Thursday, May 1, 2014

The Burden of the Cross, Seeds, and a Transformed Life

“God is love and God is sovereign. His love disposes Him to desire our everlasting welfare and His sovereignty enables Him to secure it.”
- A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of The Holy

The Light we must bear
Is the Light we must share
Is the Light that illumines the darkness
The promises kept
Give us strength to accept
This burden of bearing the Light
-Michael Card (Poiema project) 

Reader,  I admit assuming you know enough scripture that a "word/phrase reference" will often suffice rather than long explanation with reference.  For example: Jesus talked about seeds. 

"Yes," you think to yourself. And then you think,"Pfthhh... this is all a bit unintelligible and a little arrogant of this 'Anonymous' author. Jesus talked about seeds.  But more than just the famous parable of the sower, 'author' is obviously referencing." 

You!... :) You are a smart one, aren't you?! 

Yep, you are correct. There's that "one" parable. Then the kernel that dies in John's Gospel. Then the tiny seed growing into big faith, analogy.  Beyond that if you come up with another off the top of your head, you certainly win the, "Jesus talking about Seeds" award.

Beyond this though,  I wonder if it is all, somehow, is the same allegory. For example: A seed that will produce, must die, to rise, and if it is planted in good soil it produces great kingdom faith.   ...A stretch?  Your call.

But if it is true about death preceding the life, in all of these the "seeds,"  we plant through the Spirit.  Each seed that will produce is full of much suffering and death.

Death
It smells bad, it looks...(no words to describe it when personal), it feels like it looks. And somehow "THIS" is the essence of life?  I have to humble a still aching heart to gently nod my acceptance of this to be the truth.

I suspect those that have read this far, are in majority, those who are very close in experience, or close to the life of someone dear to you on the mission field.  Otherwise, it seems the topic of,  wishy-washy title(s), and  anonymous authorship would hold little interest.

For those who were there in the "thick of it." Especially in developing nations.  I'm sorry. For the things you witnessed.  I know you still feel the pain, heartache, and often loneliness. The wounded trimmings, as God pruned the dead parts of your heart away, so fruit could be produced for all, is a hard pill to swallow. 

Have you cowered away from that bright light, I mentioned, in the first post?  Did you run back into the comfort of the darkness because "It" was too much.  Or did you hold fast and let the truth set you free?

Did you ever imagine that just being there, and acting counter-culturally, when the pain came, would be the greatest seed you (God through you) ever planted? 

When the child was stillborn, when the accident happened, when the person was murdered, when you stayed by his/her side for days, witnessing the worst of death, and helpless to do anything but pray for a quicker end for an "untouchable," no one else would even visit.

They all looked at you differently after that day, and when they probed as to the "whys," You pointed to the cross because it was Him who enabled your peace and endurance during those moments.

A long time ago a seed was planted in that certain situation. The plant grew, it cycled through life, but it gave up myriad seed when you ministered to the weak. In this moment you were witness to "the sowing."  In those moments you were the embodiment of Christ, you were "The Sower," at least in part, because you are called, "Christ"ian. 

Even though the putrid death smell of Satan's sting permeated everything, many seeds were scattered and landed in good soil in those days immediately following your story. And your words of a Living God became relevant!  The Spirit, to those who watched you, became real.  The Gospel, without romanticism, was replayed before their eyes as Death became life again through your willingness to bear the weight of The Light.

If you are hiding from those moments, I encourage you to come back into the raging beam of Light.  Remember, His promise is not for health,wealth and happiness, but for a transcendent contentment, and abundant Joy, for those who will Love as He did... from here through eternity to come. 

Maybe I can get more specific in posts, to come of my moments, but for those who made it to this post (#2)  I think you might not need my specifics. Your specifics are example enough.

The burden of the Cross is the burden of the Light, is the death of a Seed, is the faith that produces, is the cycle of the miracle of the Gospel, and all Life.  And you. You are invited to this horrendous/beautiful, and undeniable upside down blessing. 

Their applause as you move forward, in His perfect will, is LOUD!  The saints cheer your forebearance and faith. Because like them, you REMAIN in the unknown.

Yes, you have the answer to the questions of Messiah, but even though you've been given the punch-line of Jesus, those cheering saints never received.
Those witnesses trusted God, and received their reward.

And now even with your wonderful knowledge of the Messiah, the recognition of all is your need for courage. They, with The Christ, the Father, and Spirit all acknowledge that each step along the narrow path, is to be applauded, and encouraged.  For holiness is your pursuit.  It is my pursuit... 

It is a faith that leads into the likeness of Christ.  The original burden-bearer and seed planter. He is the one who still leads us into carrying the Light of Truth, to all.  Your pain, your burden is your life transforming to become more like him in every way.  So bask for the briefest of moments in the encouraging shouts and applauding of all who need your work.  And when your Sabbath is over it's time to do it all again.

Oh, one last thing.  Did I forget to mention it?  Silly me.  The burden, the light, the Truth, is an easy load when others are lifting, when your life is no longer your own... Hard to bear? For sure.  Easy to do? Yes, of course!  Contradictory answers to the questions?  Most definitely, if you are looking through the eyes of flesh! 

Welcome to the upside down of... EVERYTHING. When Jesus is Lord, and discipleship goes beyond a "radical/not a fan" platitude that are there for our reminders,  don't stop.  The progression of BEING TRANSFORMED, will not end in this life!  How glorious!

2 comments:

  1. Okay two eyes for the moment. Did you hit your 100 yet, or just feel the need to write again? Hehe. I'm enjoying, keep it coming!

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  2. Kinda' new to this whole blogging thing. I reached that 100 original page clicks that didn't include my own. Still have no idea who or if anyone is following me... Glad both eyes are open. Depth perception is better, at least for me like that :)

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