SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY

Category: Humility

  • Walk…humbly

    It is bound to happen.  It happens even to the best of us.  It wasn’t our intention.  We didn’t seek it out.  It wasn’t part of the plan – it just happens.  One day we are reading and studying the Bible and the next, we are going off of what we think it says.  If you grew up in church like I did, you automatically have ideas about the stories contained in the Bible.  If you didn’t grow up in church, you may have ideas of what you have heard or it can just seem like a jumbled group of stories thrown under a cover called the Bible.  And if we are honest, even if we grew up in church, we can feel like it is a jumbled group of stories.  We have big ideas of who God is and what all God would be pleased with.  We may try to figure this out and live our lives according to a set of rules we have pulled out of the scripture to best fit where we are.  We may even feel we are on the right track.  

    This may be all well and good.  This may be okay for a season.  But it is not sufficient if we plan to continue to follow God.  God may not change but we sure do.  And the more we face adversity, we tend to become more defensive, more angry and more determined.  When we are faced with challenges, we may not approach those the best.  Sometimes we feel like we are standing on the promises but all we really are standing on is a set of beliefs we have compiled to justify what we think and feel – and then use to beat others down. Somehow, this doesn’t seem right.  Yet, all too many of us do it.  Believe like me or you are wrong – we seem to say.  Think like me or you are a sinner – we seem to proclaim.  Worship like me or you are doing it wrong.  We hold our banners high but really might find we are flying the wrong flag.  

    But this isn’t new.  This didn’t start in 2020.  This didn’t become a thing recently.  People of faith have often found a way of vigilant, if not violent ways in order to prove correctness.  Our history is full of it.  And it is horrible.  But what do we do?  It seems so simple yet can be one of the most difficult things to do – we go back to the Bible and see what God has to say.  And what he has to say might just stop us in our tracks.

    I want to read 2 sections from 2 different prophets in the Old Testament.  Israel thinks they are getting it right.  They feel good about where they are.  There is prosperity in the land.  Things are going great for them.  Surely God is all over it.  And then…surprise.  God isn’t pleased at all.  Yet they didn’t listen.  I wonder if we will.

    The first is from Amos 5:18-24

    18 Alas for you who desire the day of the Lord!
        Why do you want the day of the Lord?
    It is darkness, not light;
    19     as if someone fled from a lion,
        and was met by a bear;
    or went into the house and rested a hand against the wall,
        and was bitten by a snake.
    20 Is not the day of the Lord darkness, not light,
        and gloom with no brightness in it?

    21 I hate, I despise your festivals,
        and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.
    22 Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings,
        I will not accept them;
    and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals
        I will not look upon.
    23 Take away from me the noise of your songs;
        I will not listen to the melody of your harps.
    24 But let justice roll down like waters,
        and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

    And the second is Micah 6:6-8

    6 “With what shall I come before the Lord,
        and bow myself before God on high?
    Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
        with calves a year old?
    7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
        with ten thousands of rivers of oil?
    Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
        the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
    8 He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
        and what does the Lord require of you
    but to do justice, and to love kindness,
        and to walk humbly with your God?

    What is going on in these scriptures?  They both echo what is often spoken by the prophets in many of the scriptures.  This serves as a warning.  It is an eye opener.  It is meant to wake the people so they become the people of God.  But it is harsh.  It hurts.  There is nothing easy about these words.  They are difficult and cut to the core.  

    I hear God tell the Israelites that they are getting the worship part right but their lives are a mess.  They are doing what is right when they enter their places of worship, but messing it all up from there.  They are dirty on the inside but clean up real pretty for worship.  They put on the garments of glory for worship but those same garments are stained and dirty.  Here is the bottom line in these scriptures:  How you conduct your life matters.  What you do every day matters to God.  How you treat people matters.  What you do with your time, talents, gifts and service mean something.  You don’t get to live unethically and pretend it is okay. You don’t get to cheat and lie and feel good about yourself.  You don’t have the option of treating your neighbor poorly and justify it.  Those waters of justice and the streams of righteousness just might wash us out.  They may be the torrential rains that carries us downstream.

    We hear the instructions from God.  We hear that we are to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.  And we are willing to do it if it means we are right.  We only buck the system when it benefits us.  But what about standing for those who can’t stand?  What about being the voice of those who have no voice?  When do we do that?  

