SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY

Month: April 2020

  • A Child of the Light…Tuesday of Holy Week

    This man, Jesus, has been absolutely fascinating.  I don’t know what it is about him.  He is like so many others in appearance.  There is something in the way that he speaks, in his words, and in his actions that make me want to know more.  I have heard that some people are really upset about the things that he has said.  But I just want to know more.  I want to hear more of what he is teaching.  It sounds familiar but with a twist.  There is passion and love that seems to spill from his presence.  I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there is something very different about this man.  So I decided to follow a group that is seeking him out.  I don’t know their intentions, but I know I just want to know more.  It is more than curiosity – it is like a pull that I cannot explain.  It is as if there is a rope around my heart pulling me closer and closer to him – just to hear him speak – simply to be in his presence.

    I remember seeing several of the guys that walk with Jesus all the time.  They are interesting guys that seem much like us.  They are not the holier than thou kind of people.  They don’t seem to know much more than we do.  They are definitely guys we can relate.  So we walk up to one of them and ask to see Jesus.  One of them goes off and Jesus comes back with him.  I am constantly amazed that he would take the time to see us, to spend any moment with him.  He seems a bit more serious than the other times I have seen him.  It looks like he is carrying a heavy weight.  I am even more surprised he is willing to see us.

    What happens next I can’t really explain.  It has never happened before.  And I’ve never experienced anything quite like it since.  Jesus was talking about what it meant to follow him.  I was hanging on his every word, yet not quite understanding what he was trying to say.  I wanted to take it in – but as he was speaking, a loud sound shook us at our core.  It was like thunder -at least that is what I would closely compare it.  That is the only thing I have ever experienced like it.  I felt like the earth may open and swallow me.  It was not a cloudy day – the sun was high and strong as it usually is.  There was no indication of anything different – a hot, dry and dusty day.  It only happened once but it was one of those times I will never forget.  My heart dropped and I felt like I wasn’t going to be able to ever get it to stop from beating so rapidly.  I looked at Jesus – his expression had not changed.  He did not look surprised, he did not look shaken.  He was calm, as if he was taking it all in…almost like he knew it was coming and was okay with it.  He continued to talk – helping us in some small way to know that this was all okay, no matter what.

    From there, I have to be honest – it gets a bit muddled for me.  There were people challenging Jesus on this whole Messiah thing.  I just wanted to hear him speak.  I just wanted to listen to his wisdom.  He has something to offer and I wanted to see him.  But there was something that I was able to capture – that I have held on to because it spoke so very loudly to me – as loudly as the thunder.  It was a couple of sentences that sang to me as if it was spoken from a chorus of angels.  The words were of hope and tears fell from my cheeks.  I can’t explain it – I’m not sure I completely understand it myself.  But it took my breath away when said it…and it takes my breath away still today.  He said… “While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of the light.”  I want to be that child.  I want that light in my life.  I want to know that I am loved and welcomed.  Give me the light…I want to become a child of the light.  Shine bright in me.  And that has changed my life forever.

    Today’s message is from John 12:20-36:

    20 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.

    27 “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people[a] to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. 34 The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah[b]remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.”  After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them.

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  • I’m not done yet

    I am amazed at how a picture can tell a story with just a glimpse.  This picture, the moment I saw it, caused me to pause.  It wasn’t because of the background of the beach, although I absolutely love the beach.  It wasn’t the sunset with it’s beautiful orange glow, even though orange is my favorite color.  It wasn’t even how the person pictured seems to be walking into the light, which is really fascinating.  It was the feeling of opportunity that encapsulated the picture.  It said to me, “I’m not done yet.”  David Cain had posted this on his social media page and it remained in the back of my mind for quite a while, always there speaking to me.  As I finished my oral defense for my Doctor of Ministry degree, I felt a sigh of relief and a sense of completion.  I had finally reached this pinnacle, a mountain which I had climbed but had slipped more than I would like to admit – beaten and battered.  It was a climb I found great beauty along the way, but many rough patches that proved quite painful.  For my graduation present, I told Wendy I wanted a copy of this picture.  As you can see, she talked to David and got it for me.  Today, as I hold it, I hear the same message, “I’m not done yet.”  I may be finished with school.  I have achieved the degree.  But this is not the end.  God has so many more adventures planned and I can’t wait to see what’s next.  I am not walking into the light as a completion, but I am walking towards THE LIGHT in order to follow God.  I am captivated by the beauty of God’s creation.  I am overwhelmed by his all-encompassing love.  And I am surprised that he still invites me to come closer.  I want to simply walk in the light.

