For the blog "2010: Restless in the Second Row" (posted 12/31/09), I ended with a reference to the accusation of the disciples in the face of the raging storm: "Master, don't You care that we perish?" (see Mark 4:35-41)
God is so amazing. I had no idea that the same theme would make a cameo appearance during Pastor Sam's sermon this past Sunday: "Lord, don't You care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone?" (see Luke 10:38-42)
Let's translate. "Jesus, if You really cared about me, then You would do something to change my situation immediately." That is the theme.
In the examples noted above, Jesus had been busy doing profound ministry: healing, teaching, commissioning disciples, and debating the religious leadership who challenged His works and word (see Luke 9 and Mark 3 for context). And then, when it was time for Him to just rest in the company of those closest to Him, what commendation did they bring? What comfort did they offer?
"Jesus, You really told those Pharisees what's what!" No.
"O Lord, I saw You move in power when You cast out that demon!" No.
"You know what, Jesus? You don't really care what happens to me, do You? Can't You see what's going on here? Do something!" Yes, that is our response in the face of profound miracles, profound teaching, and a profound defense of the work of the Christ. Sheer selfishness and self-preservation.
Well, this is how we begin 2010: it's A CALL TO GET OUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT. It begins with an appeal to stop pulling the emergency cord. When we panic over things that seem urgent, we lose sight of the things that are truly important.
Lord, what can we say? We are guilty. Forgive us, please, and teach us to expel the urgent things in order to embrace the important things. In Jesus's name we pray. Amen.
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