Day 28 - Two Crowds

Day 28 of beginning my day with "surprise me, God."

I woke up at 4 a.m. to the sound of a baby crying. I went to look in on Jacob when I realized the TV, which had been left on all night, featured a crying baby. Oops. Surprise. I guess this morning will start a little early...

Today at church I was privileged to do something I really enjoy - leading a discussion about life and scripture and how they go together. Part of the scripture concerned Jesus and his approach to "the crowd" that grew up around him. Contrary to what I might think Jesus would do, he often painted a not-so-pleasant picture of what it means to be his follower (hate your mother and father, give up all your possessions, you're blessed when you're persecuted, etc.). As our discussion went on, I was once again reminded Jesus was not always "user-friendly" or "seeker-sensitive" (take a deep breath - I didn't say "never" - I said "not always").

Anyway, I love the give and take of a lively discussion about life and Jesus.

Tonight is the second installment of Joe's Sunday Evening Concert Series. Last week, The Stock Market Crash. This week, "goat boy" and Third Day. I'm enjoying both sets tonight. Good music. Good opportunity for worship. Ample volume.

I can't help but notice the crowd during the concert. Often festive, most will stand/clap/sway/or wave open cell phones (lighters for a new generation) whenever prompted. Some are looking around to their friends first, before acting, to be sure they're being "joined."

My mind is returning to this morning and our discussion of "the crowd" around Jesus. I wonder if some of his more pointed statements to them were spoken to discourage "followship of the prompted?" Don't wave your staff in the air, or knock the dust of your shoes, just because someone else is. Count the cost. Then, without looking back...or to others, follow me.

I would continue, but I think I just heard someone say it's time for the encore...

Anybody wanna stand?