Monthly Archive for August, 2011

Thanks For Nothing

Published on August 28, 2011 in Uncategorized. 3 Comments

A lot of things didn’t happen in my life this week.  I didn’t get in an accident, break any bones, or receive a troubling diagnosis.  I didn’t fight with my wife, damage friendships, lay awake worrying (too much), or even misplace my car keys.  In many respects, it was a nothing week.

Jesus met with a group of people in a house one day.  We don’t know the exact number who were there, but the Bible does tell us it was standing room only.  In the midst of the gathering, He healed a man of paralysis.  The question pops into my mind: “How many people at this get-together realized that they received a miracle?”

Certainly the man who walked for the first time experienced something miraculous.  But what about all the ones who got zilch?  Did they understand just how fortunate they were?

In this life, which is often filled with trials and disappointments, nothing can be a very welcomed change of pace and a true divine gift.  So today, my prayer to God is simple … Thanks for nothing.

Joy And Consideration

Published on August 21, 2011 in Uncategorized. 2 Comments

I worry too much.  And while I tell myself that this helps me avoid a lot of negative situations (there might be a little truth to that), the bigger truth is that most of my fears never come to pass.

Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, said some things that apply.  He starts out with “In the day of prosperity, be joyful.”  I need to do that more.  Instead, when good things happen, I usually fret that something bad is right around the corner.  Interestingly, the Bible does not ignore this possibility, but speaks to it directly in the very next words from Solomon’s pen: “But in the day of adversity, consider.”

Adversity does cause me to consider.  It makes me slow down and ponder many deep things of life.  I mull over topics like how fortunate I am, how meaningless are the bulk of my concerns, the value of people with whom I share life, the facets of this existence that truly matter vs. those that don’t, etc.  At times, the contemplation even reveals ways to navigate through complex issues.

Just enjoying good times, rather than over-thinking them … and using the rough patches to lead me into quiet reflection.  After all, “God has made the one as well as the other,” just like Solomon said.  Sounds like a peaceful way to live.

 

What’s The Rush?

Published on August 14, 2011 in Uncategorized. 1 Comment

Jesus was good friends with a family comprised of three siblings – Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus.  Scripture tells us that Jesus had a special love for each one and hung out in their home.  Likewise, they were generous with hospitality and gifts.

When Lazarus came down with a life-threatening illness, the sisters sent word to Jesus.  The Lord’s reaction seems odd … “So, when Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was.”  I’ve often wondered why Jesus didn’t drop everything and rush to His friend’s side.  Isn’t that what a true companion would do?

Even worse, Lazarus died.  Of course the rest of the story is that after Jesus finally got there, He called on God and Lazarus came back to life.  OK … Jesus held the trump card.  Maybe that had something to do with His strange initial response.

Knowing that the situation is under control in the hands of One who is supremely powerful definitely takes the crazy urgency out of the equation.  Getting to this realization, however, requires that I spend time in quiet, reflecting on the smallness of even my greatest problem in light of who God is.  I’ve got to constantly work on that.

Will this insight cause me to trade in my often chaotic pace for a calm, serene life of saying “What’s the rush”?  Well, I’m probably not there yet, but maybe I’ve gained a little perspective.

Friendship Sacrifice

Published on August 7, 2011 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

The first few books of the Bible contain instructions for many different kinds of rituals to be observed by followers of
God.  Many of them were very costly to those involved.  The one I find most interesting is called the fellowship sacrifice.

True fellowship, what we might refer to today as deep friendship, often involves sacrifices.  I’ve been fortunate to observe and receive these often.  People have forfeited time to lend an ear to another’s woes, given up personal purchases to help meet a burdensome need, surrendered their own preferences in favor of their brother or sister’s, etc.

No doubt the community of faith is supposed to be one of profoundly close relationships.  Sadly, too often people who call each other friends barely get past the superficial.  Perhaps that’s because there’s a missing element – one that’s as Biblical as it is painful, and worth every ache.  The fellowship sacrifice of course.

 

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