, is rooted and established in.
The Kingdom life in no way is formed on the ideals and principles of the American Dream. Now, don’t read into what I didn’t say. These two can overlap. We continue to see in the scriptures that though this Kingdom of Heaven isn’t OF this world, it is most certainly FOR this world. That we need uncompromised people of character in the mess of life both claiming Christ’s truth as well as showering people with His love.
THE Kingdom perspective is completely and entirely flipped. In this Kingdom, value exists simply because of who we are and more importantly whom we belong to. It has nothing to do with what we have, or in some cases haven’t accomplished.
You see our real value has never been placed in what we have done. It has always been placed in who we have been created to be. And the answer to that question can be found from the very beginning. We are image bearers of the Most High; children of THE King. (Gen 1:26).
Though it is a constant struggle, my value cannot be attained, gained, or entertained by what I do in this life. It must be a consistent reminder that I am a human being; not a human doing.
This is a big relief.
Look at the book of Ephesians. I love it! Read just the first chapter. Look at what Paul is outlining. He is establishing value amongst the body. None of it has to do with on earth accomplishments. Notice what isn’t there. He doesn’t say, “Of all the churches I have visited, your youth ministry is rockin’!” Or, “Look at this sanctuary! Whoever was the architect of this…you are the man!”
No! He spells out all the things we are and have been able to claim from day one as a child of THE King. He encourages that they are a people that are “chosen to be holy and blameless”, “predestined to be sons”, “recipients of grace”, “the praise of his glory”, “included in Christ”, “marked in him with a seal”…and that is just the first part of the book! And we can stake claim to the exact same values!
So whether you are on wall street or in the poor house, we serve a God whose value system isn’t based on the worlds. We have a Father begging us to come home. To come and be wrapped up in his arms, to be coddled and rocked as he whispers to us, “you’re Mine.” I’ve got you” “You are my child” “It’s going to be OK.” I love you…”
And that…is the biggest blessing we could ask for.
(1) I see where this could be read into as exceptionally offensive. And that is not my intention. The reality is that some of my married friends are happy to stay at home because the reality is they are already with the person, or persons they care most about. There just isn’t a lot of motivation to take time or money to go meet and interact with people that can’t match up to the one(s) they live with I can only hope to one day have the same.
Likewise, much of the ‘going out’ life of my single friends in the downtown area was based on genuine community; community that had been established in work arenas, church landscapes, and conversations amongst mutual friends.
In these there is no problem; I just didn’t fit into either one.
(2) I am not slamming the evangelical suburban church here. I think my own spiritual desert was large in part due to my poor attitude and extenuating circumstances. I went in to church with a poor attitude and thus left with one; nitpicking the entire way. I am still not convinced the (capital C) Church looks like what we were brought up to think it looks like and am convinced more than ever it is not the hope of the world as so many pastors and leaders have suggested. That, I believe, is Christ himself.
Currently, I am sitting in a Starbucks Coffee, just a bit north of Charlotte. The sun is just beginning to rise and with it my day is starting to take shape. I moved here about 6 months ago and other than home it will be the longest tenure of any city I have ever lived in.
That’s a big step for me.
I have relocated to 4 different cities in the last 3 years, at some point or another calling all of them home. This time period has also included fairly lengthy, though not ‘homey’ stints in other cities. In other words, I am not exactly the first class example of settled, or as I am often reminded, ‘grown up.’
As a matter of fact, even though I am 25 I feel more like a kid than ever before. I have almost no assets and if we’re honest live pay check to pay check; at best. I am woefully single, and steady wouldn’t exactly define my line of work. I don’t have a 401k, a real and active 10-year plan, or one penny saved for my kid’s college fund.
Six months ago, that was a big deal to me.
It was then that I was still living in Chicago. Based on my upbringing and the life path that most of my peers have chosen, the natural, almost necessary response is one we hear from the wise sage Lloyd Christmas, “Man, you are one pathetic loser.” And I felt like one. I was in a compromised line of work and an even more compromised state of life. I felt as though I shouldn’t be pursuing what everyone else had ‘simply because’ and yet I was so alone.
I was in a trap that thought life looked like a suit and tie, a wife at home, and a new car in the garage. It was basically the 2010 Dream for recent graduates. (Surely there is a Chicken Soup out there for this?) And even though this no way fit my paradigm, I bought into it, and big time.
As I looked around it seemed as though all of my friends were either married, or living the single life in the big city. Here I was living the single life in the married city. I was living at home with no real sense of accomplishment and certainly no understanding of value. As a matter of fact I thought I brought absolutely no value to the situations I found myself in. I was literally wasting away while my inner self was dying.
