In the book “The Metamorphosis,” Gregor Samsa wakes up one morning to find
he has turned into a cockroach. A big one. He is still a person inside of it,
although the world now sees him differently, and he cannot communicate with
them. Sort of a morbid Kafka novel, but an interesting perspective of
communication or lack of it. And people’s reactions to those who are
different. In the book and movie “Johnny Got His Gun,” we find the title
character a victim of war, unable to speak, the lower part of his face gone.
But he works out a system of bobbing his head against his pillow that a nurse
picks up on. Both books are good reads, not fast reads, and make you think,
“what would I do in that situation?” If I ever had a fear it is that I would
not be able to communicate how I feel when asked, and be misdiagnosed. Which
almost came true when I had my open heart surgery. Fortunately I had Theresa
with me as my advocate, and could make the decisions for me, but how many times
do we get cornered, lose our train of thought or become unable to explain our
side? Who stands up for us when no one else will?
When working downtown with the homeless, one man, Angel hung around and
helped us out. He was our eyes and ears to the street, and the people who came
in. Sitting quietly, homeless himself, he refused to take things I would save
for him, and taught me much about the street. One winter I gave him an old
leather jacket for the cold, which he refused. I thought I was helping, he told
me he would become a target and have it stolen. Never occurred to me...but
when he became sick, and was afraid to go to the ER, he would be seen and
quickly dismissed, I took him, I was his advocate. Somehow I gave him
credibility, and he was seen instantly, rushed into a room and treated
immediately for a heart problem. Without an advocate, he would have probably
died waiting, just anther faceless homeless man, but with an advocate, someone
who would represent him and protect him, who could speak the language and
communicate for him, the story ended well. After ten days in the hospital, he
was released, and we never heard from him again. Maybe a real angel. I often
wonder what happened to him, and what would have happened if we hadn’t
intervened. When Loretta Lynn sings “Stand by Your Man,” God’s people have a
different take on it. Do you?
But not everyone who claims to be a Christian is of God. Many use the name
of Jesus, but deny his deity. Religion tells us how to worship and live, many
times bringing legalism and fear where Jesus brings peace and comfort. But how
do you know, how can you tell? What if the way you were raised, taught, or
churched was wrong, a sham. What if you found out that everything I said was a
lie, would you believe me? Something we need to consider when we seek God, and
when we find him. Where do we go when we are afraid, in distress, hungry and
tired? Who do we trust, what is the true cost of free? And how does it differ
from freedom? Maybe if we consider the Psalmist’s dilemma, and how God
enlightened him we too can be set free.
Psalms tells us that God is a mighty fortress, a place to seek when we have
difficulties. To seek before small problems become large ones. A fortress is
many things, a place of rest and comfort, defense, security, and rest. A place
where needs are met, and a place of refuge, to go when the enemy engages us. A
place where we can safely engage the enemy, all the things that we are told how
our Lord is a mighty fortress. How there is no one, no place, and no other way
of protection that compares to him. Where a fortress has walls, he has large
arms to hold us, he understands when other don’t understand us, he already has a
way of escape planned, and we can walk through the enemy protected, for he is
our mighty shield. He is the interpreter and advisor when we are confused,
pointing out the lies of religion, and is the truth. He is the one who we can
turn to when we see the lies we used to believe, and who will set us free. He
is the one who breaks down the barriers between faith and lies, and is truthful,
full of integrity, and love for us. Consider your situation today, who
understands the situation better than Jesus? Who can see the threat before we
do? Who can we turn to when all else is misunderstood? Who will stand before
God in heaven on Judgment Day and represent you? If he told you the truth would
you believe him?
In times of trouble do we feel like we are alive and dreaming or dead and
remembering? When time and space lose their meaning,when nothing else matters,
when we question ourselves, where do we turn?
Jesus has given us his spirit for just these type of times. All we need,
includes everything, excludes nothing. The all in the almighty, available to
us 24/7, no matter our situation. For me it was in a coma, with no hope of
surviving, when he spoke to me. When the physical and emotional are done, his
spirit still gives life. He is the man we need to stand by, for he stands by
us. He is able when no else is, you can believe him when others lie, and be set
free in him, in the spirit, not just in mind and body. Jesus understands....do
you?
So rather than seeking signs, seek Jesus. Rather than offer God a choice
in prayer, ask they will be done. Rather than turning in fear, turn to Jesus.
For three days he was gone and then was resurrected, proving all doubters
wrong. Then leaving us his spirit until he returns again. So if you found out
one day all the lies told about Jesus were just that, lies, would you believe
him? He gives you the choice, for you never know when you may be rushed to the
hospital, life flighted, a victim of a drive by, or turned into a cockroach.
But in every case Jesus will be that mighty fortress we need, where we turn to
tells us where our faith lies. When you can’t get no satisfaction, you can
always have Jesus. Believe a lie or rely on Jesus, he has given us his spirit
of truth. Believe man or believe Jesus.
Gregor Samsa was once the sole supporter of his family, then they turned
against him. He was too different.... How we see Jesus will show in our actions
and attitudes. My cardiologist told me after surgery he could keep me
functioning, but could not give me life. Jesus is life, turn to him and be
excited about his return, Jesus is real, now do you believe me?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com