ME: Jesus, I have been here a long time now. The years have passed and I have suffered greatly. I have known loneliness, bitterness, pain, suffering, and many other things. Today, the sun shines brightly and I want to give you thanks. Today is a new day! Today is the day that you have made. No matter what comes may I rejoice and be glad in it.
GOD: “My child, it is good to hear you say these things. Yes, today is the day that I have made. Today go and rejoice. Today you will find joy! Walk and listen.”
Me: I start my journey wondering who I will meet today. It has been awhile since I walked these streets. The streets I used to walk every day. Soon I see an old friend once overcome with hopelessness.
Me: “My friend, today your face is joyful, may I ask why?”
Friend: “Let those who fear the Lord say “His love endures forever.” In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free!” Your words, your action, your presence with me in my suffering have shown me that I am loved. I was captive to the lies of the enemy that told me I was no good and worthless. But now I know that is not true. I am joyful. You listened to me when no one else would. You found worth in me and my ideas when everyone else laughed at me. Now there is an opportunity for me to use my business and my business skills to give back to the community. Now I can serve others. Now I know what it is to be joyful! Thank you for being with me. Please, come to my house for dinner to celebrate!”
Me:“I will come. I wish to celebrate with you. I am excited with you.”
ME: Thank you Jesus for showing that you care, I will praise you for you are good!
GOD: Keep going there is more.
Me: I continue my walk my steps lighter than before. In the distance I see a woman whose face seems familiar, but I can’t quiet place her. She comes up to me.
Friend: “Hey, how are you?”
Me: “I am doing well. How are you today?”
Friend: “Very well, praise the Lord. Would you like some coffee? I just brewed a fresh pot?”
Me: “I have a couple minutes. I can join you.”
Friend: I must share with you that my heart is filled with joy. “Though I have seen troubles many and bitter. God has restored my life again. From the depths he brought me up. (Psalms 71:20)” I grieved the death of my sister, and though I still miss her, I am happy. I have made some bad mistakes. I have hurt many people, but I know that I am forgiven. Today, I know that there is life and it I worth living. I have graduated college. I am a leader in the church. Young men and women come to me when they are confused and hurting and I am able to help them understand their lives matter. They can make a difference in the world around them. There is hope for the future. I am now a parent to children who have no parents. My family looks on me with great respect. Though I am the youngest, though I was the least, now I am the one they come too. Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever.”
Me: Jesus, I give you praise. Your have restored your people and placed praise on their lips. When we wait patiently for you. We receive your promises. I walk the streets of Nazareth and soon I meet my once homeless friend.
Friend: “My friend! It is so good to see you. Thank you for helping me. I must tell you what has happened to me since you helped provide food and shelter. I must thank you for sticking with me. My stomach was empty but now it is full. I have plenty of clothes, medicine, and other supplies. Now I am getting an education. Now I have hope for a future. I am going to college! I have been promised a future. I have been brought up from the grave and been given a chance at life! My heart jumps for joy. Please, join with me in celebration!”
Me: The joy on my friends faces, Jesus where did it come from? Jesus you were present in suffering, in anger, now are you present in joy?
God: Yes my child, I am with you. I am mighty to save. I take great delight in you. I quite you with my love. I rejoice over you with singing!
Yes I am with you in your suffering, your holy anger, and in your joy. I am with you that you may be with others. I am with you that you may know me. I am in you that others may know me. Go into the world, as I came into the world, and share in the lives of others. In sharing in their lives you are sharing in mine too.
All Isaiah 12
“I will praise you O Lord, although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me.
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord is my song; he has become my salvation.”
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
Give thanks to the Lord call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, proclaim that his name is exalted.
Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.
Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Christ enters into our righteous anger
Jesus, I’m not so sure I want to go to work today. It only frustrates me. They claim to desire to help others. They display all the right actions but the evidence isn’t there. They want more and more money but the street children and the orphans never seem to have enough. They are always talking about themselves. Always promoting their names. Why is it Lord that those in power take advantage of the weak? It makes me angry. Is it ok for me to be angry?
“Go, you have work to do. As you meet your friends listen for my voice.”
As I walk I try to listen. In the distance I see my lonely friend.
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.”
Hey. People are cruel. My coworkers want nothing to do with me. They spend their time together but do not wish for me to join them. They are willing to buy me anything but they refuse to get to know me. They are too busy, or so they say. But that is not true. I see them spending time with others. They always have an activity. A place to go, family to visit. Please, if you are going to say Aizosh (its going to be ok) keep your words to yourself. I do not want your companionship unless you can’t truly care.
