In The Midst Of People
Sometimes I just get tired of being around people. Don't look at me that way - you know that you do too.
People in the neighborhood have loud parties until late at night. Other cars ride your bumper because you're not speeding like they are. You have to listen to crude conversations every time you venture out in public.
It honestly makes you want to become a hermitess and move far away from eyes and voices and noise. Wouldn't it be nice to only hear your music, have silence whenever you want it, and not have to worry about who's doing what to whom and how many times?
But our Heavenly example, Jesus Christ, placed Himself right in the midst of people. He had numerous situations when people were disrespectful, spoke with evil words and questioned His every move. Of all people, Jesus had every reason to hide Himself away and be away from people.
Praise His holy name that He didn't.
And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judea, and from beyond Jordan. And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them. Matthew 4:25-5:2
But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all. Matthew 12:15
The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. And he spake many things unto them in parables. Matthew 13:1-3
And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. Matthew 14:14
And that is just a portion of one book of the Bible. Jesus chose to be in the midst of multitudes of people because that was where the needs were. What kind of loving Savior would come to save the world, but never speak to it? What kind of gracious Lord would be willing to die on the cross for our sins, but not be willing to be present in their need?
We have this same calling from our perfect example. Yes, it would be easier and less of a headache if we stayed inside all the time. It would be more peaceful to not fight traffic, endure the noise of the world and listen to rude conversation. But that is the easy road, one with no opportunities.
I pray we will have the courage and strength to face the lost and dying people around us. Each is a soul that God would love to claim for His own. And we might be the tools He uses to complete His bride! That's precious motivation to go out into the midst of people!
People in the neighborhood have loud parties until late at night. Other cars ride your bumper because you're not speeding like they are. You have to listen to crude conversations every time you venture out in public.
It honestly makes you want to become a hermitess and move far away from eyes and voices and noise. Wouldn't it be nice to only hear your music, have silence whenever you want it, and not have to worry about who's doing what to whom and how many times?
But our Heavenly example, Jesus Christ, placed Himself right in the midst of people. He had numerous situations when people were disrespectful, spoke with evil words and questioned His every move. Of all people, Jesus had every reason to hide Himself away and be away from people.
Praise His holy name that He didn't.
And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judea, and from beyond Jordan. And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them. Matthew 4:25-5:2
But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all. Matthew 12:15
The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. And he spake many things unto them in parables. Matthew 13:1-3
And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. Matthew 14:14
And that is just a portion of one book of the Bible. Jesus chose to be in the midst of multitudes of people because that was where the needs were. What kind of loving Savior would come to save the world, but never speak to it? What kind of gracious Lord would be willing to die on the cross for our sins, but not be willing to be present in their need?
We have this same calling from our perfect example. Yes, it would be easier and less of a headache if we stayed inside all the time. It would be more peaceful to not fight traffic, endure the noise of the world and listen to rude conversation. But that is the easy road, one with no opportunities.
I pray we will have the courage and strength to face the lost and dying people around us. Each is a soul that God would love to claim for His own. And we might be the tools He uses to complete His bride! That's precious motivation to go out into the midst of people!
Whew! What a hard post for me to read! I feel the need to confess... Hi, my name is Jessica and I am a Hermitess.It's been 2 days since I have been around people...Is there a HA (hermit anonymous) meeting in my area? Even crazier is that while I am not fond of people, I LOVE to travel. My dear Saviour teaches to love others above ourselves, but this one is really hard for me. :) I would be no happier in the remote wilderness on top of a mountain with no one around for miles. There are days when I have a hard time even answering the phone because I know that the person calling me is just going to unload their worldly drama on me. How hard it can be to trust in my Saviour to help me shake off the things of the world and still let others know of His love. Great post!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it easier to close ourselves off and deal with our own stuff? Being in the midst of people means opening ourselves to their problems, quirks, issues and offesnses. Yes...HA would be an excellent idea and I would join in a heartbeat. But then we'd all lose out on the joy of blessing other people. Patience, balance and sharing are all very, very hard concepts. Praise His holy name that God doesn't expect us to be perfect - just willing.
ReplyDeleteI'll be praying for you, Jessica!
Laura