I once worked at a church with a weird history (seemed weird to me anyway). They had what we called the “throne chair” for the pastor to use when on the platform. They also had a massive pulpit the size of a semi cab for the pastor to walk into (not behind – into!) when he spoke. They seemed to have huge respect for their pastors. But their history proved different. In the past, they had grumbled and criticized and dismissed their pastors, treating them with anything but respect. I couldn’t figure it out.
As their new pastor, I found this more than a bit disconcerting. I was talking to a friend about it (who didn’t go to the church), who was able to explain to me what was going on. He believed that in the past they had preferred distant respect over intimate relationship. That way, if they didn’t like what the pastor was doing, it was easier to grumble and/or dismiss the pastor than if they had really known him as a person. It was an “aha” moment for me. The chair and pulpit finally left and some of my best friends are at that church. But I wonder…
When God was up on Mt. Sinai in Exodus 19:10-21, He invited everyone to climb the mountain and meet Him. But they were afraid of the thunder and lightening, the throne chair and mountain top. So – only Moses went up. And what happens next? The golden calf is worshipped. The Israelites grumble against Moses and chicken out on going into the Promised Land – and finally they reject the offer of the Messiah for the Kingdom. They preferred distant respect over intimate relationship, grumbled and complained and dismissed God. Is that us?
Jesus said, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.” (Mt 11:28 msg)
"I forgot the part about everyone being invited to go up. Sounds a bit like me. I don't think I'd have fashioned a golden calf; I would have used the excuse that I'd stay behind and have a hot meal waiting for Moses when he returned."
ReplyDeleteHi Dan,
ReplyDeleteI tried posting the following in your blog but...maybe I still cant make it work.
anyway....
There is a cost to everything, including relationships. It would seem that most of us are not willing to pay the price for maintaining relationships and yet are usually far to ready to cry out for help when we are "dying" in one way or another.
We, especially Americans, have a knack or unique ability to expend Massive amounts of time and energy in NOT maintaining relationships (50% divorce rate among the Saved and unsaved) (reference the above blog regarding Moses, the people, and God) with the one's (or One) that matters the most
Do not life too seriously, since we will not be alive. - What do you mean by that? Is my translation correct? 不要生活太認真，因為我們不會活著。 - 你是什麼意思？我的翻譯是正確的？
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