Last night, I visited a home that our Home Repair Team and others have been working on since last fall. It all started with Becci Pryor driving by the small house and noticing that the front window was badly cracked and broken. Each time she drove by, she felt all the more compelled to inquiry about the window. Finally, she got up the courage to knock on the stranger's door. A small woman less than 5 foot nothing answered the door. She had long silver hair and she couldn't have been much more than 90 pounds wet. Her name was Elsie.
Elise had lived there for too many years to remember and as she hesitantly introduced herself, Becci saw that Elsie's need was much greater than a new front window. Elsie's deceased husband was a "pack rat". He filled the house and the yard with his garage sale and flee market finds. There was a path from the door to the only chair which Elise has and which she uses to sit and sleep. The only heat she had was an old Kerosene heater that has turned the ceilings and walls black over the years. She cooked on a small stove outside, which was also where her refrigerator was. The font porch was severly damaged and pouring water into the house. Becci came to ask about a window and left seeing a fellow human being living in conditions that no one should and from there the journey began.
On our "Don't Go to Church, Be the Church Day," a team began the project by replacing the broken window and clearing the yard. The improvement was so noticeable that the Mayor caught wind of the transformation and stopped by along with neighbors to thank the team.
This month the project picked up a gain by removing the porch that was leaking into the house and full of mold. And then, Elise, invited us into her home (This shows hom much she has come to trust Dave and Becci. Our Home Repair team is no longer merely fixing a house they are building a relationship). Last night I watched as the team filled up the third large dumpster and a trailer of trash. Elsie no longer has to step over her deceased husbands "treasures". She will now have the space to even have a bed...after only God knows how many years, she will be able to sleep in a bed. Of course, as the trash went out, it uncovered more work to be done... the floor in desperate need of repair, walls need to be redone and the ceiling needs to be patched.
How far do we go, "Becci asked me?" In a project like this, that is no small question to ask. For now, we decided we would clean out the main living area and not even open the door to the two bedrooms which are filled with items from floor to ceiling. Instead, now that a good relationship has been built with Elise we'll see what she can afford and what she wants to do about making the main living area, clean and livable.
When I met Elsie last night, I saw a little, elderly lady with a bright smile and a good sense of humor. It would be easy to look at Elise and assume we have the right to judge her for the condition of her home, but I guess the more you follow Jesus the more you realize that the right to judge is something you and I are called upon to release to Jesus. After all, I can look at Elise and assume what and why, but only Jesus can look at Elise and know what and why. Instead of judging, I greatly respect our Home Repair Team's decision to see a need and go far!
How far do you go, Becci? I guess as far as your team will help you? How far do we go to help others see, touch, and hear the love of Jesus where they live? I think Jesus summed it up best..."If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles."
To learn more about how you can go the extra mile for Elise contact Becci Pryor at BBCOVEFARM@msn.com and thank you to all of you who already have!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
"The Other Side"
Luke 8:
22One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. 23As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
24The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!"
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25"Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples.
In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."
The Sea (Lake of Galilee) is a very moody body of water that can be given over to quick and fierce storms. For instance, in the 1990's it produced 5-7 foot waves...that is huge for the small body of water it is. One day Jesus and his disciples were crossing the lake and storm like that broke loose. Even though the waves tossed the little boat all around Jesus slept. Finally, the disciples wake him up saying, "Do something or we are all going to die!" Jesus wakes up, asks them where their faith is and calms the storm.
I relate to the disciples. How about you? The storms of life come and I react..."O, no...What are we going to do? What if the worst happens? We're all going to die!" Panic, worry, fear, stress, irritability...these are familiar emotions when our little boat is being mercilessly tossed to and fro.
And then, there is Jesus...sleeping...(ever feel like Jesus is sleeping when he should be doing something? ...Me too). Jesus is sleeping...why? Because he knew what he told the disciples, but they forgot. What did Jesus tell them before they boarded the boat? Look at verse 22 again...One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake."
Did you catch that? That is why Jesus slept in the storm and that is why the disciples did not have to panic. Why is that? Because Jesus told them before they left that they were going to go to the other side. Before they set sail Jesus confirmed that they would arrive at the other side. The storm did not change the promise of God...storm or no storm Jesus said they were going to the other side and that meant they were going to the other side.