I couldn’t empathize with peers about marital bliss or market blunder. I wasn’t working toward any professional goal and was in no way close to owning anything, let alone a house. My social landscape looked like either a ramped up Cleaver household, or a dulled down Entourage experience. (1)
And my church life? Non existent. I simply couldn’t hear one more four-pointed sermon on prayer; each point systematically starting with P, R, A, and Y. (2) Many days I felt completely and totally worthless.
That’s a big problem.
And so I packed up and moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. There had been a unique opportunity for me there and I decided to take it. Want to know the funny part? The morning I took off I didn’t want to leave. I almost couldn’t bring myself to get in the car and drive off. Nuts, right?! I was completely miserable (San Diego…) and yet didn’t want to leave. The thought of starting something new, something unknown was at the time a much bigger risk and scare than continuing to exist in emptiness.
And have I found true fulfillment and happiness here? Is Charlotte the Mecca for believers looking to redefine themselves? I don’t necessarily think so. I do think this time has allowed me to step back, to step away from ‘life as I knew it’ and take a look at what Kingdom life, Kingdom value, is rooted and established in.
The Kingdom life in no way is formed on the ideals and principles of the American Dream. Now, don’t read into what I didn’t say. These two can overlap. We continue to see in the scriptures that though this Kingdom of Heaven isn’t OF this world, it is most certainly FOR this world. That we need uncompromised people of character in the mess of life both claiming Christ’s truth as well as showering people with His love.
THE Kingdom perspective is completely and entirely flipped. In this Kingdom, value exists simply because of who we are and more importantly whom we belong to. It has nothing to do with what we have, or in some cases haven’t accomplished.
You see our real value has never been placed in what we have done. It has always been placed in who we have been created to be. And the answer to that question can be found from the very beginning. We are image bearers of the Most High; children of THE King. (Gen 1:26).
Though it is a constant struggle, my value cannot be attained, gained, or entertained by what I do in this life. It must be a consistent reminder that I am a human being; not a human doing.
This is a big relief.
Look at the book of Ephesians. I love it! Read just the first chapter. Look at what Paul is outlining. He is establishing value amongst the body. None of it has to do with on earth accomplishments. Notice what isn’t there. He doesn’t say, “Of all the churches I have visited, your youth ministry is rockin’!” Or, “Look at this sanctuary! Whoever was the architect of this…you are the man!”
No! He spells out all the things we are and have been able to claim from day one as a child of THE King. He encourages that they are a people that are “chosen to be holy and blameless”, “predestined to be sons”, “recipients of grace”, “the praise of his glory”, “included in Christ”, “marked in him with a seal”…and that is just the first part of the book! And we can stake claim to the exact same values!
So whether you are on wall street or in the poor house, we serve a God whose value system isn’t based on the worlds. We have a Father begging us to come home. To come and be wrapped up in his arms, to be coddled and rocked as he whispers to us, “you’re Mine.” I’ve got you” “You are my child” “It’s going to be OK.” I love you…”
And that…is the biggest blessing we could ask for.
(1) I see where this could be read into as exceptionally offensive. And that is not my intention. The reality is that some of my married friends are happy to stay at home because the reality is they are already with the person, or persons they care most about. There just isn’t a lot of motivation to take time or money to go meet and interact with people that can’t match up to the one(s) they live with I can only hope to one day have the same.
Likewise, much of the ‘going out’ life of my single friends in the downtown area was based on genuine community; community that had been established in work arenas, church landscapes, and conversations amongst mutual friends.
In these there is no problem; I just didn’t fit into either one.
(2) I am not slamming the evangelical suburban church here. I think my own spiritual desert was large in part due to my poor attitude and extenuating circumstances. I went in to church with a poor attitude and thus left with one; nitpicking the entire way. I am still not convinced the (capital C) Church looks like what we were brought up to think it looks like and am convinced more than ever it is not the hope of the world as so many pastors and leaders have suggested. That, I believe, is Christ himself.
Friday, December 18, 2009
A Giving Embrace
When the time couldn’t have been any more perfect, God gave us exactly what we needed; His Son. Born human just like us, he came to set us free…” – Galatians 4:4-5 (RSV)
I still live at home. There it is; I said it. And while it isn’t the most chest puffing, nose tipped up statement to deliver, I have really enjoyed my time back at home. My parents have been awesome and I have loved to interact with them again but in a much different fashion then them simply disciplining me.
On most Saturdays when we both can, my dad and I will go to the gym and workout together. We usually grab some coffee afterwards and run some errands. I know, I know…a nice little Saturday, right? Equally, my mom and I will do stuff throughout the week. We will grab lunch of coffee, take care of some things she needs done or any other miscellaneous things you might imagine.
