6-26-12 Something’s Different here

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion-- to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.

They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.

Strangers shall stand and tend your flocks; foreigners shall be your plowmen and vinedressers; but you shall be called the priests of the LORD; they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God; you shall eat the wealth of the nations, and in their glory you shall boast.

Isa 61:1-6 

Master, I am attending a conference on restoration of The Land of Israel, sponsored by a group called HaYovel (English translation – Jubilee). This group of people that I’m worshiping with, eating with, studying with; they are… well, Lord, there’s no word I can put on them right now, other than… “Different”.

You know my heart, Adonai and I’m tempted to put labels on things instead of to understand. And I really want to understand. And so I’m asking Your help for a better definition here. Please give me eyes to see and ears to hear beyond of what I’m capable.

These folks are much like other Christian groups I know. When they start worshiping, they break into song to get things going. They pray for Your presence to be in the room. They seek You in the Text and they exhibit the warmth and genuine “community feel” I’ve experienced with other deeply convicted believers.

There is definitely a “spiritual earthiness” about this modest crew. They are incredibly family-oriented; children…many, many babies and toddlers are on everyone’s laps, older kids are running or crawling everywhere. Many of the women are dressed in long field skirts and cover their hair with scarves; most of the men have beards (all according to ancient traditions). I suspect that some would say this distinguishes the group – sets them apart so to speak. Perhaps: But, external trademarks are not what concern me at this moment.  I’ve mingled with many who look and act differently, unconventional to our modern day customs and I’m at ease in this setting. There’s something else at work here. What are You trying to say to me, through these humble and beautiful worshipers, Adonai?

Could it be the message they convey?  These spiritual followers of Yours have a very specific banner they carry before them. They are all about Israel – the land, the God , the Spirit and the Messiah therein. They make no excuses for their passion to help restore The Land – as they refer to it – in partnership with the Jewish people. Their language is full of references to vineyards, fields and a geographical relationship with You that many of us “Western” believers have either denied or ignored.

When I first met with the leadership of HaYovel, I was amazed, Lord, at the many things we had in common, how much we spoke in unity of a love of The Land, how much we both shared a passion for Your plan for the Jewish People and how we Christians are connected to that plan. But they also shared some additional insights (things I had only suspected) about how we, as “grafted family members”, have misinterpreted, misapplied and even abused our relationship to The Land and Your people.

That’s why I’m here before You, YHWH. I want to understand if this group is just some cultish offshoot of our Christian faith or if…

…If what, Master? What if they are on the main track and I…we, have missed the proper focus? I actually fear that answer because it will require intensive, possibly radical, change. For many years I have had what I have considered a “heart” for Israel and have had a desire to understand how Old Testament and New connect. But does that mean I’ve been (and am) wholeheartedly committed to seeking relationship with the Jewish people? Have I fully considered the ramifications of Your Word which implies all believers – me included – will eventually take up residence in The Land? It’s right there in black and white, Lord. Do I live like I believe? Am I willing to support and defend the Jewish Homestead as my own?

That’s the difference. These folks are “living” You, “breathing” You and obeying You. Not that I and many others aren’t, it’s just that the HaYovel crowd have dug in to find a deeper understanding of their…our…origins. They are taking Your Word, all of it – not just parts of it – seriously and literally, from its Alef to its very Tav.

What can I learn from HaYovel? And do I have perspective – wisdom that You have bestowed on me to share with them in kind? Maybe the answers are within the questions. Why do I refer to them as “them”? Are we not all grafted in, and if so, is there an opportunity for communion here?

HaYovel points out how the Jews have been deeply, historically and spiritually wounded by actions intended to marginalize, even eliminate Your Chosen People. The “Organized Church” (a term You, know I have come to abhor) has either endorsed, sanctioned or ignored these actions so that now, a breech of spiritual trust divides we who are newly born to faith from those You call “servants” and “the remnant” of Your kingdom.

Am I responsible for this? Am I to apologize for this? I want to think not, but if not, how do we mend the wound? Does it matter who is responsible? Should our example be Your example – serve rather than be served? Obey in humility rather than try to justify my personal value?

