SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY

Category: General

  • The Feet…Maundy Thursday – Holy Week

    It is helpful to know that I do not care for feet.  I appreciate and am grateful to have them.  I know they give me freedom and allow me to travel.  I wash them before I enter people’s homes because it is customary.  I work to make sure they look okay considering I spend a lot of time outside.  I try very hard not to take them for granted.  But, they are feet.  Feet are generally just nasty.  They get dusty and dirty with every step.  So who would have ever thought I could actually learn something from them?  It is a lesson that is forever burned in my memory.  And I have to say – maybe I don’t dislike feet as much as I once did.  After all, how beautiful are the feet…

    It was dinner time and we were all gathered together, me included.  I felt like I belonged.  I had never felt this sense of being a part of something so big and yet so personal.  The joy that welled up inside while in the presence of this person was simply indescribable.  I couldn’t wait to hear what he had to say next.  And he always offered the unexpected.  I don’t think he ever did all of the customary traditions yet he always had a variation of the traditions that felt so pure.  He didn’t seem to buy into all the extra rules, but gave his own spin that made you stop and consider what you were doing.  Most of what he taught hit me later.  I would listen intently to what he said and during the night I would awaken to what he had actually said.  I know my spouse thought I had lost my mind as I would sit up and explain – REALLY?!  It was like a lightbulb would go off and I began, in some small simple way, to understand his teachings.

    This meal seems to be no exception.  During dinner, at the least expected time, came the least expected event.  Jesus gets up from his place as if he is on a mission.  He has something on his mind, you can tell.  He grabs a towel, the one that is used by the servants when you enter the home, and he ties it around his waist.  First of all, I have never seen that done except by an actual servant.  That job is one of those that no one actually signs up for.  They wash the feet of the important guests as they enter.  At my house, we wash our own feet but I also don’t remember any important guests entering my doorway either.  For Jesus to take this place is almost embarrassing.  A man of his caliber has no business even having to touch that towel, much less putting it on.  But here we are.  He takes the towel and puts it around his waist and begins to wash feet.  All I could think was – I’m really glad I am not near the center of the table right now – I’m not sure my feet should ever be washed by him.

    The first few people he washed seemed to be in shock but didn’t say anything.  There were no words.  He had spoken volumes without ever uttering a single vowel.  They seemed dumbfounded.  So was I.  Had I missed something?  Was this a new ritual?  Was there a change in roles?  I could not wrap my mind around it.  Everyone just patiently watched him until he got to Peter.  I don’t know Peter all that well, but I do know he says what he thinks.  He seems to lack a filter.  He is never mean nor rude, he just doesn’t give consideration to what he is about to say.  So the only one with words is, of course, Peter.  I have to give him credit, though.  He said what I was thinking.  He told Jesus that he wasn’t worthy for him to wash his feet.  Jesus had no business taking such a menial task.  He is the teacher, the guide, the prophet.  This is not what he should be doing.  Peter even was willing to wash Jesus’ feet if he would just stop.  You could tell Peter was a bit taken back.  I wanted to confirm what he was saying, but Jesus quickly stepped in.  Jesus told him he could not walk alongside of him if he did not wash his feet – basically that he just wasn’t getting it right now but if he was going to follow, this was what he had to learn.  So Peter told him to wash it all, every part of him – again carrying things a bit too far.  Jesus, in his kind way, simply told him that it only needed to be his feet for him to get it.  It was almost like – calm down Peter, you will get it if you just give it a minute and pay attention.

    Jesus finished washing feet, then gets up, takes off the towel and takes his place at the table.  I had no idea what just happened.  All I know is that I just witnessed this loving, gifted teacher wash his follower’s feet.  I can assure you that this has never happened before.  He took the time to explain.  But his explanation blew my mind just as much as the action.  He knew what he was doing.  He knew he was the teacher and that he had humbly taken on the role of the servant.  He wanted them to do the same for others.  And that was that.  He wanted them, and us, to do what he had just done.

    I went to bed that night with my head about to explode.  I didn’t get it.  What was the deal with washing feet?  Why would Jesus, such an important leader, do such a menial, humbling task?  And what did he mean by us doing the same?  It seems it has something to do with being a servant, helping others realize their worth, and remembering that everyone is equal.  Now, those are concepts that could change the world.

