Jesus Was Never Busy
Jesus was never busy; he was never rushed. He never brushed people off because he was someone important with something more important to do. However, Jesus constantly lived with a sense of urgency. We see a clear vision and purpose behind all that he did. He did not wander aimlessly around the countryside. He was looking! He was on a clearly defined mission to reconcile the human race with the heavenly father. He had a clear sense of when his ministry should start (e.g. his comment to his mother at the Cana wedding) and a clear sense of finality (“It is finished”). His actions between these markers are no less purposeful, urgent or appointed. But in the midst of such pressing priorities, limited financial resources and condensed timelines–He was NEVER busy.
So I’m asking the question of myself today, “Why would I ever be ‘busy’ again?”
Next post: How Jesus managed to maintain urgency without business
Salvation always comes at the last minute. My favorite line from the Two Towers was when Gandalf’s words echo in Aragorn’s head—“Look for me at dawn on the fourth day!” Helm’s Deep is almost over run, the battle is all but lost and hope has left all who are there. Théoden rides to ruin and women and children are cowered in fear. It is at this moment they ride forth and Gandalf’s words are heard. Shortly thereafter he is seen. Bright light surrounds him as he breaks upon the swarm of orcs. They held on until they could not, and then salvation came.
The lembas bread sustains them on the journey. The films try their best to capture this element, but still fall short. I remember reading the books and wanting to taste lembas bread. It was only years later I learned that lembas bread was a symbol of the Eucharist bread. Tolkien held different views on communion, but the idea is right on. Only Jesus, the true bread of life sustains us.
Evil always seems stronger. I think Jackson (the director) does an amazing job of capturing the essence of evil. It is bigger, stronger, uglier, more fierce, and overwhelming. Numerous times throughout the films there are moments where actual repulsion sets in. Evil is ugly, but intimidating. We see almost every character despair at some type of evil. Even Aragorn the king is frozen at the sight of the Barlrog in Moria. What is interesting is the way their response is captured. In the books you can’t see their expressions, but on film we see them flinch. They flinch, but proceed. Yes, this evil is huge, massive and beyond comprehension, but the path is clear.
No joke, I’m friends with Elvis. Well, this plastic dude that looks like Elvis anyways. This was taken at Gino’s East Pizza in the Chicagoland area. My friend Chris Meirose invited me to join a group he had organized to go to the Story Conference. The conference was amazing and the pizza was pretty good, too. I’m really not sure what the deal with Elvis is, but I just couldn’t resist the picture. Thanks Chris! [Visit Chris Meirose's blog -- http://mrclm.blogspot.com/ ]
