Today's post is short and sweet, and relatively convicting, so I'd advise you wear a helmet. DevotedIt's not often that we see people who both say they belong to something as well as actively stand by it. We have organizations, politicians, and every-day-'Joes' who all publicly subscribe to a cause or commitment but falter in the shadows to what's easy and cultural. It seems that none of us can get away from lack of devotion no matter how hard we try, and we continuously allow for the burning candles of cause and passion to be swept by the wind of neglect and lack of accountability. Reflect on yourself as I, myself: what candles have you allowed to be blown out in the privacy of your darkness and hiding? I'm not just talking about how long you could remain a vegetarian after watching a vulgar PETA video on Facebook, or how long it took before your New Year's Resolution of keeping your kitchen clean died off, but rather, I'm pointing toward purpose and directive. You've heard my spiel on purpose and directive before, so I'll get straight to the point: Our 'resolutions' tend to be obligations without gratefulness. We devote ourselves to things with a full caboose of emotion and intensity to carry it for a week, and then find out it has no relevance to us, or maybe we just lose interest and forget the benefit and due diligence of standing up for whatever it was we were called to in the first place. On that note, it's important to note two things:
Devotion isn't meaningless, it's hefty and influential; so don't treat it like it's just another flavor of cereal you eat for breakfast. a niche fulfilledCollectively, the point I'm trying to make is that as a generation and culture, we need to start taking on advocacy and activism like it's a God-given niche, and avoid 'advocating for ants' so to speak. Story time: I was flipping through the Bible this morning, specifically the book of Mark (which is unusual for me because there are three other Gospels I'd much rather read than Mark), and I came across chapter 16 and chuckled. Why did I chuckle? Well, around Mark 16:9 is where the Bible describes Mary Magdelene finding Jesus to be alive three days after being crucified, and goes to the rest of the disciples and tells them, "Jesus was alive". I chuckled because Mary Magdelene, a woman, a debated ex-prostitute, and someone known to have been captivated by legitimate demons, was the first person Jesus appeared to and directed to tell the other disciples. Before I get into how incredible that really is, let me set the stage for you: Mary Magdelene walked with Jesus throughout his entire ministry after he cast demons out of her, she even funded his mission and surrendered her life to listen and learn beneath him. The church (and North American culture in its entirety) has this subtle notion that the most impacted and faithful of Jesus' followers were the twelve disciples, all men with relatively nothing to lose. But Mary Magdelene, someone who was literally pulled from miry clay and equipped with strength and redemption walked alongside him as did the twelve throughout his ministry, and in the end of it all, Jesus revealed himself to her first. Now this isn't some 'women are more spiritual than men' rant, rather, it's a story of ultimate devotion. Mary Magdelene (and the other Marys) wept profusely when Jesus was laid in the tomb, and yet when he appeared to her from the dead, she went faithfully and confidently, knowing in fact Jesus was alive, and that it was no delusion to share the incredible testament of his power to the others. What's the point? The point is this: Mary Magdelene was taken from the bottom of the bottom, not only was she frowned upon as a woman in her culture, but she was taken by demons and speculated to have promiscuous tendencies. And Jesus. chose. her. He chose her because he knew her heart and he knew that she knew of his great power. He knew her faith, and that she would not be warded off in fear of delusion after seeing him, but that she knew how he saved and how he made the impossible possible. So if Mary Magdelene, the woman taken from the 'bottom of the bottom' could be instrumental in Jesus' resurrection; why can't you be instrumental for what you believe in? If you believe in equality, education, quality of life, etc., recognize that you can be instrumental to that change - you simply need to appreciate that both the need and the fix are deserving and worth living for. When you make a life-long resolution or find a niche to impact, ask yourself whether its the niche for you (don't be an ant-rights' activist), and when you are certain it is, live for it gratefully. If it was important enough to change you, treat it with dignity and carry it like it can do the same for others. - Rebekah out.
3 Comments
5/28/2019 05:00:53 am
Wow, I needed to read this today, Rebekah. Not only is the message of Mary Magdelene a powerful reminder that Jesus can use us ALL to carry out His ministry (thinking of the poor widow have gave all she had as a donation and thus earned Jesus' praise as compared to the rich man who gave a portion of his wealth), but it's a reminder that sacrifice or taking up a "cause" can be utterly meaningless without a purpose, especially God's purpose.
Reply
Rebekah Thomas
5/28/2019 10:39:11 pm
Awe man, I completely agree with you! The Bible gives so much insight and balance when depended on - reading it regularly is something I’ve only established in the past year if I’m honest and vulnerable! But as you imagine, it’s had incredibly growth and balance effects on my life (also, Ephesians is such a great area of study!)
Reply
6/1/2019 11:35:32 am
You're very welcome, Rebekah. It's meant a lot to me to connect with you about these aspects of our faith. Cathy and I were out last night with two friends of ours, who are also the pastors of Reach Pentecostal Church in our part of Nova Scotia (they're originally Atlantic Canadians but were living in Abbotsford before they heeded God's call to come here two years ago). I got to chatting about your blog and your insights and I'll be sharing some with them, and with others, as June rolls along. Hope you and Aiden have a great weekend and may the Lord bless and protect both of you, the whole way through! Leave a Reply. |
Welcome,My name's Rebekah. Categories
All
Archives
March 2020
|