    Focus Scripture: John 13:1-17

    13 Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4 got up from the table,[a] took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet,[b] but is entirely clean. And you[c] are clean, though not all of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

    12 After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16 Very truly, I tell you, servants[d] are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

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  • I Belong…Wednesday of Holy Week

    I have to admit, I am getting accustomed to being around this group.  Sometimes I feel out of place – like an extra person that doesn’t belong or a third person in a courting ritual.  Judas, the one who invited me, assures me I am welcome.  So I tag along – mostly to spend time soaking it all in.  If I’m honest, after the experience I had with Jesus proclaiming the children of the light, I just can’t walk away.  I’m captivated by his presence.  It feels as though I have known him my entire life, yet it has only been a short time.  When he looks at me, it is a look I can’t really describe.  It almost sounds weird to say it, but it makes me feel worthy. I don’t know how a look can do this – but Jesus has it.

    This particular night, the mood was so somber and I felt as though I was a part of something that I was not ready for.  Jesus didn’t seem his usual self.  Something must have been on his mind.  He is always so caring and compassionate that I can’t remember him with this sense of heaviness.  It made me feel uneasy.  In the short time I had gotten to meet him, I had already begun to look to him for reassurance.  This was difficult.

    He said something about someone betraying him, like someone at dinner that night.  I thought to myself – they sure have some nerve showing up to dinner.  But the weight of the sentence slowly settled over me like a heavy wet blanket.  It seemed to take my breath away.  Someone would betray him – I had trouble focusing.  My mind went through a thousand scenarios of what this could even mean.  How would anyone do that?  Had these people not heard him?  Had they not felt his presence?  Had they not seen the love and compassion that he gave to everyone around?  What did they not get?  And how would anyone really do anything against him?  I know he made the people in charge mad (okay, he made them downright angry and violent) – but they weren’t here.  The people around this table were people like me.  We had all come because this was where we wanted to be.  We wanted to hear more, learn more, grow more.  We wanted to be here.

    I’ll never forget the very first dinner Judas invited me to with Jesus.  I was so intimidated.  I am an average worker, no one really knows who I am.  I make enough to feed my family and that is about it.  I’m not anyone special.  But Judas assured me – like he always did – that I would not feel out of place.  We had been friends since birth and I trusted him.  So I went.  I remember walking in and feeling as though I had been there before.  It was like walking into my grandparent’s home where the smell of the food brought such happiness as it filled my lungs.  It was the hug you always craved from family that loves you.  The fellowship was warm and inviting like sitting with old friends you haven’t seen in a while.  Jesus made me feel especially welcome.  He took the time to hear my story, to learn more about me.  And he never forgot my name.  Even today as I sit at this table, he knows my name.  This man that sees so many people every day knows who I am.  Somehow, I always feel invited to his table – no matter how I look or feel – no matter if I have just come out of the field or in the best clothes I have – whether I have had a chance to wash my feet or walk in without any proper preparation – I am always invited.  I feel like he welcomes me where I am – just like I am – no special presentation needed.

    I have to snap back to reality – to what is going on in this moment.  As Jesus announces that someone is going to betray him, someone at the table, I notice Peter and John whispering – and then talking to Jesus.  Jesus says something to my friend Judas.  He gets up, takes his stuff and leaves.  I wasn’t sure what to do.  Do I stay?  Do I need to leave since the one that invited me has left?  Judas didn’t look my way or give me any indication of what was happening.  For a moment, I once again felt out of place, like maybe I should leave.  But I looked at Jesus and in a split second, I knew I was right where I belonged.  I had a place at the table and he loved me.  He knew my name and I belonged.  I could stay – I was beginning to realize I really was a child of the Light.

    Focus scripture for today: John 13:21-30

    21 After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, “Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. 23 One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining next to him; 24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.”[g] So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot.[h] 27 After he received the piece of bread,[i]Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “Do quickly what you are going to do.” 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival”; or, that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.