I know, Adonai, I’m “all over the place” with this my questions and this journal. Help me to center in on Your purpose through all of this. Am I hearing right? Do you want me to Do to Others as I would have them Do to me?  And by “others”, does that mean I am to serve my spiritual relatives who are in The Land?

That seems so simple. And…I’m willing, Lord – even inspired by Your example through HaYovel. That does leave one more question that only you can answer. If I am willing to obey, what would you have me do?

Mark C.

6-19-2012 Epistilo

And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and    

     wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.

After they finished speaking, James replied, "Brothers, listen to me. Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, 'After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins,  and I will restore it, that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name,  says the Lord, who makes these things known from of old.'

“Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.”          Act 15:12-20 

Traditional site of the upper room

I've been to this room, Lord! At least it’s the room in which “they” claim amazing things happened. This is where you reportedly had your last meal prior to offering yourself as a sacrifice for mankind. This is a possible location where you appeared to your disciples after your resurrection. And traditionally, this is thought to be the place where the apostles and first elders of the church met for council, administration and prayer.

Outside view of the Upper Room (Traditional Site)

I confess, I’m not impressed with the location. Even if the facts are accurate, it seems dark and lacking, probably because of the physical renovations that have taken place since.

On the other hand, regardless of where these things happened, they were amazing occurrences; which leads me, Master, to be highly focused today on the last example mentioned – the discussion by the apostles of embracing Gentiles…non-Jewish folk…and inviting them into The Faith. What an astounding historical and spiritual event! There in the same room (wherever that might have been) were your faithful – Peter, James, John, Paul, Silas, Barnabas , Luke – the Who’s Who of New Testament leaders goes on and on. But that’s not even what impresses me, Adonai. Most significantly…You were there, in Spirit.

And You were at work, beginning something that I believe no one in the room was anticipating would a big deal. I’ve missed it over and over again in my reading of this passage…until now. How astounding it is to have You, Elohim, open my eyes! Let me write out what I’m now seeing – please, Lord, coach me if I’m not “getting this right”.

Tile Pictorial of the Gospel Writers

Setting the stage; there appeared to be a division between the church fathers at that time about the rules of membership into Christianity. After all, most were Jewish and it was very clear to that segment that one could not be a follower of God without being circumcised. But Paul, Barnabas and some of the others argued convincingly that – from the time that you, Lamb of God, were sacrificed and resurrected – it is now by the “cleansing of our hearts through faith” that we are brought into community with Father YHWH.

OK, so that’s all Great news. I’ve read this text and been blessed by the message many times before. It’s what happened next that I had missed: After Paul’s passionate plea, the brothers are absolutely silent – they must have been absolutely convicted and moved by You – then James speaks out and suggests something absolutely incredible. To paraphrase, “Let’s write letters to the Gentiles.”

Spiritual graffiti by the Sea of  Galilee

I know You were there and were active in this conversation, but I, Ancient of Days, am just now wrapping my head around this Spiritual stepping stone. Here are all the heavy hitters of the early church in one room, and someone suggests a very innocent idea for practical communication. I can almost visualize Paul, Luke, Peter, John and company all looking at James, tilting their respective heads in consideration and possibly either thinking or responding out loud, “Letters, hmmm, good suggestion – we’ll try that!”

Wanda and friend writing by the Sea of Galilee

So began an extraordinary journey, not by foot or by cart, but by Your written word. The world might have forgotten a speech in a synagogue or a testimony in a town center, but deeply personal letters, sent to newly formed groups of believers, read in meetings, in private houses or public places…churches…would forever change the hearts of nations.

I look at my Bible so differently now, Adonai. Having traveled to The Land, the words now have become alive: Each scribed message, a picture in my mind, embellished by what I witnessed on site; spurring me to live out that picture in hope of inspiring others.