However, the disciples forgot that. When the storm came all they could see were 7 foot waves, dark clouds and them sinking to the bottom of the sea. And so they panic and in turn Jesus asks, "Where is your faith?" He had told them they were going to the other side. Why did they trust the threat of the storm more than the promise of his word? May be that is a good question for you and me? Why do we trust the storms of life more than the promise of God's word that says, "Storm or no storm with him we will always get to the other side." It does not mean bad things won't happen. It just means that we have God's promise that if we follow him then no matter what happens some way and some how he will get us to the other side.
The next time you find your self struggling in the midst of a storm, even though it is difficult, ask God to help you remember what he said before you set sail, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." Jesus would not have told you he was going to take you to the other side if he did not intend to fulfill his promise.
22One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and set out. 23As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
24The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!"
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25"Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples.
In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."
The Sea (Lake of Galilee) is a very moody body of water that can be given over to quick and fierce storms. For instance, in the 1990's it produced 5-7 foot waves...that is huge for the small body of water it is. One day Jesus and his disciples were crossing the lake and storm like that broke loose. Even though the waves tossed the little boat all around Jesus slept. Finally, the disciples wake him up saying, "Do something or we are all going to die!" Jesus wakes up, asks them where their faith is and calms the storm.
I relate to the disciples. How about you? The storms of life come and I react..."O, no...What are we going to do? What if the worst happens? We're all going to die!" Panic, worry, fear, stress, irritability...these are familiar emotions when our little boat is being mercilessly tossed to and fro.
And then, there is Jesus...sleeping...(ever feel like Jesus is sleeping when he should be doing something? ...Me too). Jesus is sleeping...why? Because he knew what he told the disciples, but they forgot. What did Jesus tell them before they boarded the boat? Look at verse 22 again...One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake."
Did you catch that? That is why Jesus slept in the storm and that is why the disciples did not have to panic. Why is that? Because Jesus told them before they left that they were going to go to the other side. Before they set sail Jesus confirmed that they would arrive at the other side. The storm did not change the promise of God...storm or no storm Jesus said they were going to the other side and that meant they were going to the other side.
However, the disciples forgot that. When the storm came all they could see were 7 foot waves, dark clouds and them sinking to the bottom of the sea. And so they panic and in turn Jesus asks, "Where is your faith?" He had told them they were going to the other side. Why did they trust the threat of the storm more than the promise of his word? May be that is a good question for you and me? Why do we trust the storms of life more than the promise of God's word that says, "Storm or no storm with him we will always get to the other side." It does not mean bad things won't happen. It just means that we have God's promise that if we follow him then no matter what happens some way and some how he will get us to the other side.
The next time you find your self struggling in the midst of a storm, even though it is difficult, ask God to help you remember what he said before you set sail, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." Jesus would not have told you he was going to take you to the other side if he did not intend to fulfill his promise.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
"No More Chipmunks"
This past Christmas, I was feeling nostalgic so I purchased the Chipmunks Christmas CD. I figured the kids would enjoy it and I would enjoy the trip down memory lane.
At first, I did enjoy it. Their high pitched singing took me back to when I was a child. The kids really, really enjoyed it! Every time we got in the car we had to listen to the chipmunks. I was fine with listening to the chipmunks sing the Christmas song in December and even in January...but Anna continued asking for it in February, March and April. We would still be listening to the Chipmunks if I had not finally said, "Anna, the Chipmunks are gone. I am sorry but they sing Christmas songs and they cannot sing them again until next Christmas." I think she is finally past denial and has begun to accept that the Chipmunks are gone until next year, but it was not easy for her to accept.
Its not easy letting go, is it? Most of us have accepted by now that life is always changing, but that does not mean we don't resist it. We want to keep the Chipmunks singing "Silver Bells" in May. We want the family gatherings to be like they were 20 years ago...we want our bodies to feel like they did 15 years ago...we want to play our favorite CD over and over...and for good reason...its what we know, its familiar, it feels comfortable. But the hard truth is, "Its May and Christmas is over!" As long as we are holding onto what was, we cannot embrace what is. God has something for you right now. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow may not be. Will you and I receive what he has for us today?