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  • 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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  • 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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  • The Value of Difficult Scriptures

    There are often scriptures that make us uncomfortable – those that make us wonder what this is trying to tell us and if it means anything for us today.

    Lamentations is one of those books…most of us would prefer to skip it over.  Who wants to hear about a person in difficulty, going through really tough time, struggling to make it?  We have enough problems of our own and we don’t want to hear about someone else’s… But there is value in hearing about the struggles of those in the scripture.  There is something about learning of the struggles and how they overcame…or didn’t.  It can remind us that we are not alone in whatever we go through.  It can let us know that our current situation is only but for a moment – even if those moments seem to last forever.  And we can be reminded that God does not leave those that suffer – he does not leave them in their distress or in their celebrations.  God is with us, no matter our situations.

    In this book, the author is struggling with the destruction of Jerusalem.  Their place of worship, their identity, their home has been destroyed.  Who they are has been trampled upon.  They look around and see nothing familiar because it is all war torn…destruction envelopes their very being.  There are children starving, people dying, and no place to turn.  The situation for so many seems hopeless.  In Lamentations, there is a cry out to God…a tension of whether God cares…a wondering if God will ever help them again…a really feeling of abandonment.  It is a place where the people are not sure where God is or if they are even his people…whatever that means.  They are searching for identity.  They are searching for rescue.  They are searching for answers.  And they are not finding any.  It is a long, difficult road – and while they know they have broken promises…is God even in the middle of this anymore?  Does God even care?  Has God simply forsaken them and left them to die?

    For the first two chapters and the beginning of the third, this is the essence, the searching, and the longing.  It is difficult to read, yet we might just find a home in the middle of the mess.  We might recognize what is going on.  We might find we identify, at least in some part, with the struggles of those that lament.  In chapter 3, the author is struggling with those that mock him for calling on God…those that have overtaken and destroyed the land…seeking to deflate the people…those that once had a strong name and served a powerful God…they are disgraced in the face of their enemies.  What do they do now?  What do we do when all we see are ruins where once there was beauty?  What do we do with our lives when things not only didn’t turn out right…but turned out real wrong?  Where do we go when our world continually gets hit…time after time after time…bad news, horrifying situations, indescribable pain?  What do we do in the middle of it all?

    And that is where today’s scripture comes in.  That is where a little glimmer shows up…a little bitty light in the midst of a dark storm that has wiped our entire lives out…a welcome light in the middle of a night that has lasted way too long.  Lamentations 3:19-26.

    Now as we hear these words, I want to remind you that this is in the middle of the struggle…there has not been any changes to the situation…there have not been rescues or redemption or some awe inspiring revelations.  The author has struggled and then…all of a sudden…at just the right time…he calls something to mind.  Something deep in him reminds him of something he had forgotten.  Deep down in the memory, there is something that appears and brings that glimmer.  He writes…I call to mind…in other words, I remember.  And in remembering, something changes.  There is hope that was not there that appears…shows up…begins to change him…not the situation.  A hope that is so small, yet so powerful.  What does he call to mind?  What is it that he remembers?

    He writes…the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases…his mercies never come to an end…they are new every morning…great is your faithfulness…the Lord is my portion (that’s what his soul tells him)…therefore he hopes in God.  Wow!  What a remarkable glimmer of hope in an otherwise difficult, horrible situation!  Just a little hope can turn things around when that hope is in God.  And by turn things around, I don’t mean what is going on around him, the situation…I mean what is going on inside.  This is a hope that abides even when all circumstances seem out of control and in destruction.  This hope comes because of the steadfast love, the mercy of God.  God is faithful.  Even when we do not experience him…even when we do not understand…even when we look around and wonder where he is in all of this…even when we feel like we are abandoned…God’s steadfast love does not end…his mercy is new every morning…great is his faithfulness!

    That is an amazing hope that does not answer any of our questions or alleviate the suffering…but at least begins to help us to move forward…to seek what God is up to…to trust that he is still with us.  When we can be reminded…either by our memory…or by others that love us and are with us…we can find hope…God does not leave us.

