An object of desire,
worth risk
and sacrifice
makes for a good story
and a good life.
What is my desire?
What do I most want -
the deep down motivating
chords
I tremble to...?
In a corrupt country,
sharply divided,
one downtrodden,
stepped upon peasant
finds a winning ticket,
buried.
Covering his bets,
he pools his resources
(meager and precious though they be)
to purchase the location
so no questions will
be asked.
The treasure is worth
any sacrifice.
On the other side of town,
a pearl merchant,
a connoisseur of glowing orbs,
stumbles
upon perfection.
Breathless with delight,
he jettisons his entire wealth
to own
that one
precious
gem.
Whether earnestly sought
or chanced upon,
God's kingdom
is like these:
a treasure
of infinite worth.
And He who offers
this incredible gift
sees me -
broken and flawed -
as a treasure
worth sacrificing
His all
to win.
If I listen closely,
I can hear
a thrumming
in the air
and my
heart stirs.
Think.
Let it sink
in.
Ears.
Let them hear
clear.
It's like this...
or
like this...
Words to widen
the window
on the world.
Why these words?
"mustard seeds"
"birds in trees"?
Kingdoms
as giant topiary,
roots splayed,
inhabited by flocks,
familiar iconography
to listening ears.
Side-by-side,
the minuscule seed
and the monstrous tree
seem absurd
yet
growth happens.
Yeast engenders growth,
transforming lifeless globs
into inflated puffs
ready for baking.
Hiding in the open,
the yeast of Christ
has grown
and changed
the world
in ways often
imperceptible
unless you listen
and hear,
look
and see:
"life matters"
"the world is discover-able"
"people have value
and rights"
Growth amazes.
Seeds or yeast
encased in darkness,
begin to stir,
transform,
mutate,
enlarge...
a verdant aviary;
bread for nations;
new and
abundant life.
"It just so happens."
Casual sounding words
to describe
intricate, precision planning
by a Master Creator.
Mysterious
but deeply good
is the heart
of our God.
What a troubling mixture
- easy to see in reverse
but in the maddening moment
like walking blindfolded
in a mine field.
Pockets of beauty
in the midst of destruction
feed the soul.
If faithfulness defines character
what does doubt define?
Self-focus creates the whirlwind
that throws sand in the eyes
of those who wander,
lost in the desert.
Stepping out
and doing something
allows God to weave
his intricate plan.
One step,
then two
in a specific direction
equals progress
of some sort...
trust is essential
when the path
leads up hill
after hill
and
the desert air
is dry.
Trust that an oasis
lies ahead;
that one day
you will look back
and say,
"it just so happens."
No need to sell, convince
Or argue.
Instead notice, listen, ask questions.
Love, facilitate
Share.
Welcome, pray and serve.
Tell your own story.
If we don't always know the answer
We can share what is certain and true.
Stumble over words
Speak what we know
From our sure rescue.
Be aware of more
than our own lives.
Take the risk
And remember what love
Came to us when someone
Left their safe comfort zone.
Willingness gifted us Hope.
Why do it?
For a notch in our Bible?
Or for bragging rights among the saved?
For the tickle of self satisfaction
For faithfully having obeyed?
We willingly recommend
Doctor, destination, diet.
Make us aware
Help us care
For those
With interest or need
Of Grace.
Deformed hearts --
inherited --
full of deceit,
greed,
cruelty
and more.
The list is endless.
Our frailty mars
the planet,
fractures relationships
and steeps
history in blood.
*Declare and believe.
Count the cost,
tally the dangers,
stand in the line of fire --
declare your allegiance.
**Rest in the resurrection --
that impossible,
mind-boggling,
flipping-on-its-head
event
that split history
in two.
Resurrection power,
let loose on the earth
breathes hope
for the poor,
the prisoners,
the sick
and the dying.
This power
is where your allegiance
will lie.
Imperfect though we are,
limping forward,
in spite of patched hearts
and tainted hands,
we declare
and believe.
***Good news
needs a voice to be heard,
a runner to run,
senders to send --
open arms to give.
*Rom. 10:9
**1 Cor. 15:14 & 19
*** Rom. 10:14-15
No.
It is not over.
Do not give up your hope.
Trust and follow.
