This morning the words "I Am" were dominant in my thoughts. You may recognize this identity as the response Moses recorded at the burning bush, at least as the King James has rendered.
My scholarly friend of Jewish origin has always encouraged the interpretation as "I shall be who I shall be."
I began to ponder who I have become after 50 years on the journey with "I Am."
I am not who I was, that's for certain!
Yet, still not sure that who I am mirror's who I once set out to be. Initially, given the radical epiphany that occurred in my life, my only goal was to be like Jesus. Literally!
I was so enraptured by my life change that I began to literally consume everything I was told or read that might further enrich my then crisp and exciting journey.
Of course, most obvious was the Book, so I began to read and assume that whatever Jesus did and how he did it was for me, "even greater things."
I remember the excitement in my life, in my new girlfriend's life, the teacher across the hall. She too bought into my story and experienced her own life change. Eventually we would marry.
The trajectory of our life seemed now so different, even those long in the faith began offering invitation to share our story. Then, encouraging us to join in with gatherings. First, an interdenominational prayer breakfast, then leadership, then momentum and expansion to a prayer supper, as well (a monthly dinner at the local YMCA).
We witnessed miraculous things occuring, a renewal among a broad spectrum of Christ followers, with the occasional courtship from local pastors.
We didn't know it, but we were being homogenized!
It wasn't a bad thing, for these men and women (at that time the local Salvation Army commander was female) seemed to offer life experience and much needed wisdom. We were hungry for impact, desiring that others might experience the joy and frankly the powerful presence we had sensed in our lives.
We would soon learn to fit in with cultural Christianity. Within a year we were churched. A new dimension was added to our lives, no longer lone rangers, yet surrounded by the needs of others.
At 75, I'm now uncertain that it paid off!
As I read Matthew 10 this morning, I sense a loss in my life, missing the radical Jesus-like moments I once witnessed, my life now well-tamed! Normalcy, with the occasional respect given an elder.
"These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. [8] Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. - Matthew 10:5-10 KJV.
Before, when I would read such words, I was full in, expecting nothing less than to turn cities upside down with a "proof in my pudding" unexplainable, other than the power of God in my life! "Christ in me, the hope of glory."
I now feel like a well skilled fisherman, a "Bassmaster" of sorts, who no longer fishes, only swaps stories of when he did; more and more only with other former fishermen. Just keeping the sport live, sufficient to sell an occasional boat or two!
Can you hear a longing? It's something that spills out occasionally in a one on one conversation with other former fisherman, who have also come to realize that something is awry. I had a couple such conversations just yesterday.
Once again, the Word! "I shall be who I shall be."
Christ, the I Am is in me, thus I Am! Be who you Am, so others can see who He Am!
It's call to renewal, encouraged by design, demonstrated with each sunrise, empowered daily by new grace!
Homogenation is a process better used with milk than humans!
Y’all were the prefect couple