Last week, after we grabbed some breakfast we headed out to do some Christmas shopping at Oak Brook. After picking up the pre known items, we wandered a bit ourselves, browsing different stores and Christmas decorations. Quite honestly, I cannot remember all the places we looked or went to, aside from one.
As I entered a particular clothing store; one I happen to own some clothes from in all honesty; I noticed their ad campaign out front in the window. I saw two very attractive people smiling. The man was somewhat highlighted as he was giving this beautiful woman a box from the store he was representing. In front of both of them there was something written on the window. In big, shiny, silvery letters it read “EMBRACE GIVING.’
Walking through the clothing boutique I thought how much of a better ad campaign that was than so many of the others I had seen over the years. It has come to irk me a little that retail America feels we should care just as much about buying for ourselves during the Christmas season as we should for others. A classic one is the old ‘Is it really better to give than to receive?” Or, “Hurry in! Doorbusters! Buy it while there’s time!” Yeah, telling someone to embrace giving was far nobler.
Continuing to browse the store, I saw the same items that are usually there: scarves, jackets, shirts, and pants; nothing too special. And seeing as my brothers love to get dressed up in jeans and plaid shirts, it was a safe bet I wouldn’t be finding their gift anywhere in those premises. I walked out and headed up to meet with my mom. As I walked past the front of the shop, these beautiful people caught my eye again.
I turned and found myself just staring at them. I was focusing on the box. Though I will never know what was in the box this man was giving I can imagine it was an item I had just seen in the store; scarf, jacket, shirt, or pair of pants. My eyes fixated on the writing again, “EMBRACE GIVING’, and I thought to myself, is this what giving is all about? Is this the best kind of giving we can do for Christmas? Is this what we think the best kinds of gifts are?
Imagine finding yourself back in first century Bethlehem. On a cold, dark night you are out watching your sheep. Just like any other night you are being responsible for your flock, making sure to ward off any impending dangers when all of a sudden, LIGHT! Angels appear and you are scared to death. Floating in the middle of the sky, they tell you to not be afraid. They have come to deliver an important message to you! The angel declares, “I bring you good news of great joy, that will be for all the people. Today, in the town of David a pair of new pants shall be waiting; they are the perfect size. This will be the sign to you; you will find a very handsome man in a sweater. He will be holding a box from your favorite store…”
Can you imagine? What if that first Christmas God had embraced giving as this billboard desired? What if he gave us the number one physical, material item we wanted most? It would fit perfectly or shine like crazy. Surely that was what these shepherds really wanted.
And yet, what does He do instead? He sends a baby; a smelly, needy, potentially goofy looking baby. You can’t wear it on Friday night. You can drive around and pick up girls in it. Quite honestly, God may not have even given us what we wanted in that moment.
This Christmas some of us may be feeling exactly that. While it may not be sweaters, pants, or ties that we are wanting maybe we are asking for some healing, a job, peace of mind, less stress, more family time or any number of other things. And while I don’t look to diminish those desires remember this Christmas that God gave, and continues to give us exactly what we need…
“I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”
…God Himself.
I still live at home. There it is; I said it. And while it isn’t the most chest puffing, nose tipped up statement to deliver, I have really enjoyed my time back at home. My parents have been awesome and I have loved to interact with them again but in a much different fashion then them simply disciplining me.
On most Saturdays when we both can, my dad and I will go to the gym and workout together. We usually grab some coffee afterwards and run some errands. I know, I know…a nice little Saturday, right? Equally, my mom and I will do stuff throughout the week. We will grab lunch of coffee, take care of some things she needs done or any other miscellaneous things you might imagine.
Last week, after we grabbed some breakfast we headed out to do some Christmas shopping at Oak Brook. After picking up the pre known items, we wandered a bit ourselves, browsing different stores and Christmas decorations. Quite honestly, I cannot remember all the places we looked or went to, aside from one.
As I entered a particular clothing store; one I happen to own some clothes from in all honesty; I noticed their ad campaign out front in the window. I saw two very attractive people smiling. The man was somewhat highlighted as he was giving this beautiful woman a box from the store he was representing. In front of both of them there was something written on the window. In big, shiny, silvery letters it read “EMBRACE GIVING.’
Walking through the clothing boutique I thought how much of a better ad campaign that was than so many of the others I had seen over the years. It has come to irk me a little that retail America feels we should care just as much about buying for ourselves during the Christmas season as we should for others. A classic one is the old ‘Is it really better to give than to receive?” Or, “Hurry in! Doorbusters! Buy it while there’s time!” Yeah, telling someone to embrace giving was far nobler.
