"Who Do You Say That I Am?"

In Matthew 16:13-20, Jesus asks his disciples a very important question..."Who do people say that I am." The disciples gave him a variety of answers, and then he asked THE question. This is the question that all of us, Christian or not, must answer..."Who do YOU say that I am?" The disciple Peter was quick to answer, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." I believe that all of us are faced with this question everyday. Non-Christians or Atheists cannot avoid this question either. Jesus changed the world, and even they must come to terms with who he is. They may say he was nothing more than a good man or teacher, but they still must confront Jesus. That is why it is vitally important that we, as Christians, answer this question daily. When asked, I'm sure most Christians would say that Jesus is the Messiah, just as Peter did. But what if others are looking for the answer without asking the question? What if people who are seeking Jesus are trying to find him by examining our lives? What answer would they discover? Yes, it is grace that saves us, but will others see Jesus when they see us? Will others come to know the living Messiah because of the way we live? In no way am I saying that Christians should be perfect (we cannot achieve such lofty expectations), but I am saying that we should be trying to answer this question in all areas of our lives. Do we show Jesus in our work, in our play, in our relationships, at the ballgame, in traffic, in our anger or frustrations, in our everyday dealings. "Who do you say that I am?" Jesus asks the question everyday. What is your answer today?

Almost Heaven Part 2

On the last night of our West Virginia trip, Pr. Mark took our group to a place called "Beauty Mountain." This was a viewing area high in the mountains overlooking the New River Gorge. It's name was understated. This view was gorgeous. We arrived as the sun was setting over the mountains, creating a very serene atmosphere. Pr. Mark instructed us all to sit in silence and take in all that God had to say to us. For at least 10 minutes we worshipped in the silence, yet heard so much. As I gazed over the amazing creation, I felt really small. The mighty river below, that we raced down the day before, seemed almost insignificant. The vastness of the scenery overwhelmed me and I wondered to God, "Who Am I?" Sometimes I feel very important and big. Sometimes I feel that this world could not survive without me, and I have a jaded view of my significance. But on that mountain I felt like a speck of sand on the beach, or a wave on the ocean. This world has long existed before me and will long exist after I'm gone. It was a humbling moment. But, then, I heard God speak to me, saying, "yes, I created all this long before there was you. And yes, my creation is much bigger than you. But you are still more important to me than all of it. Remember, I did not die for the mountains, the rivers, or the setting sun, I died for you. This creation will all end someday, but you will be with me forever in paradise." Of all the wonders that God has created, He still loves us more than all of it. That is also a humbling thought, but a life-giving humbling thought at that! Amen.

Almost Heaven...

Almost Heaven, West Virginia! I just recently returned from a Sr. High trip to West Virginia, where we did volunteer work with the National Parks and then did some whitewater rafting on the New River, & "duckying" on the Gauley River (A "ducky" is an inflatable kayak). The trip involved both hard work and hard play. Our work in the parks seemed unspiritual, but it was hard work and much appreciated by the park rangers. Our evenings were spent playing in the water and bonding as a group. It was a good week. The high point for me was probably on Thursday. Most of the day was spent on the Gauley River where "Old Man River" was laughing at me! The river definitely knows how to humble the proudest of egos. I felt confident going in that I could handle my ducky and not be taken victim like other novices. There were 54 of us, plus river guides, duckying down the river that day. After falling out of my ducky into the first 3 rapids, I was embarrassed, my confidence clearly shaken, and my ego sorely bruised. Luckily for me, thanks to the help of the amazing river guides, that was all that was bruised. As the trip down the river continued, the words to the song "You Never Let Go" started playing in my head. "Oh no, you never let go, through the calm and through the storm. Oh no, you never let go, in every high and every low. Oh no, you never let go, Lord. You never let go of me." The more I sang those words, the more my worries and fears subsided. And yes, I started to figure out how to survive the rapids. I only dumped in one more time out of about 20 more opportunities. What I learned on the river that day was a great metaphor for life. There are times when we can float along peacefully, enjoying the beauty around us (it was gorgeous!), and the company of our loved ones. Those are great times. There are also times when others are in troubled waters and we are called upon to lift them back to safety. It feels good to be a "hero," helping others in their time of need. And then there are times when we can't hold on and the river is taking us for a ride, washing over us, and we are helpless. It stinks to need help from others, but without it, I could have been swept under a rock and possibly drowned. I didn't care how I got back in my ducky, I just wanted back in! Yes it was humbling, but that is what community is all about. Helping when you can, receiving help when you need it, and being thankful for those that were on the ride with you! At the end of the day, only about 5 people didn't fall in the river, but we were all glad to have survived it together. We were all proud of one another, not for our "duckying" abilities, but for the community we had on (and IN) that river. I truly believe Jesus was at the center of it. Remembering that He never let's go of us, AND being surrounded by such a great community, was what kept me going and ultimately provided for me an awesomely spiritual experience. I truly believe that God's greatest gift to us is Jesus, and His next greatest gift to us is one another. Thanks, "Old Man River" for reminding me of what our Christian lives are all about. Amen.