Don't Miss the Point

Last night I attended an event for teens at the main campus of my church in South Carolina. I drove my daughter and three other teens down for this event. The main message of the pastor's message to the teens was to not miss the point of being a Christian. He shared an experience he had while speaking to a Christian club at a local high school. The meeting was at 7:30 in the morning on a Thursday and when he entered there were about 70 teens gathered. One "cool" guy was playing the guitar as everyone was worshiping. The pastor sat and observed the students interacting. He noticed one "nerdy" guy in the corner and watched as several times he attempted to insert himself into the crowd. Each time he was brushed off and pushed aside. He spent the rest of the time alone on the side. The point was how these students were so proud of themselves for getting up and early and gathering to show their love of Jesus. However, they failed to show the love of Jesus to another student. 

How often do we do this exact same thing? Do we take the time to notice those around us? Do we make eye contact with our cashiers? I have a major pet peeve with people who talk on their cell phones while checking out at a store. If you do this, then no I'm not sorry if I offend you. If I'm on the phone in a store I will ask the person I'm speaking with to hold while I purchase my items. A transaction usually only takes a few seconds. What if the person checking us out has not had anyone smile at them all day? What if your friendliness could be the bright point of their day? How about when you are at home and your children are asking for a few minutes of your attention? We can become so focused on our agendas, schedules, and plans that we miss out on the needs immediately in front of us. 

Jesus was always willing to be interrupted. There are several examples in scripture to show His countenance upon interruptions. In Mark 5 we find the story of Jesus traveling to Jairus's house to heal his sick daughter. As He is walking, the woman with the issue of blood touches Jesus, interrupting His travels. 

"Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years,and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?” But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ” And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth.And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.” Mark 5:25-34

Notice Jesus was not mad at her interruption. In fact, Jesus could have continued walking without acknowledging what happened. Nobody else knew she had touched Him and been healed. She could have gone on her way and told others how she was healed. Yet, Jesus stopped to talk to her. Think about this....she had been sick with her issue for 12 years. Surely those following Jesus knew her and knew of her sickness. It is likely many of them had ostracized her from their circle of friends. What must their have reactions been upon seeing Jesus speaking to her? 

Jesus didn't care what others thought of him interacting with those who have been outcast from society! Do we care? Do we choose who we show love and concern to out of fear of what others will think of us for associating with the "least of these?" Or do we miss the point? If we only show love to those who are easy to love, then we are not living out the love of Jesus. If we only accept the "cool" kids into our circle and reject those who are not like us, then we are missing the point. I find I am guilty of this myself. I don't want to have any interaction with someone and they not leave me better for the experience. It could be something as simple as smiling at a stranger to taking a meal to a friend in need. 

I want to be interruptable!