    We have heard about justice.  We have talked about kindness.  But this morning, I want to consider what it means to walk humbly with God.  To walk humbly means we don’t step ahead of God.  We don’t try to take his spot.  We don’t try to decide what God wants by making people do what we want.  We don’t step ahead of the leader and our only leader being God.  We walk humbly, acknowledging that we are here because God has put us here and loves us.  We walk humbly, not thinking more of ourselves than we should.  We walk humbly so that we can welcome others on the journey.  We walk…but we walk with God.  We do not walk alone and we do not walk as though we are God.  

    To walk humbly is being willing to accept that we may not always be right.  There may be some things we have missed.   There are some things we just do not understand.  That is okay.  It is okay because we are to walk with God.  We don’t have to be right all the time.  We are human.  We will mess up.  God doesn’t.  So when we walk humbly with him, he directs our steps in the right way.  There is something about letting God direct our way.  We can’t become hateful when we are walking with God.  He is directing our paths, not us.  

    To walk humbly means we are looking at ourselves and checking ourselves rather than making judgments about others.  We don’t need to point out the faults of others.  If looked at our own faults, that is enough to keep us busy.  God is working on us when we walk humbly.  And we need to understand he is also working on others.  We are not God.  We worry about us and let God take care of the rest.  We listen to the things God is telling us.  That will be more than sufficient for us to walk humbly.

    Lastly, walking humbly means we welcome others to walk with us.  We are following God, after all.  It means we don’t have the answers, we just know who does.  We don’t need to figure it all out.  All we need to do is follow and invite others to walk with us.  That IS the church – a group of folks walking humbly with God together!

    God is calling us to move forward – with him.  Join in, humbly walking with him.  We will be changed.  Maybe we give up our idea of correctness to walk with him in the only way possible – humbly – Loving God and loving others.  May it begin with me.

  • A Call to Christians PT 2 – Faith Defined by Stones

    It can be really difficult for us to hear the call to put down our stones.  While on the surface, it sounds so easy – give up your anger, rage, hatred, and divisions.  Give all of that up and gather together to work for the good of those called according to God’s purpose.  It sounds great – even makes me feel great to write it.  But for some, it is the most frightening thing that could be asked of many Christians. 

    Our faith can easily become defined by the stones we carry.  We hold so tight to those stones that when pushed, they make our hands bleed – but we would never consider putting them down.  Stones make us comfortable.  They are our security pieces.  They have made us who we are and how dare we become challenged to give that up.  Stones become our closest friends.  And when pushed, we just gather bigger stones until our hands are full and we feel good about ourselves.  

    Stones enable us to feel better about ourselves.  If I can condemn you and show you all the things you do wrong, then I feel better about me.  We begin to think… “at least I am not doing that” or “look at how wrong he is”.  I become the hero, the good one, the chosen.  We begin to sit from our mighty stone thrones and cast judgment on those who don’t follow our rules.  We banish people who refuse to carry our stones.  The stones have become the bedrock of our faith – not Jesus.  But this was not the original intention.  

    I often have people tell me that I should preach more about hell and less about love.  I am always taken back at this comment, no matter how many times I hear it.  But I get it – condemnation is comforting for those who feel good about where they are sitting.  And it helps others feel bad for not agreeing.  But for me, I have to look at the life of Jesus.  I don’t recall Jesus gathering prostitutes, tax collectors and sinners around the table to tell them to get their life straight or they were going to hell.  It seems to me that the fact he was even willing to sit around the table speaks more welcome than anything else.  And all the words to them speak abundant love.  I don’t hear condemnation or judgment.  I hear love.  Where I do hear Jesus get angry is at the religious folk – those carrying stones.  I do hear Jesus telling them they can’t hear his message because they are so stuck in theirs.  I hear Jesus tell those who dragged a woman before him to put down their stones of contempt and judgment.  And I hear non-judgment for the woman.  I hear love. 

    When we become defined as Christians by our judgment, condemnation and divisiveness in the name of our faith – we have a faith built with stones.  Jesus said we should be known by our love.  The only way is to let those stones crumble to dust right before your eyes.  This is only done with the love of Christ.  It will be hard.  It will challenge us to our core.  It will change how we approach our faith.  It is not about compromising what we believe – it is about finding out how those beliefs are wrapped in love.  

    May our stones crumble to dust – and may others see our love.  May we welcome to the table.  We don’t need those stones, Christians.  Our hearts can be filled with the love of Christ.  Live as the beloved.

    Focus Scripture:

    Luke 18:9-14

    9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”

  • 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.

    Greatest Among You

  • 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