This will be my second blog that rebounds the words of Bob Goff. I marvel both at His storytelling ability and simple revelations of truth. In one of his chapters in “Love Does,” Bob speaks on how he enjoyed Bible study groups but never seemed to leave with a distinct motive or advance in what to do after. So, He decided to start His own group and accordingly named it “Bible Doing.” Though the name seems elementary and slightly original, groups practicing under the teachings of Jesus have no other choice than bible doing. Here in Africa, I have a daily reminder of what it really looks like.
Through my time on the race, I have felt a greater pressure placed on the practice of my soul, mind, and spirit than systematic theology. That “Theology, and all of its abstract realities, have the tendency to lock you away in an Ivory Tower.” But lovers of theology carry the ever-present doctrine of grace and mercy, casting out the self-deception of judgement and shame. I am not only a free man, but a freedom rider. I belong to the gun-slinging party of God-fearing brothers and sisters who chase righteousness in the name of joy. I, therefore, build my walls low and bridge wide so as to welcome in the sick, lost, and needy. There is no self-deception in the grace upon a sinner.
Likewise, as new life and blood runs through my veins, the question I hear is “So, what are you going to do about it?” “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” The wonderful truth in the words of Jesus is that toil is necessary for the impeding yield of food for the table. I have the ability to step into the lives of people who may not even expect the love of Jesus to enter into their lives. Also those who have run for a very, very long time and are ready to recall their identity. The presence of these people and the redemption of my own has me excited to go home.
But for now, Swaziland is my home. I am reminded by the children we play with every week. They are the ministry. Their hearts and lives which will unfold from the time we spend with them, I hope, will be memorable. To be honest, the longer we spend with them the harder it gets. It’s not that our shoulders are tired or we have grown complacent in being filled up, but it’s seeing children in a culture of neglect. Though I feel it deeply, they are oblivious to their own raising. Nevertheless, these children are not ministered to through our words and actions only, but by the Holy Spirit. In Him, my hope lies for every single kid I pick up, chase, hug, talk, and hold hands with.
Trusting in His power to change their lives and walking in the truth that as I love these children, I am loving Jesus Christ. From birth, we are all orphaned and for some, the reality is physically evident. As a son of God, I have the chance to share the security and steadfastness of the Father’s love for me through the mundane tasks I may deem as “unfruitful.” Taking a step in obedience doesn’t guarantee immediate fruit. But as the sickle of the Gospel swings, there are those ready to fall headlong into His grace and mercy.
What I’ve realized in it all is that following Jesus and His commands do not look different when I get back to America in June. I think specifically of the words in Isaiah
“…learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”
Isaiah 1:17
The rebellion of Judah and Jerusalem is plainly laid out by Isaiah and he accordingly pleads for their return in these words. Right before it in verse 16, he says to “Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean…” His pleading for the people of God led Him to giving them words to follow and act upon. They had to learn to do good and to seek justice. I equally have to practice doing good and seek the rights of others over my own. In my hometown, there are programs and people I know who are bringing justice and pleading for the widow. I want to join them, I want to follow Jesus. Slowly, I am beginning to understand how love does. How God’s love is displayed in His promises to us that love does.
“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: through your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”
Isaiah 1:18
