Friday, May 19, 2006

Rock Star

If Jesus walked the earth today would he be treated like a rock star?

OK, I know that seems like a strange question, but consider this. In this country (and others) we hold rock stars in highest regard.

We follow their every movement, memorize every verse they utter, sing their praises when they do something we like, get mad when they do something we don't. They are often followed by an entourage that either loves and adores them or just wants to be around when something happens (good or bad). They are usually loners that are often misunderstood but studied profusely. Most came from humble beginnings and emerged to household names.

Rock stars, we either love 'em or hate 'em. Either way we know who they are.

All of that sounds like someone else I know...Jesus.

He came from the humblest of beginnings, born in a stable from a family out of a little wide part in the road called Galilee. He proceeded to vex those around him with his talent to understand people and His Father's business. He eventually was followed by thousands that just wanted to see him, touch the hem of his clothes, feel a drop of his sweat as he walked by, hear what he had to say, or be there when he messed up...

Still, those closest to him still didn't really understand him and often argued about what he might say about this or that. Everywhere he went he had little privacy and had to seek it out (remember the boat?) , in fact at least 4 books were written specifically about him, the larger context of those is the biggest selling book of all time! He was loved by the masses and hated by those that had the most to lose.

There is at least one difference...when Jesus spoke, what he said was really worth listening to...in fact it's his words that have the power to save our lives.

Jesus,

he makes me want to get up and yell and jump up and down and
dance and scream his name until I have a headache and I lose my voice
.

..just like at a concert from my favorite rock group...only a whole lot better.

I must be crazy... (wink)

Monday, May 08, 2006

"Friend"

Lately, our choir has been singing a song titled "Friend of God". It's a great song with a simple, powerful message..."I am a Friend of God...He calls me Friend".

One thing that I have noticed while singing this song and watching our director mouth the words as he directs us is...it's impossible to say the word FRIEND without smiling. I don't know what the origin of the word is but it seems logical. Try it for yourself, see if you can say the word friend and frown. Trust me, it's going to take some work.

When you call someone your friend or talk about a friend it should invoke good thoughts and feelings...and...make you smile.

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

The Trees

I have been lucky enough to live my entire life in a climate that has 4 distinct seasons. One of the things I always look forward to each year is that time when the trees literally explode over the course of a few weeks. They go from bare branches to shade-making green fireballs.

Just the other day, I took a break from working and walked around outside for a few minutes and I noticed it...again.

One leaf rubbing against another makes a sound so indiscernible that only a dog might hear it. But it has to make some sound because, when several thousand rub against each other at the same time when the wind is blowing through the trees it makes a very soothing sound...rustling.

Just think, you can't hear two, how about 10, 100, 200? It takes a lot of leaves to hear a tree rustle, but when it does...wow. However, if each leaf decided not to move and touch others then we wouldn't get to hear the rustling sound.

Isn't that true of life? My voice, my part in life might be small, but it's important to the rustling of the world.
"...Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:7-18