To receive God today means that I must be willing to accept the changes that life brings my way. Resistance to change is really our futile attempt to be in control. When we are able to stop resisting change and accept it, we give up the need to be in control and find ourselves resting in the hands of the only One who is in control. "AAAHHHH!" What a place of rest...the whole world is changing and yet God holds me. I don't have to hold onto what I have always known--be it good or bad--because I am now held by Him.
In John 10:10 Jesus says, "I have come to give you life and life to the full." Let go and let God hold you and instead of losing you find yourself full.
At first, I did enjoy it. Their high pitched singing took me back to when I was a child. The kids really, really enjoyed it! Every time we got in the car we had to listen to the chipmunks. I was fine with listening to the chipmunks sing the Christmas song in December and even in January...but Anna continued asking for it in February, March and April. We would still be listening to the Chipmunks if I had not finally said, "Anna, the Chipmunks are gone. I am sorry but they sing Christmas songs and they cannot sing them again until next Christmas." I think she is finally past denial and has begun to accept that the Chipmunks are gone until next year, but it was not easy for her to accept.
Its not easy letting go, is it? Most of us have accepted by now that life is always changing, but that does not mean we don't resist it. We want to keep the Chipmunks singing "Silver Bells" in May. We want the family gatherings to be like they were 20 years ago...we want our bodies to feel like they did 15 years ago...we want to play our favorite CD over and over...and for good reason...its what we know, its familiar, it feels comfortable. But the hard truth is, "Its May and Christmas is over!" As long as we are holding onto what was, we cannot embrace what is. God has something for you right now. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow may not be. Will you and I receive what he has for us today?
To receive God today means that I must be willing to accept the changes that life brings my way. Resistance to change is really our futile attempt to be in control. When we are able to stop resisting change and accept it, we give up the need to be in control and find ourselves resting in the hands of the only One who is in control. "AAAHHHH!" What a place of rest...the whole world is changing and yet God holds me. I don't have to hold onto what I have always known--be it good or bad--because I am now held by Him.
In John 10:10 Jesus says, "I have come to give you life and life to the full." Let go and let God hold you and instead of losing you find yourself full.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
"Who?"
Last Wednesday, I was talking with someone and reminded of one the truths from the Bible that has been an on going point of reference. Galatians 1:10 says, "Am I now trying to win the approval of people or of God? Or am I still trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."
I don't know about you but regularly I must determine the who? Who am I going to try to please?
I believe that a large majority in our culture would answer, "You can't please everybody so you might as well please yourself." Our culture has managed to make selfishness sound positive as it encourages us to go after our heart, which is largely just an excuse for self-indulgence, but putting it in terms of "heart" makes it sound so much more pure.
Of course, for others the who question is not at all self-liberating. Some of us are so ridden with the need to win the approval of others that we have long since lost sight of what is our responsibility and what is that of others. So, we spend our lives still trying to keep everybody happy as if we will one day have the title of the first person who managed to do this impossible task. Think about it...even Jesus couldn't make everyone happy...of course, then again, Jesus was never interested in making people happy.
So, who will it be for you and me? Will we chase after the cultural deception of making ourselves the who we are to please or will we fall into the trap of making the who other people that we try to please in order to try to have some empty spot in ourselves fulfilled?
Galatians 1:10 presents another option. Actually, it seems that the truth God is giving us here is not an option but an ultimatum. Please God or please people...who is it going to be? Do I have to please myself even if what I want is contrary to what God wants? Then I am not serving God no matter what I do on Sunday. Do I have to please others, then I am not a servant of God? Its not a condemnation...its a freedom... make God who I please and I find out what I really want and I am free to live for what is best irregardless of who else approves. Who is it going to be for you?
I don't know about you but regularly I must determine the who? Who am I going to try to please?
I believe that a large majority in our culture would answer, "You can't please everybody so you might as well please yourself." Our culture has managed to make selfishness sound positive as it encourages us to go after our heart, which is largely just an excuse for self-indulgence, but putting it in terms of "heart" makes it sound so much more pure.