Today You’ve gifted me with a new picture: A writer, sitting down at his or her desk, applying pen to parchment, or laying hands to a keyboard; the writer prays and then begins to share a message breathed in from Another; confirmed in scripture; tested by experience with fellow believers. The writer’s location matters not; only the dwelling place of his heart is at issue; and when his spirit is set right, Your Spirit speaks, preparing new readers to be changed through each jot and tittle…

“...Dear friends, Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ…”

6-1-2012 Connecting with Andrew

Olive wood carving of the last supper

Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal."

Then they said to him, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?"  

Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."

Joh 6:27-29

Tiles at the church of Jacob's Well

Lord, your disciple Andrew keeps popping up, over and over in my scripture study. It was Andrew who had sought out and become a disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35-40). Andrew encountered you, Yeshua, through John and insisted to his brother Simon Peter, that, “we have found the Messiah.” (John 1:41). It was Andrew who knew of a boy, within the great crowd following you, who had two fish and five loaves of bread (John 6:8-9). Even though Phillip had learned about the Greeks seeking out Jesus, he took that information to Andrew who then, with Phillip, made the introduction to you, his Rabbonai (John 12:20-22).

Mt. Gerizim

These were not the only scriptures in which Andrew is mentioned and, after witnessing your ascension, history records him as a significant evangelist, traveling as far as modern day Russia to share the Gospel, finally according to tradition, to be martyred in Greece.

Could it have been Andrew who said, “I know of a house in Capernaum (his, in fact) where you can stay”? Could it have been Andrew who knew of the whereabouts of a donkey and of a certain house with an upper room in Jerusalem? Was this man your “networker” while you walked the earth? As I read the scriptures, I don’t find anyone else described with these skills and yet this man’s specific abilities are repeatedly and deliberately mentioned. There must be a reason.

Eastern shore - Sea of Galilee

And then, there are the things I don’t see mentioned about Andrew. There is no evidence of his ever seeking credit or recognition for his accomplishments. There are no complaints from him about his doing all that “connecting”, but you, Jesus receiving the recognition. This appeared to be a humble servant – doing what he did naturally, and offering all of it to You.

Adonai, in retrospect, I see that you have put me in contact with so many people and resources. I wondered for a long time why I’ve had such a wide array of vocations and locations. Now I believe it was Your way of preparing me as a connector like Andrew.

Friends making friends in Jericho

Honestly, Ancient of Days, I have to confess I know others who are better at connecting than I am. I’ve seen them in action. Many of these I‘ve observed in church or ministry settings. I’m actually humbled (maybe even intimidated?) by the more highly connected people and resources they know. It temps me to dwell more on who and what I don’t know rather than on how to serve as Andrew served. You remind me, my job is not to understand what my net catches – just that I am to cast.

Scripture study by the Sea of Galilee

Mark & Patti at Ein Gedi

Emmanuel, I appreciate this gift, but I struggle because the curiosity seeker in me wants to see where the connections I put together will ultimately lead. Then again, what if Andrew had known that he was facilitating, even indirectly, in connecting you to the crucifixion moment? Would he have tried to alter his plans in ignorance of your destiny? No; it’s better that I just obey –  anticipating Your grander scheme is just way too dangerous.

Thank You for the example of Andrew. Help me, God, to be satisfied with the work You created for me to do. Help me to not try to redefine my destiny, but to accept and trust Your perfect design. Thank You, Father for Your desire to be connected with me, and with all those who believe. Praise You for The One You sent to connect us with You – Yeshua, Your son.

Amen.

5-21-2012 Trial and Error

Jerusalem Fowl

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'

      Matt 7:21-23

 

Column Capital at Scythopolis  

During our visit to Israel, I discovered yet another paradox in my makeup, Adonai. I need Your help making sense of this one. I became aware of my struggle, as I was trying desperately to download pictures from my cell phone onto a friend’s computer in order to send out one of my blogs direct from The Holy Land. In the effort, I had to try and try again to outsmart the intelligence of the computer, which thought my mobile phone to be a demon of some sort which was trying to attach the computer.

I even tried to make the mobile phone photo files “look” like computer photo files, but the computer wasn’t fooled. As much good as I intended by my attempts, the computer would have nothing to do with my offering.

Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem

I realized two things from this effort. Both relate to how I behave toward You. First, Lord, as much as I want to help, no amount of cleverness on my part is going to convince You that something incompatible to Your plan actually is compatible. Unholy is unholy.

That part of my lesson was pretty easy to pick up, the metaphor stares me in the face every day.  The second challenge however is not so cut and dry.  I have concluded that I seem to learn pretty effectively, using “trial and error” as my technique. As a matter of fact, I have to confess that most of my best learning seems to have come from this approach. The problem is…You do not appear to be a God who designed me to be tolerant of error. Quite the opposite in fact, errors are frowned upon in The Text. I started looking up the scriptural events associated with errors and it’s not a pretty picture. When someone in the Bible is in error, it needs to be corrected.

Interestingly, I had always associated the word “error” with the word “sin” – but researching the translations, apparently I was in error. The most common Hebrew word to define error is…well, Elohim, that’s where this gets tricky…there is no Hebrew word for error that’s used consistently. But most of the words that are used imply a mistake or a blunder.

On the other hand, the two most common words for sin imply an intentional act of disobedience or “missing the target” (either intentionally or through neglect).

Aqueduct at Caesarea Maritima

So I’m a little confused. Are my errors, if presented with the best of intentions, OK? If I keep on erring, but improve over time, coming closer and closer to Your intended design for my life, is that OK? Is that Management by Grace? Or is that the easy way out? Should I be continuously pouring through The Text, seeking ways to premeditatedly avoid errors?

If the latter is Your preference, I’ve got to confess; that’s hard work – especially for someone who, has seemed to prove a successful pattern in the worldly concept of “trial and error”. I’ve been complemented by my peers, over and over again for my tenacity in the face of failure, picking myself up over and over again when I don’t quite” get it right”, learning bit by bit and even giving You the credit along the way for my improvement.

Temple to Pan at Caesarea Pillippi

But the more I investigate, the more evident it appears that my method, however successful by worldly standards, is simply not…Biblical. As a matter of fact, seems to me that Cain was a trial and error kind of guy and I don’t remember it working out too well for him. The successful examples in The Text all suggest that, when faced with challenges, choices and learning opportunities; those who pray and study scripture and focus on Your instruction, get immediate positive results – not a graduated series of near-miss improvements.

This is a difficult lesson, Lord. I like grace. I depend on grace…maybe a little too much. I’m beginning to wonder if I perhaps take a more casual approach to my responsibilities because I know You’ve “got my back”. Does that really get me off the hook? What if I were to approach every action and decision ahead of me as if there was no grace or mercy, but still knowing that You are my judge? Would my behavior be different?

I’ve become too dependent on repentance-after-the-fact. I “get” that errors may not be sins of commission, but they sure do seem to be sins of omission. Whether unknown or presumptuous, I should not take Your immeasurable treasure in kindness toward me, for granted.

Mark at Nativity Gardens

I’ve confessed this to You before and I’ll need You’re continued convicting help, Holy Spirit; to show me the difference between haphazard experimentation and prayerful exploration of Your instruction. Please help me see the errors of my ways before making them. Help me investigate and dig more deeply into Your word, “rehearsing” my decisions and actions rather than living a seat-of-the-pants lifestyle.

Master, I know I’ll still err. But, with Your guidance, I can become better practiced in a new approach (at least for me). I’ll strive to look ahead, study intently beforehand, pray and practice trust in Your instruction. What name would fit such a lifestyle…presumptuous obedience? Possibly. Or maybe another word, overused and poorly understood in today’s world…

…faith.  

I’m Yours to teach.

Mark C.

It took me several try to get this right (Wait…SEE, there I go again!)

5-10-2012 Tourist or Disciple?

Manger stone found at Megiddo

Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.

2John 1:8

 

Tell Megiddo city gate

We were at Megiddo, Lord, as You know; the ancient Tell where countless armies had confronted one another and where, in the future Your final battle will be fought. While walking through the ruins on the surface and then the tunnels below, I was busily snapping pictures, left and right – trying to “capture the moment “– when it dawned on me that I was not “in the moment”. I had walked over broken pieces of history, climbed upon walls of antiquity, explored trenches and hideaways of forgotten cultures, all with stories to share about how we as humans either lay claim or siege to ground that You already have title. And I was so engrossed in being a spectator, that I was not absorbing the powerful lesson being offered to me.