    And that is still not all…The Lord is good.  But this goodness comes in both waiting and seeking.  The author finds God’s goodness in waiting and seeking.  If we are continually held down in our distress, we may miss what is right before us.  We may not seek if we are so captured by our struggles.  To simply stop…wait…and seek.  God is here.  God is present.  God has not left us.  God is still good.

    None of these are easy answers and I’m glad.  Easy answers and cliché sayings offer little or no comfort when we are in the type of distress that the author has been describing.  Long term, these do not offer true hope or help or answers.  They are good things to help us through a small, quick struggle.  But when we get caught up in the mire…the mud…the overwhelming despair, we need real answers.  And this is where the hard work pays off…we begin to remember that we will not understand it all.  We remember that God calls us to wait…to seek…to simply be.  His mercies are new every morning…even though the night seems to have lasted for weeks on end.  His steadfast love is greater than any of our distress…even when we are not sure of it looking around.  God is faithful.

    Where is your hope?  Maybe today is the day to begin to dig down deep…to remember…to wait…to seek.  God just might be offering us a glimmer of hope that we did not even know existed.

  • Don’t MISS the party because of the guests!

    Who invited them?  Have you ever walked into a birthday party or social event, looked around the room, and found unexpected people there?  Most of us would wonder…who invited that person?  Why is he here?  Who told her about it?  We can be caught off guard when the event we thought was happening ends up with different people than we had envisioned.  Now, I know not all of you are introverts…but for those that are…what do you begin to do? My guess is that you start checking out where the table is, who you could sit with and who you are most likely to carry on some sort of a conversation with…how you can avoid sitting in the middle of everything and go fairly unnoticed.  It is likely you already had that planned before you arrived and with unexpected people, you have to re-adjust…and you don’t like re-adjusting.  To throw another surprise into the room, the person you thought was the honoree actually isn’t…the party isn’t for who you thought…you can likely feel your eyes roll in the back of your head.  If you have already been seen and there is no easy escape route, you look for the seat closest to the door with the least noticeable people so that a trip to the restroom can turn into getting lost and accidentally getting in your car and heading home.

    For others of you…you might find a way to have a good time anyway when you see unexpected people.  I mean, you can socialize with anyone so this won’t stop you.  You will find the fun group to sit with, enjoy the company…you bring the party with you anyway.  All is good until you find that the person being recognized is not what you thought and this event isn’t at all what it was supposed to be.  You are likely frustrated and you make sure you talk loud enough about it so that those within ear shot know how ridiculous you think all this is.  You will have a harder time leaving unnoticed because, well, you are noticed.  But you can make a statement if you do have to leave. Things aren’t always as they seem…sometimes life happens, events change, and our world has to be…re-adjusted.

    Eric found himself in a similar situation.  He hears about this amazing event, THE event of the year.  He has a place of honored guest.  There is the best of the best there.  The best food, the best music, the best people…this is THE place to be.  This event was put together as a celebration, a festival…something wonderful has happened and the whole community needs to hear.  There is a special guest and an award.  This will be awesome.  Eric’s invitation shows that he gets to sit at the head table with the special guest.  Eric IS somebody at this event and that intrigues him.  He can’t turn down the invitation – this is just too good to pass up.  His desk is overloaded with work and he has other things to do…but this, this he makes time for.  He jumps in his SUV, heads over to the place and finds a parking spot just for him.  It IS awesome!  He gets out and he sees one of his friends, they decide to walk in together.  Neither of them has heard who the honored guest is…but as soon as Eric walks in, he sees him – all the way from across the room.  It is him and he can’t believe it.  Eric thinks the best thing for him to do is to turn around and leave NOW.  This will not end well.  The host of the party…the one that sent the invitation…the person that wanted Eric there runs after him…Eric continues to leave…he can’t believe this party is for this guy…and it is not happening today, not with Eric there.  This guy doesn’t deserve a party or an invitation or even to be in town…this guy is a loser, a nobody, a complete and utter mess up. What Eric missed in the whole thing was…this party wasn’t even about that guy…this party was about the host…but Eric doesn’t understand that as he speeds away in his SUV.  Eric missed the party because he didn’t understand the invitation.

    This story of Eric, I adapted from the scripture I would like for you to read, maybe in a new and different way… Luke 15:1-2, 11-32.

