Worthwhile

If you consider the first few chapters of the gospel of John, and contrast that to the entire gospel of Mark, you see an entirely different approach to chronicling Jesus' ministry.  Entirely.  Mark's gospel reads like a graphic novel and John's like a Charles Frazier' novel.  The former is action directed, event-oriented while the latter is deeply introspective and thoughtful.  It's as if John was inspired to write a book that served more as an anchor of faith for those who were looking to understand the life of Jesus versus an eye-witness accounting.

I delved into the book of John at the end of last week, and by the time Friday night came, I was awestruck at what I was reminded of there.

For a man who struggles mightily with worthlessness, being reminded that we as Christians are "Children of God", "born of both water and spirit" resonates.  In fact, more than simply resonate.  Blanket.  Enlighten.  Elevate.  You know, those words that we overwork within religious circles in an attempt to describe being filled with the knowledge of God's grace / love for us.

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I was thinking this morning about the apostle Paul, and his call to rejoice through suffering.  Of course, this begs the question of "How?" and always has.

How do this and not be hypocritical?  Where find the genuineness to rejoice amidst the horrific pain of life's sufferings?

It's supernatural.  That's it.

You'll never find it from within yourself.  Just as I'll never find much value within Rob.  Rob as a standalone human being.

But when you consider Rob as a Child of God, born of the Spirit, that changes everything.  It brings such peace knowing I was chosen as such.  And then there's the mindset that comes with this truth.  A deep seated peace that I've been bought, never to be snatched from the hand of my Heavenly Father and his love for me.

It's not unlike waking up to the understanding that you're nothing more than a child who's been adopted into the most elite, prestigious, loving, thoughtful, healthy family of all.  The family of God.

I like this analogy because I'm well aware of the failings / misgivings within my own biological family due to the fact that I rub shoulders with them most days.  And the same can even be said of our church family.  Again, another fine example of imperfectness and at times, relational happenstance.  Too, I see these people more often than not as we're heavily involved at Lakeside Pres.

Last night before bed, I prayed explicitly that my understanding of these gifts / my identity in Him would expand further and further into my mind / soul.  Why?  Because it serves as the antidote, the healing elixir if you will, for my broken down heart.

I am a Child of God, born of the Spirit.  Please Lord, keep me from becoming a jaded middle-aged man who's emotions hold sway over him moment by moment.  May I rejoice, no matter the circumstances presented before me.