Water tunnel under Megiddo

            This neglected foundation was not just a place of lost civilizations or abandoned strongholds, this was a reminder of how we pursue and commit to our future. I have experienced so many times in my brief history, when a goal or a thing that I want is in my sights. I have charged out to conquer my desires and then, once obtained, have placed them in my trophy cabinet (or in my camera)as mementos, quickly forgotten, referenced only now and again as past victories; tales saved to share with children and grandchildren in hopes of impressing and inspiring.

Jeroboam's grain silo 

            I wonder at the crowds that followed you, Jesus. Thousands that were fed, healed and taught, yet they walked away when you offered them the greatest possession of all – Your Love, in return for their love. All they had to do was to wear their belief, not just claim it and hang it as a banner or decorate some remote corner of their home. Only a precious few…disciples they were called, learned the real lesson, the hard lesson. Only these few took on the task of living out what You taught, giving up everything, even their lives, in total dedication to You.

More tunnels beneath Megiddo

Is my faith like that Adonai? Is my devotion to You nothing more than a tourist’s souvenir closet full of relics dusted with neglect, only opened on occasion as some pleasant memory? Or am I truly Your disciple – passionately walking in Your footsteps, wanting to experience moments, possibly even a lifetime, where people I encounter on the street might actually recognize my actions not as my own, but as Yours?

Hidden exit of Megiddo

Sure, Lord of hosts, I understand that even Your apostles had their moments of human frailty, but tourists they were certainly not! They lived and died by Your example and I pray for the courage and strength to do the same. Please convict me if you see me tempted to only be content with a photo gallery ministry. Give me a “nudge” if I start talking of my relationship with You as a past tense touring event.

            Jesus, I look at all that is around me and pray that I am not a collector of memories but rather, like you, a builder of relationships and hope centered in Your love.

Todah Rabah, Messiah!

Mark C.

                 .

5-1-2012 Short Cuts

And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. 

No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. 

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. 

Isaiah 35:8-10 

I’ve read in scripture that You encourage Your believers speak their hearts for their own awareness of direction so that You might walk with them. So here’s my heart:

         Lord, I believe I’m on the right road You’ve directed me to, but me being…me, I’m really tempted to take the “bypass” to achieve a quicker result. Ever since our journey to Israel, I’ve  wanted to rush the process of connecting with other believers in The Land, anxious to build relationships and to learn how they live. I hunger to revisit Galilee and other ancient places, strengthening relationships with our new found friends and establishing new relationships. I want to be there…now. I’m afraid if I wait too long, I’ll lose my passion and desire, forgetting critical lessons that You revealed while we were there. I fear that the growing strife in the area might soon prohibit another visit.

Yes, confession time – I’m thinking ahead, premeditating rather than preparing for what You’ve obviously already set in motion. It’s that “worrying about tomorrow” thing creeping in again – the enemy is so subtle.

At least I’m in good company. I suspect the Israelites of old had also grumbled, saying, “Why can’t we just go up the Way of the Sea road to the Promised Land?” It was a three week trip at most, even for a group as large as that. “Why Sinai?” “Why the 40 year route?”

Moses must have just shaken his head – he had learned the hard way about short cuts. It took him 80 years to learn, so 40 must have figuratively seemed a drop in the bucket. I look at my own “shaping” time and as much as I know You are directing me wisely, I want my way – the easy way, the fast way. It’s so ironic, that in looking back on my journey to this moment, every time I had come to a similar point and had chosen my path preference over Yours; the road turned out to be more difficult and actually hindered instead of enabled my progress.

All metaphors aside, Adonai, I ask You now to walk with me closely in my struggle. Remind me that everything I am experiencing regarding my personal desire to serve Israel is really about responding to Your love of the people and the land. Thank You for providing me with an opportunity to be patient, so that I can practice patience. 

Willing to obey,

Mark C.