Continuing to browse the store, I saw the same items that are usually there: scarves, jackets, shirts, and pants; nothing too special. And seeing as my brothers love to get dressed up in jeans and plaid shirts, it was a safe bet I wouldn’t be finding their gift anywhere in those premises. I walked out and headed up to meet with my mom. As I walked past the front of the shop, these beautiful people caught my eye again.
I turned and found myself just staring at them. I was focusing on the box. Though I will never know what was in the box this man was giving I can imagine it was an item I had just seen in the store; scarf, jacket, shirt, or pair of pants. My eyes fixated on the writing again, “EMBRACE GIVING’, and I thought to myself, is this what giving is all about? Is this the best kind of giving we can do for Christmas? Is this what we think the best kinds of gifts are?
Imagine finding yourself back in first century Bethlehem. On a cold, dark night you are out watching your sheep. Just like any other night you are being responsible for your flock, making sure to ward off any impending dangers when all of a sudden, LIGHT! Angels appear and you are scared to death. Floating in the middle of the sky, they tell you to not be afraid. They have come to deliver an important message to you! The angel declares, “I bring you good news of great joy, that will be for all the people. Today, in the town of David a pair of new pants shall be waiting; they are the perfect size. This will be the sign to you; you will find a very handsome man in a sweater. He will be holding a box from your favorite store…”
Can you imagine? What if that first Christmas God had embraced giving as this billboard desired? What if he gave us the number one physical, material item we wanted most? It would fit perfectly or shine like crazy. Surely that was what these shepherds really wanted.
And yet, what does He do instead? He sends a baby; a smelly, needy, potentially goofy looking baby. You can’t wear it on Friday night. You can drive around and pick up girls in it. Quite honestly, God may not have even given us what we wanted in that moment.
This Christmas some of us may be feeling exactly that. While it may not be sweaters, pants, or ties that we are wanting maybe we are asking for some healing, a job, peace of mind, less stress, more family time or any number of other things. And while I don’t look to diminish those desires remember this Christmas that God gave, and continues to give us exactly what we need…
“I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”
…God Himself.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Group Dynamics
Go crazy when something awesome happens for your friend; but be prepared to suffer with others as well. Do it together; with grace and understanding. – Romans 12:15-16a (RSV)
As a part of my education, I attended a pretty small Division III school in the west suburbs of Chicago. While it was in every way a college, some of my classmates and friends attended high schools that had more students. There are lots of reasons students attend the school ranging from the academics, to the music program, or the general attitude and philosophies on campus. I, however, like many of my friends used athletics as a primary reason to attend.
Now, while sports are a pretty big deal there, on the grand scheme of things, they are also put in their place. Teams win conference and regional titles. Even national champions and all Americans are crowned. And yet, every athlete knows that when the last match is played as a senior, it’s time to move on. Have you seen those NCAA commercials? There are such and such number of college athletes…and most of them will be going pro in something else. Well the reality is, all of these student athletes will be going pro in something else. The percentage of athletes to graduate and go on to get paid for their sport is so small it may not even show up in a statistical analysis.
And yet recently there has been one. One recent graduate has found himself playing sports for his job. While the rest of us are throwing on suits and carrying briefcases, he is throwing on football pads and carrying a water bottle. After a dominant campaign in college, he was drafted into the NFL. After a TON of hard work and some opportunities, he found himself in an opening day 53-man roster.
The vast majority of his work was on special teams as he was positioned behind a long time veteran; one with several pro bowls to match his equally impressive Super Bowl rings. And yet, something happened. The veteran got hurt. His knee became a problem, and this student from a small, division III school was going to get his shot. But not just any shot…He was going to get to start against last year’s Super Bowl champion.
On this particular Sunday, I found myself in a bar downtown with a good amount of alumni friends; most of whom had played with this newly named NFL starter. As the game started there was an obvious buzz surrounding our tables and we all clapped as our classmate took the field. He looked big and fast, and most importantly like he belonged. He got in on some tackles and even created an opening to score on a kick off. But then, the unthinkable happened. As a pass came across the field, it was tipped by the opposing team. As it floundered in the air it settled directly into the arms of this one time division III athlete. 70,000 fans in the stadium went nuts; the noise only dimmed by the 17 or so people screaming in a bar outside of Chicago.
The game wore on and this down and out squad were giving the defending champs a battle. But it seemed clear that eventually this game would get out of hand. As the Pro Bowl quarterback marched his team down the field, his team found themselves inside the twenty-yard line, destined to score at least 3 points, and more likely 7. As he dropped back to pass, lineman swarmed in to make a play. As he scrambled outside of the pocket to make a throw, he was off balanced aiming for a teammate in the end zone. As the ball floated toward the middle of the end zone, a different pair of hands snagged it.
