I like to read action stories before I sleep at night. My recent indulgences have been Randy Alcorn and Joel Rosenberg series... both which have intrigue, action, mystery and a lot about how now impacts eternity and what awaits between now and then. I've read their books three times in two years.
But, most recently I put the books down and for 40 minutes each night have watched 'Jericho' - a TV series that aired in 2007 and after cancellation, came back for six more episodes to make a bunch of 'nutty' fans happy.
I realised there is a pattern to my viewing and reading... that on the surface seems rediculously violent and focussed on doom and tragedy. But that's not the case.
In all these stories I am moved and amazed at the unity of those who love their neighbours. Even in the midst of absolute disaster, of pain and suffering, of fear and doubt - those who rise above the circumstance to lay down their lives and put aside 'self' for the sake of not just those they love, but strangers, neighbours, and in some cases even enemies... the hope that arises is stunning.
From 10-14 of February, I was blessed to be the logistics and transportation coordinator for the J2 Palmerston North crew summer's end retreat. For those five days, we focussed on the entire book of 1st John. Not an easy read, even for the most seasoned of Christians.
1John 3:16 says this: "This is how we know what love is - Jesus laid down His life for us. So, we also ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters". This same Jesus taught us to love our enemies, to bless those who curse us, to do good to those who hate us. He reminded us that of most importance is that we love God and love our neighbour as we love ourself. And how do I love myself? Well, I'm fed, clothed, sheltered and do what I can to stay healthy and fit.
I don't know if I'm ready to face the trial of calamity yet. I don't know if I've taken to heart our Lord's commands as deeply and in action as I possibly can. But, as I read the headlines, and read between the lines and compare things to the word of God - I know I need to prepare to love others in a miraculous and major way. Because as we face enemies, as we face disaster, as we face unemployment and economic collapse... we are going to be tested.
Will we be found wanting, or will we be found loving?
