December 22, 2005
I just got off the phone with George in what is one of many calls I make to him throughout the week. He told me that he had just got off the bus and had experienced a unique encounter. He usually sits at the front of the bus on the second level. This time he sat at the back where the “rowdies” sit. He went on to say that he was going to be sitting back there a lot more, especially in regards to the story that that he then shared with me.
As he sat down closer to the back, most likely pulling out his emails and working away. He felt something knock against his head from behind. He looked and it was a wadded up piece of paper. He looked behind him and saw some young guys – the rowdies – sitting in the back. He gave them a stern rebuke and then explained to them that when he was 16, etc, etc. etc…. And through this encounter he did what all great OMers do and handed them some Christian leaflets; this only after he had shared some of his own story and the gospel. He then went back to his work, (burrowing into his emails, I’m sure) and in not to short a time, received another wadded up projectile aimed at his head. His response? He looked at the wad decorated with graffiti, noticing it was one of the leaflets he had passed to them and turned around again and shared more of his younger self through his personal testimony in a kind yet firm manner with a strong Gospel message. He then turned back to his work and no sooner had he started than one of the young men was sitting next to him. George greeted him and again shared more of himself and solidified the message of the Gospel by loving well this young man whom he had earlier rebuked. As I got of the phone with him, I was encountered by his response (not reaction) with what so many of us do when we are given small opportunities to defend the Gospel when our rights and dignity have been trespassed upon.
In these days, there are warnings posted throughout London for young people, that if they abuse their privileges on the public transit system, they will lose them. Of course George’s encounter with this young man gave George the right to demand to be treated better and as a 67 year old man, both of them riding the transit for free, one because of his youth and one because of his elderliness, he deserved the better treatment. He deserved respect and he could’ve demanded it and threatened the boy with the loss of his transit card by reporting him. Instead he lovingly responded (not reacting) and sought out the souls and the hearts of these young men rather than his rights and their ensuing punishment. In a world that rushes to its rights, here is the Christ-likeness that demonstrates a heart not afraid of abuse for the sake of the Gospel. It has been said that the greatest leaders are those who submit themselves to the greatest abuse, especially from within their own circle and still give away love and dignity – free of expectations. Of course who is our greatest example of this, the One - the most abused with the least justification for abuse. I believe that the Christ-likeness that George shared with these young men will forever be an imprint of grace and love in these guys’ hearts that only see a world that offers judgment, retribution and a lust for what is deserved. This is the Gospel, this is the light shining in the darkness before men. Let us be challenged by his example and his willingness to accept abuse in the place of what he deserves. Some would say this is foolish. I think it is in the world’s eyes – and oh to be such a fool. “Jesus, please give me what I need in order to let go of what I deserve so that I can give them the “You” that they need and yet don’t deserve”
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
-Jesus, Son of God
“So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but is has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.”
-Paul (in his 2nd letter to Tim)
No comments:
Post a Comment