A Constant Presence

This is one of those days when I am surrounded by people who have come to work for me.   That means that I have to get up at the crack of dawn to organize and prioritize their work and then supervise it.  I'm not knocking it;  I'm just saying it!    I laughed to myself when I applied this same kind of organizational chart to Christ.   He showed us how to set up an organizational chart with the disciples and he sent them out "two by two's".   He asked for reports of their visits and he listened to their problems and gave direction.   After the crucifixion, he was a constant presence and has been down through the ages.  He put "feet" to their prayers as he equipped them for service.  They became his "Boots on the ground."  They became his presence on earth.

And it still is supposed to work that way.   Churches are trying to find their way and some are doing so.   Some are failing to meet the needs of adaptation.  I'm not trying to say that adaptation is easy;  we like what we used to know and accept!   Theologians have struggled with finding relevancy.  Henri J. M. Nouwen wrote IN THE NAME OF JESUS:  "How can people truly care for their shepherds and keep them faithful to their sacred task when they do not know them and so cannot deeply love them."    Boots on the Ground demand service from the shepherds and the sheep and those who are way outside the flock.   No one escapes being a presence for Good , Bad or Indifferent during their earthly pilgrimage!  

Lord, I am just one of the sheep.  Speak to me and make me hear what you would ask of me!  Help me be a real presence in the field of one of your flock!