Ecclesiastes 4

More meaninglessness. But in today's reading the king seems to be alluding to a much more personal quest. He refers to seeing (not participating in) the toils of the oppressed. He saw great achievements grow only out of pride. He saw that being alone is empty. He saw that even the youth who garners great influence ends up being the old king watching a younger person see the same rise of power. Chasing after the wind...

What do I learn from these musings?

1. What am I doing to help those who are oppressed? Do I sit back and wonder about happiness or do I step in and make a difference?


2. Am I doing life alone? Even in a marriage one can be alone. Even in a family one can be alone. Am I alone or am I allowing others in?


3. Am I placing too much stock in gaining influence? Am I looking to rise to power or do I realize power comes and goes with a fickle crowd? I have not been called to power, I have been called to service. This is not a "station in life" this is a holy vocation. Am I living it out?

I realize that I need to open myself up to those around me more. As I approach a time of vulnerability (I'm having surgery Friday), will allow those around me into my world even though I am not "in power"? As I look at my own "career" as a pastor, I will relinguish my need/desire for power and influence and simply seek to be God's servant for this community.

Under the Mercy,
Jason

The Road to Jerusalem

Mark 10:32-52
Since the Transfiguration Jesus has set His sites on Jerusalem. He knows what is coming. It would seem the crowd did as well (v. 32 - they were afraid). Jesus explains what is going to happen to the disciples, but they just can't put their mind around what Jesus is telling them. [How many times do I fall into that trap?]

James and John ask Jesus to do something for them - make them the two most powerful men in His Kingdom. This is my favorite verse because in my own way I know I have asked the same thing of Jesus. I want to be powerful. I want to be successful. I want to be famous.

My daughter used to make "famous eggs." This basically meant that she was involved in the process and she liked them so they weren't just "good" they were FAMOUS! If I'm honest, this is what I want Terra Nova to be - famous. I know that in the grand scheme of things, I am merely a helper for God as He builds HIS church in Delaware. I know that I probably get in the way more than I actually help in the process. But I want it to be famous!

As I read about James and John it struck me that I need to work on this mindset. It also struck me that Jesus promised them they would drink the cup He would drink and be baptized with the baptism He is baptized with. I don't know if that is really good news for me...

Where are you in your mindset of power and control? If you could ask Jesus for something what would it be? Why? What are you not asking Jesus for? Why?

Under the Mercy,
Jason