04-26-2012 Fixed

The one sitting on the throne said, "See, I am making all things new!" He said,

"Write this: 'These words are trustworthy and true.'"         Rev 21:5

            There was my friend Lew, confined by intravenous hoses and equipment, lying in a hospital bed, waiting for his last moments, in this life, to be completed. Sitting in a chair nearby was Lew’s daughter, Valerie, whom I had not met before, but had certainly heard about through Lew’s many boasting about “his daughter”. Interesting point Adonai, I don’t recall him calling her by her name before, just “my daughter”, proudly distinguishing her as not just another person, but as a cherished prodigy.

            Lord, as I walked into the dark room, I didn’t know how to help, what to do, what to say. Lew, even in his failing condition, took the lead. His face brightened and he reached for my hand. I could see a smile refusing to be contained by the oxygen mask over his mouth. Lew’s eyes and his still firm grip spoke for both of us. “It is good that we are here.”

            Still I wondered if You had a purpose for me in this place. I’ve been here before – with my mother, with friends not terminal, but certainly struggling with pain. What was I to do? Or was I just to be present? Such a difficult assignment for a man who has been taught all his life to fix what is broken – was Lew broken?

            It seemed right, at that moment, to better introduce myself to Valerie. I explained that her father and I attended a Sunday School class together and that he was a great inspiration to me; that we had shared fellowship, books and great conversations. She responded, saying she was so glad I had come and that her dad had not been this alert for a while. She apparently saw an opportunity and came to sit on the other side of the bed and spoke to her father.

            She began by explaining to him, that my presence seemed to have helped him and that, since he was improved, they needed to talk about “the next decisions”. She then reminisced about how Lew had helped her in her earlier years when she was not doing well with her hand writing. Now she helped others with their handwriting as a teacher. She described how, when she was learning to drive, he had taught her about warning lights – green, yellow and red – and that had really helped her in other parts of her life too.

“Now is a time of warning lights for us, Dad”, she continued. She described his time in the hospital, having friends and family constantly visiting, as “good moments” and that a warning light was signaling this would soon change – they would have to make some decisions about his quality of life as his breathing became more difficult. She patiently and lovingly laid out the plan for his transition, allowing him time to nod or shake his head as she offered difficult, but necessary choices.

            Suddenly, as I held Lew’s hand and listened, I had one of “Your moments”. You know the ones Rabbi, when You shine a brilliant light into my heart of hearts and whisper softly, “Don’t miss this.”, and shockwaves flow through my soul. The blurry picture before me focused perfectly. I heard Lew’s wisdom, his beautiful solid voice of reason, coming out of the mouth of “his daughter”. The words were not hers…or even his. They were Yours, originally seeded into my friend through his life experiences, fed and nurtured years later into Valerie through her life experiences and now, tenderly given back as a matured flowering gift to their original planter: Lew speaking to Lew through his beloved child. You were telling him; You were telling all three of us, “See, I make all things new.”

I can only pray for such a day, when You bless my children, my family, my friends to speak into me in this way; revealing what I have yearned to offer them over the years – the only thing of true value I have to offer – Your love and relationship.

            Had I helped to somehow on Lew’s behalf? Was Lew broken? Does it matter? Not anymore. My Brother in Christ is now on the other side – no distractions, no suffering, no trials to bear. He is healed – the Greek word that you, Jesus, used was iaomai – to be made whole.         Lew is made whole – dancing, rejoicing and focused on what still is the only thing of true value in life; Your love and relationship.

            I miss him Lord. Now what do I have? What do the friends and family of Lew have of him? Oh…right…I remember: we have the flowering messages You spoke to us, through him. We have life pictures of a man who had struggled with cancer for many years…no that doesn’t describe it well enough…who had accepted his affliction and turned it, as he did everything in his rich life, into an opportunity to witness, even to nurses, doctors and others as he lay in a hospital bed. We have an example of an ever positive, ever Up-looking man through whom You used to constantly demonstrate Your love and healing power.

            You have made Lew whole…fixed, and I am fixed with him.

Thank you God for the memory and gift of my friend, Lew.

Mark A. Cornelius