My friend, may I never offer you meaningless empty words.
“Woe, to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.”
Why do people feel the need to offer empty comfort? Those who are already empty can easily see through. Jesus can you be angry too?
“Walk and listen.”
Soon I see the street child. Her stomach empty.
“Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.”
My friend, here is some bread I have brought for you.
What do you want from me? I am hungry, you have plenty of food. Is this bread simply a way to get rid of me? Each day we meet. Sometimes you offer me food. Others hit me. Yell at me. Beat me. They do not offer food. If they do they expect me to give them something or leave them alone. The restaurants throw out their food and if I try to eat they hit me. They give the dogs the food. They beat me. I am hungry. I will steal to eat. Keep treating me this way, I will probably rob form you. I do not want your aid, for it will come against me.
My friend, may I not offer you food that I may gain. Please, know that I do not desire to harm you.
“Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry.”
Jesus, how can your children find hope when others continually put them down. How can your love shine through when angry words and cruel actions are the reply? How can you not be angry at the actions of your people?
I’m almost to the office.
“Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh?”
You want some chat? While you are chewing feel free to laugh at me. Everyone does these days. They think my situation funny. They think it’s all a big joke. Laugh life is funny. Who wouldn’t laugh when the only good person they know has died? It’s a cruel world. There is so much pain. Tell me please how they can laugh when she has died. I can’t take this pain. I really want to laugh. To do anything to take this pain away. She loved Jesus; he let her die. She sought what was right. They laugh; I can’t. I don’t care much what happens. Please, if you want to laugh go somewhere else. I will keep my chat.
My friend, I will not laugh. I will not force you to be happy.
“Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.”
Jesus are you angry too?
“Yes, my child. I too am angry at the injustice of my people.”
“Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.”
I arrive at work where my supervisor begins to boast of all the good he thinks he has accomplished. All the people he has helped. He tells me how his dreams are coming true. He speaks of those we serve with language that puts down. I try to suggest change. But then he begins to blame. The fault is never his but always the actions of someone else. He is your friend until he can take nothing more from you. Then you are seen as an enemy and he has nothing good to say about you.
“Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.”
Jesus, why do people in power and authority need to tear others down? Jesus why is it that those with who are rich, well fed, happy, and safe. Those who appear clean on the outside take from the poor, the hurting, the hungry? These people’s actions appear good but their hearts are corrupt. Jesus, what is it that you require of me?
“My child, “I have shown you what is good. Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with me your God.”
Thank you for entering into our anger.
“Go, you have work to do. As you meet your friends listen for my voice.”
As I walk I try to listen. In the distance I see my lonely friend.
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.”
Hey. People are cruel. My coworkers want nothing to do with me. They spend their time together but do not wish for me to join them. They are willing to buy me anything but they refuse to get to know me. They are too busy, or so they say. But that is not true. I see them spending time with others. They always have an activity. A place to go, family to visit. Please, if you are going to say Aizosh (its going to be ok) keep your words to yourself. I do not want your companionship unless you can’t truly care.
My friend, may I never offer you meaningless empty words.
“Woe, to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.”
Why do people feel the need to offer empty comfort? Those who are already empty can easily see through. Jesus can you be angry too?
“Walk and listen.”
Soon I see the street child. Her stomach empty.
“Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.”
My friend, here is some bread I have brought for you.
What do you want from me? I am hungry, you have plenty of food. Is this bread simply a way to get rid of me? Each day we meet. Sometimes you offer me food. Others hit me. Yell at me. Beat me. They do not offer food. If they do they expect me to give them something or leave them alone. The restaurants throw out their food and if I try to eat they hit me. They give the dogs the food. They beat me. I am hungry. I will steal to eat. Keep treating me this way, I will probably rob form you. I do not want your aid, for it will come against me.
My friend, may I not offer you food that I may gain. Please, know that I do not desire to harm you.
“Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry.”
Jesus, how can your children find hope when others continually put them down. How can your love shine through when angry words and cruel actions are the reply? How can you not be angry at the actions of your people?
I’m almost to the office.
“Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh?”
