Monthly Archives: February 2014

Jesus loved them

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Image“People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them.  When Jesus saw this, he was indignant.  He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'” – Mark 10:13-16

 

This passage brings to mind politicians being photographed with babies at fundraisers and public events.  They are heartwarming, but the question of an ulterior motive is always at hand.  In contrast, Jesus disregarded others’ approval and welcomed the children who were considered by their society to be insignificant.

Tomorrow morning, my commission is to teach three and four year old children that Jesus wants to bless them, that he loves them and that he values them.  With Valentine’s Day approaching, the concept of love is in construction paper hearts everywhere.  Love is fun this time of year.  Jesus did indeed love and bless the children when he walked on earth and I believe he is present with each child today.

As I plan an hour with these three and four year old hearts, I ponder the humanity and deity of our Lord Jesus who loves them.  How can I possibly convey the depth of such love?

– a love that made them in his image

– a love that was prophesied from the beginning of time

– a love that left the throne of God to be born amidst severe Roman oppression

– a love that endured forty days and nights of temptation and hunger, that he may know every temptation their heart will one day face and be their Helper

– a love that notices them and seeks them out when the world will betray and forget them

– a love that suffered and endured a brutal Roman crucifixion so that they may be reconciled to God

– a love that will dwell within them

– a love that is unending and never fails

– a love that will convict them to take up their cross and follow him

My heart can hardly comprehend the depth of this love.  For tomorrow, the focus may bend toward construction paper hearts, but I pray that a seed is planted in their souls of our Redeemer’s great love for them.

The well-meaning disciples wanted to overlook the children of their day.  I must ask myself:

Who am I keeping away from my Messiah? 

Who do I hinder? 

Who do I consider to be insignificant?

The Bright Morning Star – part one

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– the first of a three-part segment reflecting on the visit of the Magi

In reading Matthew’s account of the birth of Jesus, we are told about the Magi, who came “from the east” to Jerusalem. The Magi were likely astronomers from Persia and they are often referred to as wise men who spent their lives learning. They were not Jews, yet they sought out him born king of the Jews. Somehow, God had revealed a piece of his divine plan to them. I often wonder at the “somehow”. The star. For astronomers, a star was meaningful. God revealed himself in a language that spoke to them. I glean much hope from this piece of history. God reveals himself in personal ways and once He does, ideas, beliefs, goals, dreams, thoughts…they all change.

One of my favorite modern-day thinkers is Francis Collins, the director of the National Institutes of Health and the individual who led the Human Genome Project. In his book, The Language of God, he describes his transformation from atheism to belief. No soul in the scientific community would question his commitment to discover the limits of science and nature. He is as zealous as a scientist as Paul was a Pharisee. Once he realized that Spiritual Truth may exist and he had not explored it, he investigated. The Methodist minister he sought out gave him the classic work of C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity. A giant among thinkers, C.S. Lewis appealed to Collins based on a originally similar atheistic viewpoint. God revealed himself to Collins through someone significant to him. Collins found evidence of God everywhere once he ventured into a true pursuit of Him.

Over two thousand years ago, God chose to reveal himself to the thinkers of the day, the esteemed Magi. What a revelation it must have been for them to travel and visit an infamously heinous Herod, the so-called king of the Jews, and ask about the birth of a new king. That is confidence in God, my friends! God continues to seek out each one of us in unique ways. God called Abram out of comfortable paganism to become the father of his people and dwell in a tent. The patriarch of our faith was called out from a land of moon-worshipers. When God reveals himself, life indeed changes. God has revealed Himself to my searching heart in personal ways as well. He is so patient and gracious with every kernel of unbelief. As I seek His Truth, more is revealed. Perhaps that is the sureness of the Magi, as they traveled closer and closer toward the Promised King, directly through the evil of the day, following the star given to them.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13

The unspoken rule

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In times of deep snowfall, contemplations of life are ever-present.  Time seems to stand still amidst the beauty of the day.  In about six weeks, OB offices will be getting lots of phone calls.  Beware!!  In times like these, some conceive children, and I have conceived a new blog.  I have been writing about things dear to me over the past few months, mostly about my humble journey with the Lord.  I have considered these writings to be like a journal, private and personal.  However, I have become aware that while I live in the “Land of the Free”, I certainly do not act like I am free.  There is an unspoken rule that says we don’t bring up religion and we DO NOT say the word Jesus, as that is clearly narrow-minded.  I am routinely an active participant in such philosophies.  Routinely.  Well, friends, by buying into this cultural norm, I am indeed not free.  A gentle whisper is pushing me to break my routine and share my thoughts.  How could I not exercise this luxurious freedom when young women are horrifically abused around the world in efforts to be free?

I have dear friends whom I deeply respect that do not share my same worldview.  That is okay.  I am extremely grateful for this!  God is so amazingly multi-faceted that I cannot comprehend the depth of Him who is not limited by time or by my mind.  This blog is not a writing against my dear friends or colleagues in any way.  We have a mutual respect and admiration that goes beyond cyberspace and I pray that this in no way changes that truth.  I am simply writing about my own worldview.  That is all.  I am not a theologian, nor a writer, just a blonde, so proceed at your own risk.