Have you ever been so close to someone that you took them for granted? You know the scenario – you take a family vacation to visit relatives and everyone comments on how much your kids have grown…how much they have changed – but you hadn’t really noticed a drastic change, because you’re with them everyday.
Awhile back I went to a Crossbridge youth group event where the kids were sharing their hearts to help young girls in Cambodia that are a part of the sex slave trade. I got to see my son, Jordan, in a different light…with fresh eyes. I was blown away with his ability to speak publicly and to see the passion for making an impact in the world. This was MY SON…I was filled with pride, yet at the same time I was ashamed that I was surprised. Why didn’t I realize that he had that in him? Why would his ability to speak publicly and share his heart in such a profound way take me by surprise? I would say, it is because I was so close to him. I have gotten caught up in the day to day. Every day Jordan is there, I love him and I am thrilled that he is my son…but I missed it. I had taken him for granted.
The reaction of Jesus’ family in chapter 3 of Mark is intriguing. Look at verse 21…
“When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, ‘He is out of his mind.’”
This is Mary talking…didn’t an angel give her a bit of a heads-up not too long ago that this kid was a bit special? What happened? Life happened…hour passed by hour…day by day…sabbath by sabbath…year by year. There was Jesus, he was there, he was close…so close that they missed it.
I do that, I take Jesus for granted. He is always there…always faithful…day by day, week by week. Life happens and I miss it…or Him. The power…the might…the love…the Son of God! Too many times I am like the soldiers playing games at the foot of the cross, so close…yet missing the reality of Jesus. Don’t get me wrong. It is not a lack of faith so much as just a forgetting who he really is…
Son of God
King of Kings
Lord of Lords
Prince of Peace
Name Above All Names
Actually, this video by Chris Tomlin captures the idea…
Posted by Mark Michael on Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Over and over Jesus brings into clarity the true heart of God, one of compassion for people. He reveals God’s value of people over ritual. It is interesting to consider the pressure that is on Jesus to conform to the religious customs of his day. At every turn, as He forgives, heals, hangs out with tax collectors & sinners, doesn’t fast at the right times, breaks the Sabbath the religious leaders attempt to squeeze Him into a mold of what they consider to be correct. It is easy to criticize the religious leaders and their misunderstanding of who God is and what he desires from them. However, it is convicting to me as I consider the many ways that I attempt to make Jesus conform to my own understanding and what I desire. How would I react to Jesus’ pushing back against what I thought to be right? Are there issues based on my up bringing that I hold sacred and to which I attempt to conform Jesus?
I was thinking about this as I read the responses to Christian author, Donald Miller’s endorsement of a particular Presidential candidate. Almost every response from “fellow Christians” that disagreed with him was filled with name calling, disparaging remarks and questions as to the validity of his faith. I am not endorsing any candidate myself, but I was sickened by the reaction of those that would claim the Prince of Peace as their savior.
Good night…I need to go talk with God about all of this.
Posted by Mark Michael on Tuesday, October 28, 2008
What a crazy day…I went from meeting to meeting to meeting…you are probably getting the picture. It was great to start the morning reading Mark and realizing that many fellow Crossbridgers would be joining me on this journey today! I love the book of Mark. As a writer he is blunt, to the point and provides great insight into the actions of Jesus while he was walking the earth. Mark is all about ACTION!
I noticed something this morning as I sat at Bagel Heads reading the first chapter. Mark starts by recording the emotions that others had about Jesus and then in verse 40 he transitions and focuses on the emotions of Jesus in the account of the man with leprosy. I love so many things about this story…I love the faith of this man, I love his boldness to approach Jesus, I love how he doesn’t mess around. He starts on his knees and gets straight to the point…”If you are willing, you can make me clean!”
How many times do I come before Jesus justifying my (uncleanness) sin rather than just turning it over to Him.
How many times do I try and deal with my own issues rather than recognizing as this leper does, that I am in the presence of the one that could heal?
How many times do I come before Jesus lacking the boldness and faith that this man reveals?
This leper is the image I think of when I read Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5, where he says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” Even better is the Message translation, which says it this way, “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.” Is that not this guy? What else does he have? Where else can he turn? There is nothing this guy can do to heal & cleanse himself. He is the definition of poor in spirit / at the end of his rope!
I also love Jesus’ reaction. He doesn’t run away as probably any other Rabbi of His day would have done to preserve their purity. Jesus doesn’t rebuke the man, as he had the right to do, and as most of the people watching would have expected. Mark says, “Jesus was filled with compassion.” How did he know this? Did Jesus tell him later? Did he see it in Jesus’ expression? Maybe it was just evident in the way Jesus chooses to heal this man. The crowd would have been horrified as they watched this respected teacher reach out and TOUCH this unclean man! What was Jesus thinking? He risked contracting this disease. He would have made himself ceremonially unclean by touching a leper…but he touched him!
God, give me the faith and the boldness of the leper. Help me to recognize the the hopelessness of my situation, to stop pretending that I have the resources to handle it, but recognize that I am poor in spirit and at the end of my rope without you. I give up the facade of my own strength and confess that I am nothing without you. Thank you for your compassion. Thank you for your power. Thank you for your touch. Thank you for your healing. Thank you, that you are willing!
God, fill me with your compassion and allow me to be your hands to ouch those that others may consider untouchable.
Posted by Mark Michael on Monday, October 27, 2008