You want some chat? While you are chewing feel free to laugh at me. Everyone does these days. They think my situation funny. They think it’s all a big joke. Laugh life is funny. Who wouldn’t laugh when the only good person they know has died? It’s a cruel world. There is so much pain. Tell me please how they can laugh when she has died. I can’t take this pain. I really want to laugh. To do anything to take this pain away. She loved Jesus; he let her die. She sought what was right. They laugh; I can’t. I don’t care much what happens. Please, if you want to laugh go somewhere else. I will keep my chat.
My friend, I will not laugh. I will not force you to be happy.
“Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.”
Jesus are you angry too?
“Yes, my child. I too am angry at the injustice of my people.”
“Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.”
I arrive at work where my supervisor begins to boast of all the good he thinks he has accomplished. All the people he has helped. He tells me how his dreams are coming true. He speaks of those we serve with language that puts down. I try to suggest change. But then he begins to blame. The fault is never his but always the actions of someone else. He is your friend until he can take nothing more from you. Then you are seen as an enemy and he has nothing good to say about you.
“Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.”
Jesus, why do people in power and authority need to tear others down? Jesus why is it that those with who are rich, well fed, happy, and safe. Those who appear clean on the outside take from the poor, the hurting, the hungry? These people’s actions appear good but their hearts are corrupt. Jesus, what is it that you require of me?
“My child, “I have shown you what is good. Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with me your God.”
Thank you for entering into our anger.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Christ is present in our Suffering
This is the drama, I wrote for the morning wworship time here at the retreat center in Kenya. Each of the three days I will write about the lives of these three characters. I am the narrator. Three other MCCers from Ethiopia are the characters (street child, someone who lost a close loved one, and an ordinary middle class woman - all Ethiopians\African). The story went well today. It is better acted out but at least you get an idea. The part in quotes is the voice of God.
Jesus not long ago I received the prophesy that you have great things in store for me but they will not come without great suffering. Jesus, each day I wake up, here in Africa and I walk to work. Each day I see hunger, homelessness, pain. Why, must there be so much suffering. Why does the world outside the safety of my compound seem to be falling apart.
Jesus, today I need you. I need a message of hope. I need to know you are here.
“My child, do not be afraid. As you walk today, listen.”
I begin my walk to work. Trying not to think of the struggles it may bring. As I travel the dusty roads, I meet a youngster I’ve seen around the office. My friend how is your day?
Sister, it is not good. My dad, he was a truck driver and on his journeys he slept with many women when he returned home he brought some money but he also brought HIV/AIDS. He soon became sick and then my mother got sick too. Now they are both dead. I went to live with my grandmother with my five brothers and sisters. But she is old and can not care for us. I left. Now I live on the streets. I am very hungry now. Can you please give me money. I came to the city, I thought it’d be better.
Please excuse the way I look. I’m part of a street gang. It’s the only way to survive. I got in a fight. The other girl insulted my mother. I confess, I steel. But I do so to live. I do so for protection. You do not know what the streets are like. I am cold. I am hungry. I am lonely. I am hurting. Please, can you help me. I am 14 years old.
Jesus, can you lie? Where is the hope? I find no comfort here.
"Open your heart. Listen, my child."
I continue. Trying to listen. I meet another person along the way. My friend how is your day?
You want to join me for a drink? You should really try some chat. The local drugs are great. They will help erase that pain from your face. Trust me I know. Yes, I am aware it is not yet 9 am. But you have to understand the pain is to much for me to take. My sister, she died young. She was my very best friend. She was so kind and good. She had her whole life in front of her. She was the kindest person I knew, always giving to others before herself. Life is not the same without her. Why did God, let her die? Why, didn’t he take me instead. I’m messed up as you can see. I will never amount to anything. I am worthless. I help no one. It should have been me. Can’t you see; I should have been the one not her. Please, join me for a drink – you too will feel better.
Hopeless, that is what this is. God, I’m not so sure you haven’t deserted us. I continue on my walk. Everywhere I look there is pain. I meet a woman with pretty clothes and money to spare. I really hope she can bring a breath of fresh air. I go up to her and say: You want to join me for a cup of tea?
Okay, but you have to know. I’m worthless. My life is a series of failures. I have food in my stomach and clothes on my back but there is no one to love me. My father, he beat me. My mother died young. All my friends have deserted me. I have money. I have power, but I am all alone. I started my own business, it is successful. But my life is empty. There is nothing in store for me. My wealth simply covers my wounds. You think I am happy, but really I’m not sure I want to face tomorrow. There is no one to care. No one to show me what love is. I have money but I am poor.
