We all have people we have idolized, admired, tried to emulate. Some of those are unattainable, meaning there is no way, no how you are ever going to get within a thousand miles of them. That’s usually how it starts in the early years. We have that favorite movie or rock ‘n’ roll star. The astronaut. Some other historical figure. Those wishes and dreams – “gee, I wish I could be or like so-and-so” – are brought back to reality when we realize that the people we most admire and try to emulate are as close as a parent, teacher, our next-door neighbor.

There once was a man who grew up in a tiny little one-horse, leave-it-in-your-rear-view-mirror town. They used to wonder if anything good could ever come out of that town. Ever. It is the irony of God’s plan and purpose that something, someone who was unbelievably good DID come out of that town. I bet you know to whom I am referring. The one most worthy of idolizing, admiring and emulating. No one else comes remotely close. Not within a thousand light years. Billions. However far our man-made telescopic range goes. This small-town hero above all heroes is incredibly attainable and accessible. In His invisibility and distance that we often lament, there is astonishing closeness. I wish to attain that mind, that presence. I struggle. I’m insecure. Judgmental. How could someone as messed up as me be considered worthy? I bet you know how. Precisely, who. He who was humbled way beyond any degree we can fathom, yet in God’s ironic purpose becomes the only one worthy of exaltation. Ask yourself, before saying yes to the devil’s lures, “is that Christ-like? Would it please him?” We will spend this Lent and beyond fighting against ourselves, our self-indulging appetites. Dismiss, and forcefully chase away, any idea of “no one will ever know.” The small-town boy, born in raised in South Nazareth will know. But there is good news, plenteous redemption for us who desire to have the mind of Christ. He gives you a hand up from your wallowing pit. He sets you  free to serve. To be Christ-minded is to be truly alive. To know Him is to know that we are loved unconditionally.

Pastor Art