Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Follow Means Action

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." -- Matthew 4:19

Fishermen abound in this part of the country. It is a way of life. Some folks fish on the Gulf. Some take to the creeks. Others prefer ponds. Some diehards don't care where they fish. It's the thrill of bringing in the catch.

For Peter and Andrew it was a way of life. Pastor Meghan pointed out Sunday that these two brothers had likely missed the rabbi train. At age 12 Jewish boys were selected, or rejected, to become rabbis. Acceptance meant years of learning and training. Instead, Andrew and Peter became fishermen. Not exactly a glamorous occupation, especially in those days before ice and refrigeration.

Jesus offered them a different way of life and they took it. They left everything -- their boats, families, friends -- for an unknown path. It's the path Jesus offers us today. He holds out His hand and offers us a different way. A journey. A path into the unknown. Except we want all the benefits of the journey (eternal life with God) without all the sacrifices that following Jesus entails.

"Follow me," Jesus said. He didn't say, "Accept me as Savior and stay right where you are." Nope. He said that accepting Him as Lord means changing your plans. Setting out on a new path. Heading into the unknown. Following the light.

Ah. The light. Jesus is the light. Jesus goes into some pretty dark places. He seeks out sinners. He reaches out to those who have fallen in disgrace. He emerges in places of great grief. He is the faint light that appears to those who have lost all hope.

"The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." -- Matthew 4:16 and Isaiah 9:2

 Are you willing to walk into the darkness with Jesus? Pastor Meghan asked that uncomfortable question. And it does make most people squirm. Will you befriend the co-worker everyone hates? Will you tutor kids from the "wrong side of town?" Will you leave your comfort zone and do what you most fear because Jesus beckons you forward? Uncomfortable questions. Darkness into light. An unknown path. Blessed Redeemer. Yes or no?

Monday, September 27, 2010

Look Toward The Light

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."

-- Isaiah 9:2

The skies turned dark yesterday afternoon. Rolling clouds moved across, bringing much needed rain to an area scorched with drought. I was grateful for the soaking though a part of me always watches the sky for signs of a storm. I asked God for protection even as the cooling rain fell down.

That's the thing about storms. They can bring much needed rain -- insights into a life that maybe has gotten a little off track. Storms bring us closer to God as we seek the shelter of His protection. At least, I hope it's that way. Some people use storms as an excuse to venture further from God. They go it alone. They become bitter and angry and have no hope. How sad.

Of course, some storms are all about Satan. Those storms remind us that we live in a fallen world where people often make the wrong choices and face disastrous results. But God is in those storms too. Like Peter when he left the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus, we can survive so long as our focus remains on the One who gave His life for us. It's when we look away that the waves threaten to drown us. Life can be overwhelming when we don't remember that we have an anchor in every storm.

The sun is shining brightly now. It's healing light will help the water nurture and grow the plants and our souls. Because God is the light in every storm. We may not see it in the darkest night but it's there just the same. And as the clouds fade away, as we cling to the hope that is Jesus, the light slowly appears. Brighter and brighter it shines, surrounding us with wonder and a renewed spirit.