Man on a Mission
The little boy flew. Like the wind, he blew right past—full speed ahead. Unattended, he ran from one room to the next like a man on a mission. And, he was.
His mission was to show off his armor he’d received and now via show and tell, he was after a bit of affirmation from those who looked on. Either that, or he was just plain eager to share with others that which had been bestowed upon him. The sheep skin vest fit just so and so he wanted to keep it. He was learning how to follow his Shepherd—the Shepherd of all Shepherds, Jesus. The vest was an investment made years ago, but today it was utilized as an object for the lesson.
Thrilled he was to have it, and as he completed the zipping up, the words tumbled right on out. “Can I keep it?” And as sure as sure can be, the answer tumbled right on back with no hesitation. “Sure!” On that note, he was all in, and that’s when the advancement to the other classrooms which had not seen the likes of, began. Unannounced, he barged in and within seconds retold the story to all who would listen. Thing is, all did listen and the retelling of that which he’d learned was on point.
Fast forward two weeks and the young lad now stood in line to receive. He’d tasted the fruit and longed for more. It came in the form of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit three in one as he entered into Baptism—and Baptism entered into him. This time, he ran not, but stood at full attention, engaged in what was happening. Three times the water poured on over his head and yet, he stood. As a smile began inching its way across his face, soon, it turned radiant.
Funny how one week one can run from and the next week one is running to that which He is calling. An about face we do as He beckons—and we respond. The congregation, united as witnesses, sealed the deal as they joined in by proclaiming an “Amen!”
“See, I am doing a new thing. Now, it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:319). Like a caterpillar busting out in butterfly formation from a chrysalis, the old is shed and the new living waters beckon—weaving within the golden threads needed to transform that which is within. And He does. And we merely respond to that which is given.
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News” (Romans 10:15). No more running from—only running to. To the Father of lights, we run with arms wide open as He stands ready to pour out that which we are to receive. And, we remember—that in the midst of broken, we run back because only in the broken can the Light enter in. We break and as He was broken for us—He enters in. We need merely receive that which He desires to give—in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Kathleen Kjolhaug
This article was first published in Theology in the Trenches, a column written by Kathleen Kjolhaug. Posted with permission. Read more articles on her blog, Theology in the Trenches.