    Notice that Jesus is telling a story in response to something that has happened.  This is the 3rdstory in the series, and likely the most well-known.  In the audience were:  tax collectors, sinners, Pharisees and scribes…and likely the disciples which may have fit in one of the first 2 categories.  The religious leaders were frustrated and upset that Jesus is welcoming sinners and eating with them.  How dare he!  Remember that table fellowship is sacred and you wouldn’t want to be unclean by eating with the wrong people.  So in order to answer that, Jesus tells the stories.  This 3rdstory is what we call the parable of the prodigal son.

    In most cases, we tell and hear the story from the prodigal son’s perspective.  And he is one of the main characters in the story.  The prodigal son insults his family, disgraces the family name, disrespects the land that is considered given by God, and spends his time doing things which are…well, less than acceptable.  He likely makes friends but only keeps them when he has money.  When the money runs out…and it always does if you spend it without care…he takes a job that is…disgusting.  It is disgusting not because of the work, but because of his faith and heritage.  He continues to disrespect and forget all that he is…he loses himself in it all, not just the money.  He returns home and Dad does more than he should…he disgraces himself to run to his son to embrace him.  Note that Zaccheus was the last person we looked at that was willing to disgrace himself by running in order to see Jesus…The son simply wants to be a slave, a servant, to have decent food and a place to lay his head.  The father gives him more than he deserved, more than he could ever earn, more than anyone should be given by worldly standards…he gets his sonship. He gets to be a son…something he had thrown away, squandered, trampled, and set on fire…enjoying the flames at a campfire.

    The second person in the story is, of course, the father.  He is willing to let the son go off and do what he will.  He doesn’t know that this son will ever return.  But every day, he goes out and looks down the road for the son to return…though he continues to be disappointed day by day.  Then…one day…it happens.  His son returns and he takes off running down the road to give him the biggest bear hug ever.  His son is back and it is a joyful day to celebrate!  His son will not be a slave or servant…he is a son and a son he shall be.  The father gives reckless grace in the face of a disaster…his son.

    The third person…the older son.  We don’t often like to talk about him.  We love the idea that the prodigal son is loved so much and given a place back in the family.  We hear and feel that warmth, that embrace, that welcome despite the mess that we are.  We rejoice over the amazing grace of the father that overwhelms not only the son, but us, as the reader.  We hear that the father has extravagant love for a sinner such as I.  We want the story to just end with the feast.  That would make it easier.  But that isn’t where Jesus ended the story.  Remember, Jesus is answering the issue of him welcoming and eating with sinners.

    It is the older son that makes us uncomfortable, most likely.  This son is…well…seemingly justified and we don’t know what to do with that.  This son, the older, arrives to the feast…the party…the event that is THE festival.  It is a party unlike any other.  The problem is that this son isn’t the honored guest.  This son…the good one…the one that never left his father…the one that didn’t stomp on his heritage…the one that was faithful even when it was hard…the one that put in the long hours and cared for his family…the one that was the responsible one…this is the one that doesn’t get a party…not even so much as a little birthday cake.  The delinquent, wayward, irresponsible younger son is the one that gets the big event…the good son gets – NOTHING?  He is furious.  And we are uncomfortable with this story because we would be too.  He did everything right, how dare the father do something for the son that disrespected him.  Did the father not understand?  Was the father playing favorites?  What do we do with this?  We want to drive away in our SUV and tell them to have a great time without us!

    The problem, though, is that the son that stayed…the one that never left his father’s side…the one that was faithful through it all…he missed it.  What he saw was a party for his brother that didn’t deserve anything except a swift kick in the rear.  What he saw was a big celebration like no other for the son that had basically spit on the entire family in an attempt to get his way.  What he missed was HIS place at the party.  What he missed was the FATHER.  He could have missed the love because his envy, his jealousy, his anger consumed him in an effort to prove he was the better child and deservedthe best.

    What he missed was that he didn’t earn his place at the party any more than the younger son.  What he missed was that while he was born a son he was not perfect.  What he missed was that despite all that he had done right, that didn’t mean he got the best place at the head table as an honored guest.  He got all that he had BECAUSE OF THE FATHER.  He wanted to compare his place with others at the table without recognizing that he had a valued place at the table given to him by the one that loved him more than he could imagine.  He wanted to prove his worth as better,  when actually his worth was given to him by grace not by works.  He got a place at the most extravagant table because he was loved…just like his brother.