Of course, for others the who question is not at all self-liberating. Some of us are so ridden with the need to win the approval of others that we have long since lost sight of what is our responsibility and what is that of others. So, we spend our lives still trying to keep everybody happy as if we will one day have the title of the first person who managed to do this impossible task. Think about it...even Jesus couldn't make everyone happy...of course, then again, Jesus was never interested in making people happy.
So, who will it be for you and me? Will we chase after the cultural deception of making ourselves the who we are to please or will we fall into the trap of making the who other people that we try to please in order to try to have some empty spot in ourselves fulfilled?
Galatians 1:10 presents another option. Actually, it seems that the truth God is giving us here is not an option but an ultimatum. Please God or please people...who is it going to be? Do I have to please myself even if what I want is contrary to what God wants? Then I am not serving God no matter what I do on Sunday. Do I have to please others, then I am not a servant of God? Its not a condemnation...its a freedom... make God who I please and I find out what I really want and I am free to live for what is best irregardless of who else approves. Who is it going to be for you?
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
"Normal"
The doctor's office just called with the results from Anna's test last Friday. The results show that everything is "normal." I have never been so happy to hear "normal." We are so grateful! Praise God! Thank you for caring!
The last several days have been an incredible journey of receiving the "WITH" of God (see Sunday's service if that does not make sense at www.elivinghope.com). God allowed us to experience his peace before we knew the results. That does not say anything about us (we wrestle with fears and doubts just as much as anyone), but it does say a whole lot about our Father in heaven. God did not give us the answer before the doctor did. He did not tell us the results before the results were read. Rather as our fears were faced he asked us, "Do you trust me?" He gave us a choice...trust him or not trust him?
Everyday in the scares, struggles and circumstances of life we are faced with that question...do we trust Him? Will we receive his WITH during the time of uncertainty? Will we acknowledge him as the giver of all good things when the results are good? Will we continue to trust him when the results are not good? Its no easy question and no easy choice, but more than anything else Jesus wants us to live alive to his peace no matter what life does or does not bring. The question is will I invite him into the places of my greatest fears and biggest questions and before I receive any answers and before anything changes, will I trust him?
This was not the first time life has made me hear God's question, "Do you trust me?", loud and clear and it won't be the last, but I know this...I would rather live in the peace of his presence than locked up in fear. What about you?
See John 20:19-22.
The last several days have been an incredible journey of receiving the "WITH" of God (see Sunday's service if that does not make sense at www.elivinghope.com). God allowed us to experience his peace before we knew the results. That does not say anything about us (we wrestle with fears and doubts just as much as anyone), but it does say a whole lot about our Father in heaven. God did not give us the answer before the doctor did. He did not tell us the results before the results were read. Rather as our fears were faced he asked us, "Do you trust me?" He gave us a choice...trust him or not trust him?
Everyday in the scares, struggles and circumstances of life we are faced with that question...do we trust Him? Will we receive his WITH during the time of uncertainty? Will we acknowledge him as the giver of all good things when the results are good? Will we continue to trust him when the results are not good? Its no easy question and no easy choice, but more than anything else Jesus wants us to live alive to his peace no matter what life does or does not bring. The question is will I invite him into the places of my greatest fears and biggest questions and before I receive any answers and before anything changes, will I trust him?
This was not the first time life has made me hear God's question, "Do you trust me?", loud and clear and it won't be the last, but I know this...I would rather live in the peace of his presence than locked up in fear. What about you?
See John 20:19-22.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
"I Quit"
Welcome! It is good to have you; you, who live with me in the land of the Quit. In this land to quit is to live...to quit is to be free...to quit is to be happy...Here, in our most precious land, to quit is the door that opens whenever life becomes uncomfortable. All hail the powerful hope of the Quit!
To all you who are weary and burdened, just quit! Is your battle with addiction too hard? Just quit. Is your marriage too ugly? Just quit. Is your job a hassle? Just quit. Is it too hard to find a job? Just quit. Is your church less than perfect? Just quit. Is parenting more work than fun? Just quit. Is dealing with your diagnosis to overwhelming? Just quit. Do healthy relationships take too much time? Just quit. Is Following Jesus too costly? Just quit. Is becoming healthy in body, mind or spirit too tiring? Just quit. Is life itself too unfair? Just quit.
