August 9, 2013
I’m startling to write this in an airline lounge, on my way home.I just flew South to North nearly five thousand miles … and I missed nearly all the scenery.
Myra and I have been reading the book of Ezra, and Ezra’s journey came to mind. The point-to-point distance from Babylon to Jerusalem is about five hundred miles … but the route Ezra’s party took would be closer to nine hundred. They took about 120 days, and allowing for Sabbath’s, when they surely stopped, we could say that they covered — at best — ten miles a day. They didn’t miss the scenery!
My long flights weren’t completely wasted. I had a couple of great conversations, but the odd thought about my trip and Ezra’s prompted some reflections about faith and relationships. Do I have some “fly over” or at least “drive by” in these areas? Do you know what I mean?
For example, how about when I’m reading the Bible? Are there times when I just read? When I don’t worship, or look for application, but just drive by the verses, and fly over the chapters?
Or how about “drive by” evangelism? No, I don’t mean driving to neighborhoods and dropping tracts in mail boxes. What I mean is, are there times I witness to someone and don’t make sure I can follow through? Am I just flying over, dropping a verse or two, tweeting a text and moving on?
How about prayer? Ouch, it really hurts to think about this one, but … Do I ever just “pray through the list”?
When I look at the verse that comes next in Ezra it says “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” Ezra prepared his heart … And then there was Ezra’s successor, Nehemiah. When he came to a crisis in his life the Bible says “And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven”. Nehemiah wept and mourned and fasted and prayed.
Ezra, Nehemiah, Peter, Paul … No “fly over” or “drive by” for them. Now please don’t get me wrong. I know I’m not a great man like one of those! But they are great examples … I’m going to try to slow down, and stop the “fly over and drive by” faith life. If you’re like me, perhaps it’s time to move over to the spiritual slow lane?
I’m home now, with my beloved — who is also my editor. She’s read and approved … Time to let it fly.. Slowly!