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  • The Offering…Monday of Holy Week

    Being invited to dinner is never a minor deal.  Sitting at the table with others is such a gift we often take for granted.  To spend the time around the table means something – someone has poured out their love before those that have gathered – there is a bonding, a new way of seeing someone – the table brings those who might not come together otherwise in a single space at a single time.  It is so much more than a meal.  This one was even more unique.

    I was invited to the house of Lazarus, Mary and Martha.  They are well known in town, especially now.  Lazarus has become something of a legend – I guess that is what happens when you are raised from the dead.  Everyone wants to see him, touch him and know that he is real.  Since my family has been friends with them for years, it just seems like old times to me.  They are the family you know will answer the door if you knock in the middle of the night. They can be counted on.  They carry such love and compassion that you can’t help but admire them.  To be invited to dinner was fun and something I couldn’t wait to take part.

    Martha made the most fantastic meal – though she is known for her ability to cook.  The aroma from her kitchen lets you know that this meal will be memorable.  She knows how to take fresh ingredients and put them together in such a way that your taste buds water just walking through the door.  She had been working on this meal all day.  You know just by the spread that she had on the table.  Martha is known for going all out, but she really outdid herself this night.  It was her offering to Jesus.  They seemed to know him so much better than most.  This family had been so close with Jesus for years.  I had only heard of him through whispers and gossip.  But to see him ride in on a donkey was quite different than I would have imagined.  He was definitely unique.

    After we finished the meal, Mary – she had held on to Jesus’ every word – did something I have not seen done before.  We are a modest family much like this one.  We have food to eat, but not a lot of extra for anything else.  Mary brings out the most fragrant, sweet perfume that I have ever smelled.  It was entrancing.  All eyes were on Mary – she stopped all conversation.  Martha had an offering of a meal.  Mary has an offering of anointing.  This perfume was pure and unique.  It was the kind you reserved for the best of the best – if you had it at all.  I felt like I was in the presence of royalty as she began to anoint Jesus’ feet and delicately, carefully wipe them with her hair.  It was an experience that took my breath away – such humility and love poured out with every movement.  She seemed to know something.  These 3 seemed to know something that none of the rest of us understood.  They seemed to be preparing Jesus for something.  I couldn’t put my finger on it, but it was like they knew this was the last time they would have dinner with him, ever.  It was as if they were preparing to see him for the last time.

    One of the men with Jesus had something to say about the cost of the perfume.  Jesus put him in his place pretty quickly.  This man apparently didn’t get what was going on.  He seemed to be even more clueless than I was.  All I can say is that this was the most powerful meal I had ever taken part.  This was a meal to remember.

    *As we move through Holy Week, on this Monday we remember the meal where Mary anointed Jesus’ feet. But I don’t want to forget the other offerings there as well.  We tend to focus solely on Mary’s anointing because it drew so much attention.  It was costly and it cost her to give of what she had to do this.  I am not dismissing the extravagance that she has gone through to prepare Jesus for what is ahead.  It is beautiful and moving.  But there is also the offering of Martha’s meal.  She had prepared for this day as well.  And there was the fellowship with Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus, that literally owed his life to Jesus.  This family had a special bond with Jesus that cannot be explained in words.  It is as if they understood him without him speaking a word.  The fellowship, the meal, the anointing – all offerings to the One that would soon make the ultimate sacrifice.  Jesus was not alone in this last journey – not at this meal.  His friends loved him and seemed to understand in some small way that there was more to come.

    What offerings do we have for Jesus on this Monday of Holy Week?  What do we have to give?  We may not think there is anything we have to offer – we are shut up in a home or confined to a job that is essential.  How can we give any sort of offering?  Maybe, just maybe, we give of what we have.  I think of Jesus teaching that when you have fed, clothed, sheltered, visited the least of these, you have done it for him.  While we might not visit in person, we can still check on others, encourage others, pray for others.  Love is possible even if not in person.  What offering do you have for Jesus?  When it comes from our heart, from a deep place of love – it is exactly what Jesus is seeking.  May our offerings bring love, hope and joy this Holy Monday.

    Blessings to you and your offerings!

    The focus scripture today is John 12:1-11

    12 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them[a] with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii[b] and the money given to the poor?” 6 (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it[c] so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” 9 When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.

