Obstructionists

About those obstructionists...

We’ve all heard the saying that mans’ ways are not the same as Gods’ way.

 Growing up in the Episcopal Church I learned a song that seemed to encapsulate the idea.

God moves in a mysterious way, his wonders to perform:

He plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines, with never failing skill,

He treasures up his bright designs and works his sovereign will. 

(The Hymnal 1982, 677)

I believe that mystery is what draws people into relationship with God.

Something felt, either as present or absent, draws people to find and name this experience and in that searching, we discover God has been the source of the experience. 

Samuel had it, but apparently, the people lacked it. 

Until this is discovered personally there are countless numbers of ways to divert our attention from the one true source. This was the case when the descendents of Abraham told Samuel to demand of God a king.

To those of us who connect within the realm of God, perceiving the movement of the Holy Spirit beckoning to explore innovate and manifest the kingdom of God in the present age, obstructionists are what we have to learn to deal with. 

One of the ways we typically deal with the experience of obstructionists in our lives, is simply to withdraw from them. We go it alone for awhile; retreating into solitude, or independent lone ranger mode. 

Some retreat is healthy, even necessary. But that does not seem to fit the pattern of the Kingdom of God. 

What comfort then, can we find, in the face of obstacles to a particular mission?

Perhaps the only comfort we can take from the experience is that we follow in a long line of disciples who have dealt with the same experience. And, the pattern was first established in Jesus’ own life. 

During his incarnation, Jesus managed to put up with every manner of obstruction, resistance and ignorance, yet still remained faithful to the very end of his life to the relationship of love for neighbor and God.

The Gospel story for the week sets the pattern for faithful discipleship.

In the face of ridicule, doubt and attempts to “rescue” him from his “insanity” Jesus remained steadfast and determined. He identified a new source of social cohesion, the community of those who persisted in loyalty to God.

 

To those of us who connect within the realm of God, perceiving the movement of the Holy Spirit beckoning to explore innovate and manifest the kingdom of God in the present age, obstructionists are what we have to learn to deal with.

  

In the grand scheme of things Jesus was not calling people into a pattern of living isolated and independent lives. Jesus was calling people into a new community, larger than family tribe or empire. Jesus was calling people back into the wholeness of living always aware that God was present, presence and sustenance.

The problem for followers of Jesus’ way today is that we are always reminded of a national identity that exists within a global economy. Neither of these cheerfully submit to the idea of a spiritual realm of one human community. Independence and liberty, freedom to seek after ones own self interest are the preeminent story line for many nations but especially for Americans. Being a follower of Jesus Christ is not simply a path to personal salvation. It is a path to a new community. Bringing that community into the fullness of being is the challenge which obstructionists seem impervious to help achieve. 

Our task is to seek out places where the community of God is unfolding, draw strength and offer strength to each other and persist faithfully in bringing forth the just and loving reign of God where all are welcome, loved, respected, and allowed to develop into the fullness of Christ.