Mark 1:9-11
John baptized Jesus himself. Can you imagine the feeling he must have had? I would have been so nervous and concerned that I wouldn't do it right. I picture myself trying to do my own job if Jesus had asked me to, if He was standing right in front of me. You think I'm a perfectionist now? That would be increased tenfold! I can just imagine Him smiling at me waiting patiently for me to complete the job. He'd probably jump in and pick up the pieces, helping me along the way. When it was complete, He'd praise my work and give me a hug. It would be enough for Him.
John was so blessed to be the ONE chosen to be there with Jesus when He declared Himself God's son. He stood right next to Him as God himself said aloud that He was glad. It's awe-inspiring to imagine. I love that He did let an average human being baptize Him. He could have had an angel come down or do it Himself! He loves using us ordinary people because He considers us righteous through His eyes. He likes involving us in every aspect of His ministry. I am so grateful that I have the one God who comes down to us and doesn't keep Himself distant. Praise Him!
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Saturday, October 19, 2013
Monday, October 14, 2013
Preparing for the India
This week's read is "Holy Cow", by Sarah MacDonald, who goes on her own personal adventure to India. As she finds herself in a near fatal situation, she is presented with the realization that she doesn't really know what comes after death. Being in India provides a golden opportunity to ask big questions about the afterlife because it is home to a variety of faiths and an attitude of religious freedom that few countries have. India is home to Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, Christians, and Muslims. As she searches for an answer to her questions, she meets people from each walk of life who allow her into their inner circles.
After all of her searching, I find it very enlightening that when she is faced with another life or death situation, she is confronted with the reality that knowing one God who exists to bring control and peace is the only answer that satisfies.
As she chats on the plane with a fellow passenger "...about the wonderful nature of Buddhism, she asks me if I'll stick to his teachings. Seeing I can't be a Jew, I begin to say yes. But I stop. We are high above the Himalayas and I just heard a propeller splutter and stall... [M]y two weeks of Buddhist training practically fall into my pants. I scream. My hands are sweating, my heart is pumping and my mind is clutching at life like a randy dog to a leg. The propeller starts again but I've buried my Buddhist belief. I don't want to die. I like life. I'm completely attached to this body and this realm. I try to stop trembling and meditate. I can't... The emptiness of Buddhism sits heavy in my stomach. I actually find myself praying. For the first time in my life I want to believe there's a God who's in control. I realize I desire salvation more than the prospect of centuries of learning to control my mind."
I am both nervous and excited about my upcoming trip to India. I know that I will be faced with a variety of faith paths and a plethora of gods, each seeking to provide for my every need. The reality that I have one God who can do 1000 times more than any of theirs, even all put together, gives me this amazing sense of peace. However, I want to honor and respect those people who hold their faith as dear as I hold mine. I am eager to learn from others and an eager to see what God shows me in this new country.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
After all of her searching, I find it very enlightening that when she is faced with another life or death situation, she is confronted with the reality that knowing one God who exists to bring control and peace is the only answer that satisfies.
As she chats on the plane with a fellow passenger "...about the wonderful nature of Buddhism, she asks me if I'll stick to his teachings. Seeing I can't be a Jew, I begin to say yes. But I stop. We are high above the Himalayas and I just heard a propeller splutter and stall... [M]y two weeks of Buddhist training practically fall into my pants. I scream. My hands are sweating, my heart is pumping and my mind is clutching at life like a randy dog to a leg. The propeller starts again but I've buried my Buddhist belief. I don't want to die. I like life. I'm completely attached to this body and this realm. I try to stop trembling and meditate. I can't... The emptiness of Buddhism sits heavy in my stomach. I actually find myself praying. For the first time in my life I want to believe there's a God who's in control. I realize I desire salvation more than the prospect of centuries of learning to control my mind."
I am both nervous and excited about my upcoming trip to India. I know that I will be faced with a variety of faith paths and a plethora of gods, each seeking to provide for my every need. The reality that I have one God who can do 1000 times more than any of theirs, even all put together, gives me this amazing sense of peace. However, I want to honor and respect those people who hold their faith as dear as I hold mine. I am eager to learn from others and an eager to see what God shows me in this new country.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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