All hail the Quit! Just quit whatever is hard, not fun, uncomfortable...just quit. It is our way out. It is our escape. Its our choice. If you just quit, then you won't have to deal with it any more. Pay no attention to the fact that there will always be something else to deal with waiting for you on the other side of the door called quit. That's looking too far ahead. No, no, no...just quit! No one will judge you in the land of quit for quitting. It is completely acceptable here...its expected really...its even applauded...after all, our personal comfort and happiness is the reason the world goes 'round. So go ahead...stand tall...look your struggle in the eye and tell it, "I quit!"
But for those of you who dare to commit treason in the land of the quit...to you ridiculous few who look struggle in the eye and with fire in your eye, say, "I will never, never, never quit!" To you crazy few, I give you a promise that the those who take up residence in the land of quit will kill you if you repeat it. No, for your safety, in this land, I tell you, please do not repeat it. But there is nothing they can do to you, if you simply hear it, receive it, believe it and live it. Its what the Quit does not want you to know. For if you know this, then you will not need the quit. And if you no longer need the quit, then to you it means you will have received hope that looks beyond the present struggle, you will have seen the purpose in the struggle, you will have seen One who makes every struggle worth not quitting. Hear this, you radical rebels:
To all you who are weary and burdened, just quit! Is your battle with addiction too hard? Just quit. Is your marriage too ugly? Just quit. Is your job a hassle? Just quit. Is it too hard to find a job? Just quit. Is your church less than perfect? Just quit. Is parenting more work than fun? Just quit. Is dealing with your diagnosis to overwhelming? Just quit. Do healthy relationships take too much time? Just quit. Is Following Jesus too costly? Just quit. Is becoming healthy in body, mind or spirit too tiring? Just quit. Is life itself too unfair? Just quit.
All hail the Quit! Just quit whatever is hard, not fun, uncomfortable...just quit. It is our way out. It is our escape. Its our choice. If you just quit, then you won't have to deal with it any more. Pay no attention to the fact that there will always be something else to deal with waiting for you on the other side of the door called quit. That's looking too far ahead. No, no, no...just quit! No one will judge you in the land of quit for quitting. It is completely acceptable here...its expected really...its even applauded...after all, our personal comfort and happiness is the reason the world goes 'round. So go ahead...stand tall...look your struggle in the eye and tell it, "I quit!"
But for those of you who dare to commit treason in the land of the quit...to you ridiculous few who look struggle in the eye and with fire in your eye, say, "I will never, never, never quit!" To you crazy few, I give you a promise that the those who take up residence in the land of quit will kill you if you repeat it. No, for your safety, in this land, I tell you, please do not repeat it. But there is nothing they can do to you, if you simply hear it, receive it, believe it and live it. Its what the Quit does not want you to know. For if you know this, then you will not need the quit. And if you no longer need the quit, then to you it means you will have received hope that looks beyond the present struggle, you will have seen the purpose in the struggle, you will have seen One who makes every struggle worth not quitting. Hear this, you radical rebels:
7"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
13It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken."b]">[b]With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, 14because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. 15All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
"Stop Swinging the Sword"
"Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus)." (John 18:10).
I have heard some preachers say that the reason Peter cut off Malchus' ear was because he was swinging for his head and missed. However, I would think it would be easier to cut off a head than an ear.
Actually, it would seem Peter was very deliberate in his action. In the first century slaves were identified by cutting off the lobe of the ear. Furthermore, Jews believed that if you were buried with part or all of your ear cut off that you would be doomed to be a slave in heaven. So, Peter picked out the high priest's servant to make a pretty strong statement. In essence he said, "Mess with us and you'll be nothing more than our slaves some day in the afterlife."
"That-a-boy, Peter...that will hit 'em where it hurts. These who use their faith to judge will get caught in their own judgement. Now one of their own will be a slave forever. If you can't win the war at least you can make a point!," I say. I completely relate to Peter's action and appreciate his style. After all, his action was justified. Jesus was innocent. Somebody ought to put up a fight. Somebody ought to say something...do something...he had every right to take a stand.
