Entering in like Jesus
One of the defining practices of the life of Jesus was the way He was willing to enter into the lives of others. Tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers, marginalized individuals, the family of Lazarus, the blind, the lame, the disciples, and the sick. Jesus didn't simply pass them on the street or say nice things or look the other way: He entered in! In fact, this was at the center of the Advent, of the incarnation. As John said in John 1:14, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." He didn't just send a prophet or a word but He personally came and lived with us. He entered into our lives!
There is no practice that is more like Jesus than when we enter into the lives of others, Into their pain, their lives, and their situations. This was the parable of the Good Samaritan. It is so very easy to walk by the messy situations of others. It is easy to say nice things, wish people well, and tell them we will pray for them. But Jesus, like the Good Samaritan, stopped and met a need. He was willing to change His schedule, enter into the pain of others and meet their needs.
We live in an individualistic society that places our needs first and many don't want to be bothered by the messy situations of others. We have our own problems to solve, our own financial issues to deal with and our schedules are full. Yet the incarnational life is always a life of "entering into" the lives of others. If we want to be Jesus to others we will look at those around us with the eyes of Jesus, becoming acutely aware of their needs and situations and then, like the Good Samaritan do what we can to help our neighbor, our friend, or our acquaintance. In His name. With His love.
How do we even know the situations others face? One of the things that Jesus did was to take the time to talk to people. If you want to know what people are dealing with all it takes are some questions. It is taking the time to spend time and listen. And having listened, to "enter in" where we can and bring the hope and healing of Jesus to those who need it.
My friend Glenn Paterson passed away a week ago. His father abandoned him as a child. Just left. No good by. No further contact. It was a massive lifelong pain that never left him. But Jesus met him and Glenn spent his life looking for the marginalized, the kid in trouble, those who had no hope: entering into their lives. His widow, Mary, told me tonight that one time, they were going on vacation to Florida and he said, hey, we are stopping to pick up a kid. She said, "you mean he is going on vacation with us?" He said yes. They were already in the car and it was the first time she had heard about it. A few minutes later they pick up a kid who was the biggest bully in his school. And off to vacation and a lifelong relationship they go.
Glenn's memorial service was full. Mary said that almost every one of those present had been in their home for a meal. I have on several occasions. This was a couple who entered into the lives of hundreds and impacted many more. They lived the incarnational life and there are hundreds of stories like the vacation story that people tell.
The advent is about "entering in." Jesus calls us to enter into the lives of others with His love. We are in His family because He entered into our lives. He invites us to join Him by entering into the lives of others.
Father, thank you for coming to dwell with us. To enter into my life. Give me a passion to live like you by entering into the lives of others. Amen
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