I started to stand up…
As I looked around I simply couldn’t believe the number of people in this small church there to celebrate the life of this man. He had died pretty young. And certainly it was unexpected. He played college football and loved to run around with his kids. And yet, as people poured out of the church the reality set in; my friend’s dad was not coming back. I had just sat through his funeral and was still in disbelief that this had happened. He was seemingly a healthy man and this was undoubtidly the furthest thing from his families mind.
Being a doctor, I had seen him for treatments in season and was always laughing as he shared a joke after one of our baseball games. A general jokester, he always had a smile on his face, and usually caused you to have one as well. He loved sports and he loved his kids.
The outside courtyard filled with friends and family, all dressed in black. My friend and his siblings sat nearby on a bench. Although the service was over and people were expected to leave, nobody did. The greeting line time period had passed and yet we sat there. Some cried with the family, others sat and fielded questions of why? And what next? Others just stood and looked kinda silly. It was odd though, no one seemed out of place. My mind drifted actually; back to the first century. I had read that at funerals mourners were usually hired. Most times, they were paid individuals who led the procession of the body. As they wailed above and beyond, it allowed the family to weep without worry, to grieve without embarrassment. In one sense, it seemed like my friend and his family had an entire group of mourners around. Friends and family who without saying such whispered, “It’s ok. Let it out. Don’t feel a shred of embarrassment. We’re here for you. We’re doing this together. All of us are sad.”
As the player headed out of his own end zone we could all see. It was him. The former captain of the ‘little all America’ squad was running for the opposite goal line with his second interception of the day. Every member of our little group was on their feet screaming at the top of their lungs, “GO! Common!” I found myself literally standing on top of a table, yelling at the top of my lungs. It was our friend who was tackled at the 8-yard line and yet we were all hollering and high fiving as if he had just done the same for our small town college. In the days to follow, reports were written and videos shown of this new player. Everyone around town here asked if people had seen it, lifted up their chests when they spoke about it. Everyone was just so happy.
And there seemingly lies the beauty of this community. Re read Paul’s letters; most of them are written to groups. We were never meant to do this alone! We are to exclaim and celebrate greatness as it happens within our walls. And likewise, we are to bear each other’s struggles, to be there for each other, to enter into their sufferings as Christ did ours. As we enter the Christmas season, hopefully this reminds you of the amazing humanity of Jesus. That he might literally ‘put on flesh and dwell among us,’ is the greatest example of entering in we can imagine. May you be blessed and you recall the best community rejoicing in the history of mankind.
As a part of my education, I attended a pretty small Division III school in the west suburbs of Chicago. While it was in every way a college, some of my classmates and friends attended high schools that had more students. There are lots of reasons students attend the school ranging from the academics, to the music program, or the general attitude and philosophies on campus. I, however, like many of my friends used athletics as a primary reason to attend.
Now, while sports are a pretty big deal there, on the grand scheme of things, they are also put in their place. Teams win conference and regional titles. Even national champions and all Americans are crowned. And yet, every athlete knows that when the last match is played as a senior, it’s time to move on. Have you seen those NCAA commercials? There are such and such number of college athletes…and most of them will be going pro in something else. Well the reality is, all of these student athletes will be going pro in something else. The percentage of athletes to graduate and go on to get paid for their sport is so small it may not even show up in a statistical analysis.
And yet recently there has been one. One recent graduate has found himself playing sports for his job. While the rest of us are throwing on suits and carrying briefcases, he is throwing on football pads and carrying a water bottle. After a dominant campaign in college, he was drafted into the NFL. After a TON of hard work and some opportunities, he found himself in an opening day 53-man roster.
The vast majority of his work was on special teams as he was positioned behind a long time veteran; one with several pro bowls to match his equally impressive Super Bowl rings. And yet, something happened. The veteran got hurt. His knee became a problem, and this student from a small, division III school was going to get his shot. But not just any shot…He was going to get to start against last year’s Super Bowl champion.
On this particular Sunday, I found myself in a bar downtown with a good amount of alumni friends; most of whom had played with this newly named NFL starter. As the game started there was an obvious buzz surrounding our tables and we all clapped as our classmate took the field. He looked big and fast, and most importantly like he belonged. He got in on some tackles and even created an opening to score on a kick off. But then, the unthinkable happened. As a pass came across the field, it was tipped by the opposing team. As it floundered in the air it settled directly into the arms of this one time division III athlete. 70,000 fans in the stadium went nuts; the noise only dimmed by the 17 or so people screaming in a bar outside of Chicago.
The game wore on and this down and out squad were giving the defending champs a battle. But it seemed clear that eventually this game would get out of hand. As the Pro Bowl quarterback marched his team down the field, his team found themselves inside the twenty-yard line, destined to score at least 3 points, and more likely 7. As he dropped back to pass, lineman swarmed in to make a play. As he scrambled outside of the pocket to make a throw, he was off balanced aiming for a teammate in the end zone. As the ball floated toward the middle of the end zone, a different pair of hands snagged it.