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  • The Unexpected…Palm Sunday

    I woke my wife and kids early.  I had heard about this exciting day and did not want to miss it.  There was a sense of apprehension in the air.  So many people were in the city, gathering for the festival.   It was elbow to elbow at the market, trying to find the produce of the day.  This time is even more challenging because everyone is trying to prepare the same basic meals – it is the time of celebration of Passover.  Passover has always helped us to remember what God had done and a powerful reminder of what he could still do.  If only…if only this was not just an ordinary Passover.  If only things were different.  We are tired of bondage.  We are tired of the lack of freedom.  We are tired.  Just to hear from God one more time would be an answered prayer.  To hear something other than what we have been doing wrong would be a welcome message.

    Today, though, seems to have its own intrigue.  My neighbors tell me there is a prophet coming through town and many are gathering to welcome him.  Some rumor this may be the long awaited Messiah.  If it is, in fact, the Messiah, then he has a lot of work to do.  So much is wrong in our land.  Political powers will be difficult to tumble.  I don’t envy this position.  But I do find a little glimmer of hope…the butterflies gathering in the pit of my stomach as I consider the possibilities.  What if God really has sent the Messiah he promised?  What if this man really does have the answers?   What if this is really the day we meet the Anointed One?  What if…could it be…is there any way?  With all these questions, I decide that me and my family will gather and see for ourselves.

    So we dress and head out earlier than usual.  We want to get a good view – I hear the crowds will be thick today – like a parade in the center of town.  With some many in the city, that is definitely a possibility.  We find our way to the right spot.  My kids can see and experience.  We all want to catch a glimpse.  As I look around, I notice that people have brought cloths and palm leaves to lay down on the road.  Now I know something is going to happen today.  This is reserved for the best of the best.  In the excitement, I ask my wife and kids to stay where they are and hold my spot.  I run out to find palm leaves for us.  I don’t have to go far, the trees line the way.  So I grab one for each of us and bring them back.  The kids immediately start to try them out – they wave so beautifully in the air.  I have to remind them not to hit anyone with them.  They find they can divide the ends and watch all of it waive like fingers in the air.  They think it is funny to look like they are waiving their own hands with the palms.

    It wasn’t long until we hear the shouts.  He must be coming.  The excitement is electric.  We can hardly wait.  I am a little blown away as he comes into view.  It is a man on a donkey.  My first thought is that this doesn’t look so regal or powerful.  It all looks so…plain and ordinary.  He isn’t dressed in warrior’s clothes or even the clothes of a king.  He looks like me, like we could be family.  He doesn’t seem to be welcoming all of the praises but instead, he looks concerned.  The look on his face makes him appear as though he is a million miles away.  He isn’t at all what I pictured would be coming through.  He has a peaceful sense about him.  But we shout with the rest and waive our palm leaves.  I can’t keep my eyes off of him.  There is something about him…something so very different.  If he is the Messiah, he’s not like any I have read about or imagined.  This could be even more interesting than I originally thought.  I’m not sure this guy wants to conquer kingdoms.  He doesn’t even look like he’s ready for any battle at all.  Maybe we got it wrong…

    *Today is Palm Sunday.  It is a day that marks the beginning of Holy Week.  For this beginning, I wanted to take you there for just a moment.  What must it have been like on that first celebration?  It may not have been as clear as we want to make it.  It may not have been the celebration we think it would be.  Most had no clue what Jesus was about to do and why.  It was based really on a hope and a curiosity.  They needed something to believe in, that this life they were living would not always be like it was.  They wanted to a Savior, but weren’t sure what that even meant.  Sometimes, neither do we.

    I find myself in the crowd hoping for one thing but finding out that I don’t have it all figured out.  I don’t know everything about this man on a donkey.  I don’t fully understand what he was about to do.  They wanted a political redeemer.  We often want Jesus to be who we want him to be…to answer our prayers the way we want…to give us the things we think we need…to be there at our beckoned call for our every whim.  But what if Jesus is so much more?  What if we miss who he is because we haven’t decided who we want him to be?  What does it mean for Jesus to be the Christ…the Messiah…the long awaited one?  I think it means surrender.  I think it means giving ourselves to the ONE…completely.  Jesus is much more than they imagined on that first day…and he is so much more than we can imagine today.  On this Palm Sunday, I am reminded to simply surrender…my intentions, my notions, my ideas of who he is…surrender my life to Jesus.

    Happy Palm Sunday!

    The message today is based on Matthew 21:1-11

    21 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.[a]” 4 This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,

    5 “Tell the daughter of Zion,
    Look, your king is coming to you,
    humble, and mounted on a donkey,
    and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

    6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7 they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8 A very large crowd[b] spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,

    “Hosanna to the Son of David!
    Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
    Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

    10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”

     

    Note:  It is my intention to take this “family” I began writing about from the beginning through the week long journey of Holy Week.  Check out the writings for this week to follow the journey.

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