Jesus the suffering is great. I am not so sure that the people know the hope of what is to come. Jesus, why is there so much suffering. Why must suffering be a part of growth? Why must these people wander in the desert dry from lack of love. Hunger in the wilderness for lack of provisions. Why must there be such suffering?
"My child, I have entered with you in suffering that you may now enter with others. “Comfort my people, say I your God. Speak tenderly to these my children and proclaim that their hard service has been completed, that their sins have been paid for., that they have received from the Lord’s hand double for their sins. Listen to the voice calling “In the desert prepare the way of the Lord make straight in the wilderness a valley for our God. Every valley shall be raised up and every mountain and hill be made low. The rough ground shall become level the rugged places a plain.” My glory will be revealed and all humankind together will see it. Yes, my child, I am present in your suffering. I am present in your suffering so that you may join with these in their suffering too"
Thank you for being present in suffering.
Jesus not long ago I received the prophesy that you have great things in store for me but they will not come without great suffering. Jesus, each day I wake up, here in Africa and I walk to work. Each day I see hunger, homelessness, pain. Why, must there be so much suffering. Why does the world outside the safety of my compound seem to be falling apart.
Jesus, today I need you. I need a message of hope. I need to know you are here.
“My child, do not be afraid. As you walk today, listen.”
I begin my walk to work. Trying not to think of the struggles it may bring. As I travel the dusty roads, I meet a youngster I’ve seen around the office. My friend how is your day?
Sister, it is not good. My dad, he was a truck driver and on his journeys he slept with many women when he returned home he brought some money but he also brought HIV/AIDS. He soon became sick and then my mother got sick too. Now they are both dead. I went to live with my grandmother with my five brothers and sisters. But she is old and can not care for us. I left. Now I live on the streets. I am very hungry now. Can you please give me money. I came to the city, I thought it’d be better.
Please excuse the way I look. I’m part of a street gang. It’s the only way to survive. I got in a fight. The other girl insulted my mother. I confess, I steel. But I do so to live. I do so for protection. You do not know what the streets are like. I am cold. I am hungry. I am lonely. I am hurting. Please, can you help me. I am 14 years old.
Jesus, can you lie? Where is the hope? I find no comfort here.
"Open your heart. Listen, my child."
I continue. Trying to listen. I meet another person along the way. My friend how is your day?
You want to join me for a drink? You should really try some chat. The local drugs are great. They will help erase that pain from your face. Trust me I know. Yes, I am aware it is not yet 9 am. But you have to understand the pain is to much for me to take. My sister, she died young. She was my very best friend. She was so kind and good. She had her whole life in front of her. She was the kindest person I knew, always giving to others before herself. Life is not the same without her. Why did God, let her die? Why, didn’t he take me instead. I’m messed up as you can see. I will never amount to anything. I am worthless. I help no one. It should have been me. Can’t you see; I should have been the one not her. Please, join me for a drink – you too will feel better.
Hopeless, that is what this is. God, I’m not so sure you haven’t deserted us. I continue on my walk. Everywhere I look there is pain. I meet a woman with pretty clothes and money to spare. I really hope she can bring a breath of fresh air. I go up to her and say: You want to join me for a cup of tea?
Okay, but you have to know. I’m worthless. My life is a series of failures. I have food in my stomach and clothes on my back but there is no one to love me. My father, he beat me. My mother died young. All my friends have deserted me. I have money. I have power, but I am all alone. I started my own business, it is successful. But my life is empty. There is nothing in store for me. My wealth simply covers my wounds. You think I am happy, but really I’m not sure I want to face tomorrow. There is no one to care. No one to show me what love is. I have money but I am poor.
Jesus the suffering is great. I am not so sure that the people know the hope of what is to come. Jesus, why is there so much suffering. Why must suffering be a part of growth? Why must these people wander in the desert dry from lack of love. Hunger in the wilderness for lack of provisions. Why must there be such suffering?
"My child, I have entered with you in suffering that you may now enter with others. “Comfort my people, say I your God. Speak tenderly to these my children and proclaim that their hard service has been completed, that their sins have been paid for., that they have received from the Lord’s hand double for their sins. Listen to the voice calling “In the desert prepare the way of the Lord make straight in the wilderness a valley for our God. Every valley shall be raised up and every mountain and hill be made low. The rough ground shall become level the rugged places a plain.” My glory will be revealed and all humankind together will see it. Yes, my child, I am present in your suffering. I am present in your suffering so that you may join with these in their suffering too"
Thank you for being present in suffering.
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