I started to stand up…
As I looked around I simply couldn’t believe the number of people in this small church there to celebrate the life of this man. He had died pretty young. And certainly it was unexpected. He played college football and loved to run around with his kids. And yet, as people poured out of the church the reality set in; my friend’s dad was not coming back. I had just sat through his funeral and was still in disbelief that this had happened. He was seemingly a healthy man and this was undoubtidly the furthest thing from his families mind.
Being a doctor, I had seen him for treatments in season and was always laughing as he shared a joke after one of our baseball games. A general jokester, he always had a smile on his face, and usually caused you to have one as well. He loved sports and he loved his kids.
The outside courtyard filled with friends and family, all dressed in black. My friend and his siblings sat nearby on a bench. Although the service was over and people were expected to leave, nobody did. The greeting line time period had passed and yet we sat there. Some cried with the family, others sat and fielded questions of why? And what next? Others just stood and looked kinda silly. It was odd though, no one seemed out of place. My mind drifted actually; back to the first century. I had read that at funerals mourners were usually hired. Most times, they were paid individuals who led the procession of the body. As they wailed above and beyond, it allowed the family to weep without worry, to grieve without embarrassment. In one sense, it seemed like my friend and his family had an entire group of mourners around. Friends and family who without saying such whispered, “It’s ok. Let it out. Don’t feel a shred of embarrassment. We’re here for you. We’re doing this together. All of us are sad.”
As the player headed out of his own end zone we could all see. It was him. The former captain of the ‘little all America’ squad was running for the opposite goal line with his second interception of the day. Every member of our little group was on their feet screaming at the top of their lungs, “GO! Common!” I found myself literally standing on top of a table, yelling at the top of my lungs. It was our friend who was tackled at the 8-yard line and yet we were all hollering and high fiving as if he had just done the same for our small town college. In the days to follow, reports were written and videos shown of this new player. Everyone around town here asked if people had seen it, lifted up their chests when they spoke about it. Everyone was just so happy.
And there seemingly lies the beauty of this community. Re read Paul’s letters; most of them are written to groups. We were never meant to do this alone! We are to exclaim and celebrate greatness as it happens within our walls. And likewise, we are to bear each other’s struggles, to be there for each other, to enter into their sufferings as Christ did ours. As we enter the Christmas season, hopefully this reminds you of the amazing humanity of Jesus. That he might literally ‘put on flesh and dwell among us,’ is the greatest example of entering in we can imagine. May you be blessed and you recall the best community rejoicing in the history of mankind.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
What if?
It really is a remarkable thing. He showed up with skin-looked just like one of us. And yet angels knew him; he had been talked about from generation to generation; and was at last seen away in glory.' -1Timothy 3:16 (RSV)
Ok, so there has actually been so much lately that I have wanted to write about. However, it all came to a head at about 12:30 AM last night in Denmark. So while many of you were just getting off of work and figuring out how to spend your long weekend, I was sitting in Spreckers. The Danish pub, located right in the middle of Copenhagen’s ‘city center’ was packed out as patrons enjoyed a pint (or two, or three, or…) and listened to some live music. I found myself there with some students who are studying abroad in Berlin. (What is interesting is that the kids go to Wentworth College in Boston. They are actually in the same conference as Gordon where I have coached.)
These are some good guys and we hit it off fairly easily because they love Boston sports. They are all from the northeast. And while it may not be such a passion in my life (Boston sports anyway), I found myself conversing with them on a number of issues and topics. We had spent the better part of the evening together including a quick spell in Tivoli Gardens (google it) and found ourselves as Spreckers where they could enjoy the cheapest beer they could find amongst the other pubs. There was actually a 2 for 1 happy ‘hour’ that went the duration of the evening.
Anyway, we sat there and talked about a number of things from sports, to their architechtual studies, families, and so on as American music blasted over the loud speakers. After a little while a band came in to jam out and cover some classic American hits. Within the span of about an hour we had…Michael Jackson, Bob Marely, Bob Seager, The Fugees, Carols Santana, Wycliff Jean, and Eric Clapton. For the bar’s sake, I hope they weren’t getting paid. This was a simple three-man band; a drummer, bassist, and a lead guitar player/vocalist. It was not pretty. Notes were off pitch and the timing was off. I don’t really know good music. But I certainly know bad music. And we had found it. Nonetheless we sat and listened to each song proclaiming a winner to the mate who could first appropriately identify the song they were trying to play.
