I really do like many of the Christmas specials and resonate especially with the scene below from Its A Wonderful Life, in probably a sinful kind of way. Any pastor or teacher who has tried to teach Gods dear ones to read, mark, learn, reason and live from Gods Word, or any teacher who has ever tried to do the best by way of his or her students, probably can relate. George Bailey got the punch in the nose that he had coming. It was the answer to SOMEONES prayer, if not his own! Thats what my sinful nature says as he gets decked. Thats not to say Im unsympathetic toward George. He just wanted his Zuzu bundled up and safe from the blast of Winter. He had a lot on his shoulders at that point, too. I get that. Dont we all? And pastors only want Gods kids bundled up and safe against a blast far worse than Winter. Teachers teaching earthly things want their students bundled up against ignorance and a life that goes nowhere. Those who teach in Christian schools and churches (or as parents in Christian homes) want those entrusted to them kept in Christ, bundled up in His forgiveness, growing in His Word, not conforming to the patterns of this world, but being transformed by the renewing of their minds in Christ Jesus. We often get punched in the nose for that, or worse! Jeremiah got thrown into a cistern. The prophets were rejected or killed; the apostles and saints, martyred. Christ Himself was crucified, wanting only to gather us safely under His wings, where there is healing. In my more sinful moments, I watch Mr. Welch plant one squarely on George Baileys jaw and I think: He had it coming. After all, hed planted one on Mrs. Welch a little earlier - no kiss of appreciation, but a frustrated chewing out over the phone which she didnt deserve. Thats the thanks Christ promises we often get this side of heaven. We need to learn to take it - the sucker punch, the anger of those who dont like what theyre hearing but are really saying more about themselves and their insecurities and fears. George had plenty burdening him, as those whove seen the movie know, so he lashed out. Mr. Welch made sure he paid for it later, but Christ has paid for one and all. So, when it is urged amongst us Lutherans and other Christians that During the week there should be preaching on Wednesdays and Fridays, or daily in the home by parents, as well as every Lords Day in our churches, were just wanting Zuzu and all Gods children TRULY bundled up, young or old. Dont take a swing at us or chew us out for that. But if you do, well, be sure that - though it hurts - we try to understand. Its a tough life all around and everyones got burdens they are trying to bear. Just remember Mrs. Welch, crying for an hour over something not her fault. So, Jeremiah languished in a cistern for simply preaching Gods Word, and anyone else who tries to be faithful will know a little of the way he felt. God grant us all the patience and understanding to see that the desire was never anything but truly caring for the ongoing and eternal safe-keeping of all in Jesus, and the bundling up that only Jesus does - through His Holy Word and Blessed Sacraments!
Posted on: Wed, 03 Dec 2014 15:49:23 +0000
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