As men on this
crazy thing called The World Race, we’ve found it difficult sometimes
to actually know who we are as men. Partially because the numbers
of males varies quite greatly from the number of females (yes men, this
is a call to you to rise up), and partially because we have been so
confused from the messages that we’ve heard in church of how we’re
“supposed” to be. Well, throughout our time here in Africa, I’ve
been learning A LOT about what it takes to be a man of God.
Through some
teaching from Gary Black and Mike Pascal, studying the Word, living
with lions, and a study from Richard Rohr, we 6 September World-racing
men are getting in touch with various parts of who we are.
Richard Rohr suggests that there are 4 parts to a man: the warrior, the
sage, the lover, and the king. The king quite simply encompasses
all 3 of the previous stages. The lover implies the relationship
we have towards women and our “gentle” side. The sage is the
scholar and a man grounded in truth and study. And the warrior is
the fighter who does not compromise justice.
I’ve been blessed
this past week to be in a very fortunate situation in Nsoko,
Swaziland. Team Ignite is staying at a place called Nisela
Safaris. There are all sorts of wild game there and there are
some in captivity. We’ve had the opportunity to finally bust out
our tents and it just so happens that we are dwelling in the midst
of…..LIONS!! That’s right mom and dad, lions. Of course,
they are behind two barriers of chain-length fences, but still, the
thought of waking up less than 20 yards away from lions is not
something I ever envisioned for myself! So throughout this week,
I’ve been watching and studying Lucky, one of the lions at Nisela.
Although he is in
captivity, he is still a lion, nothing can change his identity.
He is the king, he’s just merely behind fences. He walks
boastfully, unafraid of being attacked. He knows that he rules
the area. He is confident. He knows if anyone were to taunt
him or attack him that they wouldn’t last long. He is a warrior
when he attacks the already dead animal at mealtime. He has
become a sage from studying the land and his surroundings not to be
fooled by any surpise attack. And in the wild, he is a lover as
he watches over the pride and makes sure that their needs are taken
care of. That is a king. Confidence in WHO you are.
You know your identity and are not confused. Jesus was no
different. In fact, it’s no wonder that we refer to him as the
“Lion of Judah”. He is in charge. He is not confused about
who he is. You see it time and time again in the
Bible. He possessed all of the qualities of warrior, sage, and
lover. You could see the warrior when he stormed the
temple. You saw the sage as he spoke in the temple after studying
the law for years. And you see the lover as he loved the
disciples, Mary, Martha, and eventually we see his love for everyone in the world as he
died on the cross. He reigns as king. There is authority
and power in Jesus.
Observing
the
similarities between lions and Jesus, I realize where I am and where
God wants me. First off, he wants me to see my identity. I
share the “inheritance” that is in Christ Jesus. I am a child of
God. The king. I’ve learned the warrior spirit and I’m
still learning how to harness it. I’m studying and diving deeper
into God’s word every day to become a sage. The lover and the
king? Well let’s just say God is refining me. I do long for
it. I want to walk in all confidence and authority as a MAN of
God. Someone who loves and fears the Lord. Someone who
trusts completely in his provision. Someone seasoned in wisdom
and grace. Someone who is gentle with the weak, and who opposes
the injustices of this world with a fire in his eyes. I’ve
learned a tremendous lesson on the road of life from Jesus and Lucky.
So Aaron Bruner
is becoming a MAN. What?? Uh oh, watch out world!
Ha. But seriously, we’re talking about Jesus. The
Lion. The King. I pray that this be an encouragement to the
men
of this generation. May we not settle for anything less than
kingship with Christ as the head. I love you all.
