While reading I found myself both intrigued and a little taken a-back by the childish style and simplicity of the writings. I understand that it helps for young readers, but at the same time, I think that there is some wonder left out by simplifying it. This could just be the rantings of a bible major taking Greek who is thinking about the tenses and translations, but without further ado I shall dive into my thoughts on "The Slave King" and "A Dark Night in the Garden."
"The Slave King"
One thing kept ringing in my ear from past years at Sonshine while reading this passage, "You cannot live above those that you serve." Jesus stooping on his knees in order to clean the disciples feet, willingly. His reason was not to bring attention to himself or to prove anything about God's coming kingdom, rather it was to serve and love unconditionally as only a member of the trinity can do. He did it with perfect knowledge of the coming days and an expectation that God will save even though it may take his life to accomplish this feat. Jesus stayed true to one thing, the perfect will of God. In the same way this summer we are to serve according to God's will, we are to "only do what we see the Father doing." In this act we are stooping lower and lower... to use a phrase from the year I barneyed, "However low you stoop, Jesus stooped lower." Therefore, step out in faith, trust him, for he will sustain and provide and it is only through relying on him that we will make it through this summer. Not as individuals, but as a TEAM. As the twelve disciples worked together, following Jesus' ministry, we drivers and trainees come as equals to the Delta and to Shasta in order to serve as we have learned from Jesus' example.
"A Dark Night in the Garden"
"Is there any other way to get your children back?" in other words, "Father, if there is any other way, let this burden pass from me." Jesus was passionate about God's plan, but he was also intentional. Every action and every teaching had a purpose, this is the same for us while on the water this summer. We will have to die and give in to the intentionality of his plan. As Jesus continues to pray on the Mount of Olives, he responds, "whatever you say, I will do." No matter what Jesus desires, he is obedient to God's will, and he takes heart in the plan laid before him, however hard it may be. When we take heart, we are encouraged and we shall be lifted up. So take heart as I am and draw near to God, because "not being close to God is like a punishment." Turn your heart towards those are not prepared to experience Jesus and love them for it is those that Jesus came. Even the ones who persecuted Jesus, who arrested him, he died for. Only because he humbled himself and let them.
I know that this is long, but I have had a lot on my mind lately. I'm excited for the summer, but I am also nervous, nervous for the young driver team that has been formed for this summer. My hopes is that we may come together as a team and put all others before us, not just the campers, but also other staff, even the admin. In the end, the goal this summer is that God will glorify Himself and to usher in that process, we must humble ourselves. As a soccer player, my biggest pet peeve is someone who will not give up their identity as an individual for the betterment of the team. Taking this and applying it to the water this summer, if you find your identity in your role, what you are doing or how long you have been there, you have missed it. I am not perfect and I will likely fall prey to it at some point in the summer, please call me on it as I will if i see it in you, because as a team, this is what we are called to do in order to best serve His kingdom.
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