Then all of a sudden a song came on that I had definitely heard before. We all had. As I sat and listend intently it was a song that actually has caused so much confusion in my own life. The song: What if God was one of us? To be honest, I’m not exactly sure who wrote it. I remember first hearing it as a middle school kid and thinking it was quite cool. I liked the beat, the lyrics seemed Christian and overall, I just liked it. However, on more than one occasion when it came on Christian youth workers I was with quickly switched it off and moved to another song. I guess I never really questioned it. I trusted them and figured there was something in the lyrics I just didn’t hear or understand.
And yet as this song played out what happened next was very interesting. Up to this point, the band had done a solo act. The played every note and sang every word. But here the crowd was joining in. 99% of the group spoke Danish and yet EVERY person knew at least the chorus to this tune: ‘What if God was one of us? Just a slob like one of us? Just a stranger on the bus, trying to make his way home.” And I just sat there and listened; watched intently. At this point my new friends had joined in the singing and had all commented that this was a great song.
The music continued as sections were done by an accapella crowd and still others by the harmonies of the band. Louder and louder it got and this seemed like far more than a drunken crew ecstatic about being at Cheers. No, this seemed like a cry out for an answer. What if God was one of us? What then would we do? How would we talk to him? Would He impact our lives? Now I know I am reading into this, but I really believe this was the case. A simple 3 minute song got dragged on for about 5 more chorus repeats and quickly became around 7 minutes.
And as we neared the end my mind was racing as I found myself wanting to shout out. Here I was, somewhere between Good Friday and Holy Saturday knowing, possessing, holding the answer all of these people so longed to know.
I wanted to cry back, “But you see, HE was! HE IS!”
To these people however, it was just a question, a ‘what if’ interruption in their next sip and their inevitable walk home. Ironically it had become as much a formality as the next couple days off would be-holiday for holiday’s sake; nothing more.
So I sat and ached. In what I know has not been the only time in my life I ached for these people to know that in fact God was, God is one of us. I don’t know that he’s a slob, or he’s trying to get home on a bus. The more I thought about it, because of this weekend,
He is really the one driving the bus Home.
Ok, so there has actually been so much lately that I have wanted to write about. However, it all came to a head at about 12:30 AM last night in Denmark. So while many of you were just getting off of work and figuring out how to spend your long weekend, I was sitting in Spreckers. The Danish pub, located right in the middle of Copenhagen’s ‘city center’ was packed out as patrons enjoyed a pint (or two, or three, or…) and listened to some live music. I found myself there with some students who are studying abroad in Berlin. (What is interesting is that the kids go to Wentworth College in Boston. They are actually in the same conference as Gordon where I have coached.)
These are some good guys and we hit it off fairly easily because they love Boston sports. They are all from the northeast. And while it may not be such a passion in my life (Boston sports anyway), I found myself conversing with them on a number of issues and topics. We had spent the better part of the evening together including a quick spell in Tivoli Gardens (google it) and found ourselves as Spreckers where they could enjoy the cheapest beer they could find amongst the other pubs. There was actually a 2 for 1 happy ‘hour’ that went the duration of the evening.
Anyway, we sat there and talked about a number of things from sports, to their architechtual studies, families, and so on as American music blasted over the loud speakers. After a little while a band came in to jam out and cover some classic American hits. Within the span of about an hour we had…Michael Jackson, Bob Marely, Bob Seager, The Fugees, Carols Santana, Wycliff Jean, and Eric Clapton. For the bar’s sake, I hope they weren’t getting paid. This was a simple three-man band; a drummer, bassist, and a lead guitar player/vocalist. It was not pretty. Notes were off pitch and the timing was off. I don’t really know good music. But I certainly know bad music. And we had found it. Nonetheless we sat and listened to each song proclaiming a winner to the mate who could first appropriately identify the song they were trying to play.
Then all of a sudden a song came on that I had definitely heard before. We all had. As I sat and listend intently it was a song that actually has caused so much confusion in my own life. The song: What if God was one of us? To be honest, I’m not exactly sure who wrote it. I remember first hearing it as a middle school kid and thinking it was quite cool. I liked the beat, the lyrics seemed Christian and overall, I just liked it. However, on more than one occasion when it came on Christian youth workers I was with quickly switched it off and moved to another song. I guess I never really questioned it. I trusted them and figured there was something in the lyrics I just didn’t hear or understand.
And yet as this song played out what happened next was very interesting. Up to this point, the band had done a solo act. The played every note and sang every word. But here the crowd was joining in. 99% of the group spoke Danish and yet EVERY person knew at least the chorus to this tune: ‘What if God was one of us? Just a slob like one of us? Just a stranger on the bus, trying to make his way home.” And I just sat there and listened; watched intently. At this point my new friends had joined in the singing and had all commented that this was a great song.
