This marks my 200th blog. It is amazing all that has happened in just 200 blogs but the common theme is that every event and every thought can move us back to God. So, here we go. The economy continues to worsen every day. I don't know where the Dow will be by the end of today but I have a feeling it will not be good. It struck me there is a pain to the "haves" and a pain to the "have nots". I watched Slumdog and was reminded of the horrific pain of the slums in Mumbai and around the world. It is the pain of the "have nots". The "have nots" experience a pain the "haves" do not. The pain of poverty assaults all the senses- sight, sound, smell, there is even a taste to poverty. When I have been in places around the world experiencing abject poverty the opportunities for Christians is unparalleled. When the Tsunami hit there was an unprecedented outpouring of compassion from Christians. This love was felt in very tangible ways and had a tremendous impact particularly on Muslims hardest hit. Christianity seems to shine brightest in the midst of the "have nots". It is the pain that makes the balm of Jesus so wonderful. When I watch the stock market and talk to friends there is a pain that the "haves" experience that the "have nots" are spared. There is a sense of loss, fear, and even despair. Those who have little to lose experience little pain during these times. But those who have lost the most experience the greatest pain. I guess I want to remind those of us who fall in the "have" category that pain, any pain, is where Christianity really shines. The balm of Jesus, the truth of the Gospel, is never more desperately needed, or more deeply appreciated than when we are in pain.
Friday, February 27, 2009
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"When ya ain't got nuthin' ya ain't got nuthin' to lose." --Bob Dylan
God shouts in our pain all we need do is listen and obey. We as followers of Christ are the salt.
Hard to compare the suffering of those we see in some of the places we visit on HCC missions trips with the losses in the stock market, although I know the rapid loss of wealth can cause great anguish and fear. The unbelievable poverty we see in parts of India and Africa and other countries is something that none of us will ever experience. Yet the bright eyes you talk about, looking up at you from a child with literally nothing in the midst of such poverty, is a sight to behold! And the balm of Jesus, as you say, truly comforts us all, whatever the pain, whatever the cause and however long it may last.
To paraphrase Sam Storms from his meditations on Colossians, when we gaze at the grandeur of heaven, it changes our value system. In the light of eternity, these earthly sufferings are momentary. Paul reminds us that the afflictions of this life are "light", compared to the "weight" of glory that is to come! Glory!
Thanks Joe for acknowleging the "haves" and their pain. It is real and can be devestating. You are wonderful at seeing how Christ can meet the needs of ALL people when many have tunnel vision to only address the obvious!
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