So, do we...right? "Don't take anybody's crap," we say. "Stand up for yourself!" "You've got your rights." Right?
Enter Jesus...He picks up the ear and places it back on the man. Thus saying, "Mess with me and I will still forgive you...I'll even heal you." The one who was innocent refused to demand his rights. No one took his life. He gave it up freely. And while they crucified him and hurled insults at him, "Father forgive them," was his come back.
I don't know about you, but I've got a lot to learn. I've learned to well how to stand up for myself and demand my rights. I know how to fight. I've got my comebacks and they sound nothing like, "Father forgive."
What if from now until Easter all of us committed to stop swinging the sword...to giving up our right to be right? What if for these next few days we chose the path of voluntary self-denial in honor of Jesus self-sacrifice? What could that look like? It could be as small as refusing to complain or even say a word if our food is prepared wrong at the restaurant or we could give up the close parking space and park far away to give someone else the spot. It could mean that we forgive a debt someone owes us and refuse to ever hold it against them again. It could mean a husband and wife call a truce for a few days and instead of trying to make the other see things from their perspective, they spend the next few days trying to see things from their spouses perspective. It could mean I give up my right to criticize, judge and look down upon. I don't know what it might look like for you, but I can imagine that if all of us spent the next few days giving up our right to be right that Jesus would be lifted up. We might just get a taste of what it is like to be so free in Christ to offer healing to those who intend our harm that we may never want to pick up the sword again.
I know...this is too idealistic...unreasonable even in this world...I agree...but, then again, is anything any more idealistic and unrealistic than God dieing for somebody like you and me.
I have heard some preachers say that the reason Peter cut off Malchus' ear was because he was swinging for his head and missed. However, I would think it would be easier to cut off a head than an ear.
Actually, it would seem Peter was very deliberate in his action. In the first century slaves were identified by cutting off the lobe of the ear. Furthermore, Jews believed that if you were buried with part or all of your ear cut off that you would be doomed to be a slave in heaven. So, Peter picked out the high priest's servant to make a pretty strong statement. In essence he said, "Mess with us and you'll be nothing more than our slaves some day in the afterlife."
"That-a-boy, Peter...that will hit 'em where it hurts. These who use their faith to judge will get caught in their own judgement. Now one of their own will be a slave forever. If you can't win the war at least you can make a point!," I say. I completely relate to Peter's action and appreciate his style. After all, his action was justified. Jesus was innocent. Somebody ought to put up a fight. Somebody ought to say something...do something...he had every right to take a stand.
So, do we...right? "Don't take anybody's crap," we say. "Stand up for yourself!" "You've got your rights." Right?
Enter Jesus...He picks up the ear and places it back on the man. Thus saying, "Mess with me and I will still forgive you...I'll even heal you." The one who was innocent refused to demand his rights. No one took his life. He gave it up freely. And while they crucified him and hurled insults at him, "Father forgive them," was his come back.
I don't know about you, but I've got a lot to learn. I've learned to well how to stand up for myself and demand my rights. I know how to fight. I've got my comebacks and they sound nothing like, "Father forgive."
What if from now until Easter all of us committed to stop swinging the sword...to giving up our right to be right? What if for these next few days we chose the path of voluntary self-denial in honor of Jesus self-sacrifice? What could that look like? It could be as small as refusing to complain or even say a word if our food is prepared wrong at the restaurant or we could give up the close parking space and park far away to give someone else the spot. It could mean that we forgive a debt someone owes us and refuse to ever hold it against them again. It could mean a husband and wife call a truce for a few days and instead of trying to make the other see things from their perspective, they spend the next few days trying to see things from their spouses perspective. It could mean I give up my right to criticize, judge and look down upon. I don't know what it might look like for you, but I can imagine that if all of us spent the next few days giving up our right to be right that Jesus would be lifted up. We might just get a taste of what it is like to be so free in Christ to offer healing to those who intend our harm that we may never want to pick up the sword again.
I know...this is too idealistic...unreasonable even in this world...I agree...but, then again, is anything any more idealistic and unrealistic than God dieing for somebody like you and me.
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