The music continued as sections were done by an accapella crowd and still others by the harmonies of the band. Louder and louder it got and this seemed like far more than a drunken crew ecstatic about being at Cheers. No, this seemed like a cry out for an answer. What if God was one of us? What then would we do? How would we talk to him? Would He impact our lives? Now I know I am reading into this, but I really believe this was the case. A simple 3 minute song got dragged on for about 5 more chorus repeats and quickly became around 7 minutes.
And as we neared the end my mind was racing as I found myself wanting to shout out. Here I was, somewhere between Good Friday and Holy Saturday knowing, possessing, holding the answer all of these people so longed to know.
I wanted to cry back, “But you see, HE was! HE IS!”
To these people however, it was just a question, a ‘what if’ interruption in their next sip and their inevitable walk home. Ironically it had become as much a formality as the next couple days off would be-holiday for holiday’s sake; nothing more.
So I sat and ached. In what I know has not been the only time in my life I ached for these people to know that in fact God was, God is one of us. I don’t know that he’s a slob, or he’s trying to get home on a bus. The more I thought about it, because of this weekend,
He is really the one driving the bus Home.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Little Person, Big World
I have just arrived in Copenhagen, Denmark! After several hours on a couple of planes I find myself sitting with my computer trying to take it all in. For your visionary needs, I am sitting on a red couch in the midst of a great room in a hostel called 'Sleep in Heaven." I couldn't make that name up. I am here, believe it or not, on business. I am trying to set up all of the necessary items (lodging, food, transportation, etc) for the Bridges F.C. tour here in July.
As it stands, I am exceptionally tired as I was unable to sleep on the plane for reasons I am still unsure of. Usually I sleep so well on planes. It is 2:16p here, but only 6:16a back home. I am doing my best to stay awake for the next six hours though I imagine it will be a dreadful task.
In the meantime, I have gone on a little walk both to exchange some money in the local currency (Danish Krona; 5.46 to the USD if you were curious) and to explore a little. To be quite honest, I'm not entirely sure where I am. I just know I am about a 20 min tram ride from the airport and about 2 tram stops from Downtown Copenhagen.
But enough of the babbling - as I wandered this afternoon I was absolutely floored (as I often am in new cultures) to see the both the amazing number of people as well as interests that I was able to survey as I walked up and down the street. I saw Christians (fish on car) and Muslims (garb). Blacks, and whites. Men and Women. Children and old folk.
It was during this walk that I was opened, though not for the first time, at how big this earth is. At to how many different people inhabit and call it home. I was shocked at the number of buildings, shops, and other types of places that while are so new to me are no more than commonplace to many.
In all honesty, it caused me to step back and thing of the magnitude of our God. As I saw one man get out of his car it would be my guess that we are immensely different (race, age, religion, demographic). And yet I couldn't help but think of the very simple truth that God knows his name. I certainly do not. I probably never will. But that does not mean God does not, and has not labeled every hair on his head.
All to say I am both nervous and excited to see what else is in store on this trip. I just felt a need to write how small I felt on an immensely larger earth in the hands of an even still immensely larger God.
As it stands, I am exceptionally tired as I was unable to sleep on the plane for reasons I am still unsure of. Usually I sleep so well on planes. It is 2:16p here, but only 6:16a back home. I am doing my best to stay awake for the next six hours though I imagine it will be a dreadful task.
In the meantime, I have gone on a little walk both to exchange some money in the local currency (Danish Krona; 5.46 to the USD if you were curious) and to explore a little. To be quite honest, I'm not entirely sure where I am. I just know I am about a 20 min tram ride from the airport and about 2 tram stops from Downtown Copenhagen.
But enough of the babbling - as I wandered this afternoon I was absolutely floored (as I often am in new cultures) to see the both the amazing number of people as well as interests that I was able to survey as I walked up and down the street. I saw Christians (fish on car) and Muslims (garb). Blacks, and whites. Men and Women. Children and old folk.
It was during this walk that I was opened, though not for the first time, at how big this earth is. At to how many different people inhabit and call it home. I was shocked at the number of buildings, shops, and other types of places that while are so new to me are no more than commonplace to many.
In all honesty, it caused me to step back and thing of the magnitude of our God. As I saw one man get out of his car it would be my guess that we are immensely different (race, age, religion, demographic). And yet I couldn't help but think of the very simple truth that God knows his name. I certainly do not. I probably never will. But that does not mean God does not, and has not labeled every hair on his head.
All to say I am both nervous and excited to see what else is in store on this trip. I just felt a need to write how small I felt on an immensely larger earth in the hands of an even still immensely larger God.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)