    And why not welcome everyone to the table?  Why not have a seat for his brother?  Who was he to judge who could sit at the table…it wasn’t his table, it wasn’t his feast?  It was the father’s to give and he was given a place because all that the father had, he was willing to give.  He was chosen and loved and welcomed.  But he was willing to walk away from the table because he didn’t like who was on the guest list.

    Are you grateful to be at the table?  Have you decided who will be there…who is on the invited list…who will be gathered around…who is in and who is out…who is better, who is worthy, who is the deserving? If you think you know who is invited, you might be shocked.  But instead of looking around the room, maybe you pull up a seat, take your place, and thank the Lord that he gave you a place…not because you earned or deserved it…but because you were loved more than you could ever imagine.  Maybe you start telling people about the table rather than judging who is worthy.  Welcome to the party…Jesus is throwing the most extravagant bash you could ever imagine…and I can’t wait to see who is there!

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  • Has it really been that long?

    The waters of baptism washed over me as I stood before the congregation I would serve, with my friend at my side and my father at the pulpit.  It is a day I will never forget.  The flood of memories overwhelm me like the feeling of the warm water.  I remember the gift of a study Bible, the people that laid hands on me to pray over me as I began this journey, the feeling of being loved.  On March 9, 2004, I was baptized by my friend Lynn Taylor and Ordained as a Baptist Minister, a service led by my father, Jerry Mitchell.

    There have been many days that I have questioned the calling, wondering if I heard incorrectly.  I have tried to do other things in the ministry.  I have felt like Job as I have walked away from the pulpit and thought that this was not for me.  But there have been many more days that I have been overwhelmed by God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness.  He has allowed me to walk with people in their journeys of celebration and grief.  I have sat at the table with people I now consider family.

    LaGrange First Missionary has always and will always hold a very special place in my heart and in the heart of my wife and children.  They took a chance on me when they could have chosen otherwise.  They loved me and accepted me and welcomed me into their lives.  They gave me grace when I messed up and walked with me through my own struggles.  I am forever grateful to God for giving me the privilege of serving this congregation…for I saw God in more ways that I can count as a result.

    I am grateful that God continued to be patient with me as I took a sabbatical.  I needed the time to breathe but that was difficult for my family.  I needed to be ministered to, but it is difficult to let go.  God worked through all of that in amazing ways.  He gave me the opportunity to complete a Master of Divinity degree at a school that taught me to think critically and love fiercely.  Campbell Divinity School was the right choice for me and I knew it from the first day I stepped on campus.  It was a place of learning and healing.

    I am grateful for Northeast FWB for allowing me to serve as an Interim.  It was a beautiful experience that gave me the chance to celebrate Advent and Christmas with a congregation that was welcoming and kind to this traveler.

    Today, I serve at Trinity Missionary Baptist.  Beginning as Interim, my intention was to remain interim.  God had other plans.  Four years ago, I accepted the interim position.  In July, I will have been the Pastor at Trinity for four years.  God directed and I did my best to be obedient.  I was hesitant, not because of Trinity but because of Brad.  I love with my everything but that doesn’t always reflect in the ways I serve.  I wasn’t sure I had enough to give Trinity.  I can say that Trinity has also been kind and gracious to me.  They have given me the opportunity to pursue my Doctor of Ministry degree.  They have supported the ways that I have felt God leading.  They have loved me despite me.  Together, we have become better.  I pray God continues to work in it all.

    As I write this, I am overwhelmed by the opportunity to serve God as a minister.  I cannot believe he chose to use me, but I am grateful he did.  I pray that I can continue to serve as he would have me to serve.  I pray that I will love as he teaches me to love.  I pray I can show others what it means to follow, no matter the cost.  I pray I can be his hands and feet.  15 years later, I say…”Lead on, God…Lead on.”

