Lenten Musings - 10

I grew up going to Robin's Donuts. In my city, there was one Tim Horton's (vs. several Robin's), and nobody went there that I knew. Nowadays, everything is Timmie's. I think I mentioned my resolution not to eat anything from there this year, so when I wanted to take the kids out for a treat, Robin's was a good option. Our son has swimming lessons on Fridays, and then afterwards we go to Robin's. They are always so excited, and I'm glad to share that with them. It doesn't hurt that the donuts are 2 for 1 on Fridays.
There aren't that many things that I can share with my kids that I experienced growing up. Life is so different for them, and that's fine. It's just nice when I can share these types of things with them.

On a different note, I was listening to one of my friends' sermons today on my iPod at work. Here's the link if you have 30 minutes to spare. I think he did a pretty good job with it.

Mark 10
verses 42 to 45 - Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
I've always used this section to guide me in my leadership style. Jesus is saying that it is not our job as leaders to simply "rule", but to serve. Right now at work I am the foreman temporarily. I am trying to help out my guys as much as I can. When they need something, I'll get it for them. Wherever I can make their job easier, I'll do it. That's what I figure my job is. I am in charge and I do make the decisions, but I try to make them based on what's best for those I am in charge of. I also think of this verse when I am not in charge. I think it is just as important to be a good follower as it is a good leader. I want to be respectful and helpful to those who are in charge over me. It makes their job easier, which hopefully makes mine easier as well. Plus, everyone likes someone who helps, and no one likes someone who is a grumpy, lazy boss.

verses 46 to 52 - 46Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
48Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
49Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." 50Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
51"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."
52"Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

Several years ago, I was giving a sermon at a church on this passage. The crux of my message was that Bartimaeus put himself out there, essentially throwing the ball into Jesus's court, giving Him the opportunity to do something. Had Bartimaeus kept quiet, Jesus would have strolled by and things would have stayed the same for both of them. But Bartimaeus throws himself and his problems at Jesus, and Jesus is put in a position where He has to, or at least has the opportunity to do something for Bartimaeus. Bartimaeus is rewarded with his sight.
I think of myself, and others around me. Do I ever put myself out there? Do I put myself in a position where Jesus has to come through for me, or even has the chance to? In my sermon, I told people to be like Bartimaeus, and put themselves into a position to see God work. At the same time, I felt the sharp sting of hypocrisy, as I realized in that moment that what I was calling them to do is something that I don't do myself. I still don't do a good job of it. I don't know why, because I know better. But I suppose there can sometimes be a wide chasm between knowing and doing.