The Spirit gives life

The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you--they are full of the Spirit and life. John 6:63

I went to a funeral the other day and remembered a man who was funny, joyful and generous.

He had an open casket and I don’t think you ever get over the shock of seeing a dead and life-less body.  It's so final.

It reminds me of this verse; that it is the Spirit that gives life.  The flesh has no life of its own.  We are Spirit beings.  The life and energy you see in a person comes from his or her Spirit. 

With Jesus we know that after our body is dead and gone our Spirit united to His will live on. 

It’s the Spirit of Jesus united to a man's that gives him life everlasting. 

Breaking Bread on the Road

I was sitting in church, on the 3^rd floor and looking out at the public garden when a man walked by on crutches.  He looked very poor and had two small bags with him.  He was digging in the trash, and soon after I realized he was looking for food.  He quickly finds some food and throws away the wrapper.  Immediately, I thought, “Oh gosh, he’s gonna eat that.”  Then he walks over to where some birds are and breaks the bread and feeds the birds.

I was stunned; such a beautiful and generous image of the poor feeding the poor.

Now, as I reflect on this story, I think of Jesus and how on the road to Emmaus he broke bread with the disciples and in the breaking of the bread their eyes were open to see who he was.

Jesus still breaks bread on the road with men and women and we may not have eyes to recognize him in them.

Jesus, open our eyes to see you as we travel on the road and meet the poor, that we might see with our eyes, hear with our ears, understand with our hearts and turn and you would heal us. (Matthew 13:15)

New Eyes!

Jesus’ way is counter-intuitive to the way of the world.  I don’t know if you ever get use to this no matter how long you have been journeying alongside of Him. 

The world says get rich and highlights the lifestyles of the rich and famous.  Jesus chose the poor to make his spiritual riches known. 

The world says, be on top, be number 1, the best and the brightest.  Jesus says, “The greatest among you is one who serves.” “The last will be first, and the first will be last.”

The Pharisees and religious elite thought the Messiah would come in glory and establish a kingdom on earth.  Jesus said, “Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you!”  His glory was made known in deepest humility. 

The world values popularity, self-promotion and praise. Scripture says, “Consider others better than yourself.”  Jesus often chose the hidden way.

More and more I realize that following Jesus takes looking at people, and situations with new eyes. 

What we may consider not of much value or worth, he values immensely.  He doesn’t promise an easy road.  Jesus’ life wasn’t easy, yet He promises true and everlasting riches; His presence, His Love, His peace, His Joy, His freedom.  Jesus most definitely was the freest man that ever lived because he was not dependent on what the world could give. 

Rich or poor, popular or unpopular, the last or the first, Jesus looks at the heart.  Jesus gives us new eyes to see like he sees, a new heart to feel like he feels, and the freedom to only be dependent on the Love of God.

Love's rare gift!

Instead of demanding love, expecting it, resenting mother, father, spouse, or child who couldn't give it.  Why not receive it in the moment as it comes to us through whomever, as a pure and powerful gift.

You see, love is not deserved, it comes to us freely and fully as a fragrant flower in bloom.  The flower doesn't last forever.  For summer leads to autumn, and autumn to winter.

 And yet, we still dare to hope for Love's season to return and blow its fragrant breath to birth radiant life in and around us...