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Cross wordsWednesday, March 23, 2011
Matthew 20:17-22 One of their mothers said, "Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom."
Jesus said, "You don't know what you're asking."
Jesus might have been imagining those two disciples on crosses next to him. Is that what their mother wants for her sons? Does she understand his words, repeated over and over in so many ways? You gain your life by losing it. Whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. You can grasp the pearl of great price only when your hands are empty of everything else. To get to resurrection, you first must die. Ashes, ashes, all fall down. The old children's song recalls awful historical facts about plague and epidemic death. Singing and holding hands in a circle, jumping up and down with the other kids, I might laugh at death for a moment. But make no mistake: it will kill me. Jesus simply says, "So what?" Death is not in charge. Death does not win. There's more. Follow me into this valley, and I'll show you what happens next. Jesus, all I have is you. You're the hope I'm holding to. I might weep but still my faith rests in you. As the heavens hold the skies, it's your hand that holds my life. And your love will lead me on when all else is gone ...* * http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tU5ZrcqdVDw |
The shadowy valley of death (Psalm 23) has a few paths marked by previous travelers. God promises his presence as I walk straight in and straight through. But he has established a "no-fly-zone" above the valley; there's no going over it. All I can do is walk right in.