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  • Sidelined…

    Sometimes we just get sidelined.  Despite our best efforts…even in the case of the best planning…no matter how much we prepare…there are times when things don’t go as planned.  That’s probably a kind, gentle way of putting it.  It feels more like someone took our plans, shredded them, and stuffed a piñata with them.  Now, we just want to take the stick and beat that piñata for all we are worth.  But those are just my thoughts about it.

    Sidelines occur without expectation and can throw us off balance.  Examples…The car “check engine” light decides to not only shine…but decides to wink continuously…an alert to let you know that its life is on the edge of the abyss.  An assignment you had forgotten about is now due…and you have to rework your entire day to make sure it gets done.  A family member needs to go to the doctor and you are the only one that can take him…so you change your plans.  A relationship that was going fine is now not going so fine…and the tension is so thick you can cut it with a knife.  There are more days in the month than money in your bank account.  You get the point…there are many different types of sidelines…they happen and they can whip us.

    For me, the season of Lent reminds me of one great big sideline.  Jesus is teaching and healing and guiding.  He is showing people what it means to love.  He is seeing people that have never been truly seen before.  He is offering life…an abundant life that doesn’t equate to things but to valuables such as peace, joy, and hope.  He is making a difference.  But a series of events leads him down a different path.  He begins a journey that will lead him to the cross.  The 40 day trek I take at Lent reminds me that his journey was filled with heartache and disappointment, betrayal and torture.  Yet, Jesus teaches me a lesson about being sidelined.

    When his life pointed toward the cross…when his daily life and teachings were turned upside down…how did Jesus handle it?  He kept his eyes focused on his calling and kept doing what he was sent to do.  He did not allow those sidelines to distract him from his mission, from his purpose, from his love.  Even when he knew that death was imminent, he stayed the course.

    That teaches me that when life sidelines me…when things are thrown at me…when it seems that the problems of this life are the weight of a heavy wet blanket…smothering me and holding me down…I must stay the course, focus on the purpose, follow God, and never give up.  Sidelines are not the finish line…they cannot change who I am or what I am called to do.  They may hurt, they may cripple, they may frustrate…but they will not stop the path for which I have been called to travel.

    So when you are sidelined…keep moving forward… The One that was sidelined for his love is the same One that will love us when we get sidelined.

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  • The *POP*

    I either say way too much…or I don’t say nearly enough.  There is no happy medium with me.  I’m not sure why.  You would think that I would learn lessons or at least get some idea when it is going off the rails.  But I seem oblivious to the fact that what is coming out of my mouth should be stopped, halted, abbreviated, or unspoken. 

    This morning, I was cooking breakfast, and something popped in the pan.  I jumped back immediately. It certainly put me on alert.  My first thought was…WOW – I could use that pop when I’m about to say something I shouldn’t or when I fail to say something I should.  You know, that jolt that shocks you enough you jump back.  That pop my mom probably wanted to give me across the mouth when I said something that I should not have (there were plenty of moments for that growing up). 

    Now, don’t think that I am sitting around analyzing my conversations…I have way too much to do for that…and that would just stress me out even more.  I am more describing that feeling right after a conversation.  And I don’t mean the conversations I have when I am focused, and the discussions are meaningful.  I am talking about the sitting around just chit-chatting type of talk…the discussions where I am not really thinking and just talking.  I end up thinking of all the unnecessary things I have said…the “filler” type of talk – the air that would be better used to blow up a balloon.  I think of the important things I should have said but didn’t because so much time was spent on useless discussion. 

    I bring this up it reminds me to be a little more intentional.  I am reminded that my days and my relationships are precious.  It helps me to think about how I have the gift of spending time with others and I shouldn’t waste it.  There should be plenty of laughing and encouraging…there should be joy and celebration.  There should be a time for grieving together and a time for just sitting and saying nothing.  There should be time for enjoying the presence of others without having to fill it with hot air better left unsaid. 

    Maybe…just maybe…if I am intentional…I will find that *pop* at just the right time and remember that this day, this opportunity, this friendship is a gift and I will treat it as such.  And maybe I will treasure the moments.  And maybe I will blow up a balloon with the rest of the hot air.

     

    five assorted balloons
    Photo by Padli Pradana on Pexels.com