A Calling...

Danny and I had the privilege this weekend to meet an incredible young man. He has a heart for children with broken hearts. Literally, children born with heart defects that need surgery to survive. He is a liaison between the doctors and the government. He helps provide the operations needed to save these children's young lives. He and his wife and their two young children believe so much in this cause that they live where these children and families live. They live in the Middle East.


He was a fascinating guy. So genuine and so committed to his goal. He lives among a people who have a great need and provides them with the connections needed to meet those needs. And while he helps save lives physically, he in in relationship with these families emotionally and spiritually.


Isn't that what Jesus did? He did not bust on the scene and bash people over the head. He built relationships with them. He lounged with His disciples. He fed the masses. He taught anyone who wanted to listen. He wept over a friend. He appreciated the women in His midst. He ate with tax collectors. He loved the little children. He provided for His mother. He met people where they were. Whoever they were. He touched the leper. He changed lives because He simply loved people.


The world and politics are big and messy. Lots of stuff to think about and a lot of tough issues to wrap our heads around. Some of them seem to have no real answers. No hope of peace. No way out. But if we just love our neighbor. If we provide a need or even just give a simple hug, we might be surprised how much of a difference we can make. 


We aren't all called to pack up our families and move to a foreign land. But we are all called to love. Unconditionally. To reach out. To defend. To be a voice for the orphan and a help to the widow. It is our calling if we love Jesus. 


We might not all agree politically or even religiously, but if we say that we love Jesus then we should all agree to this:

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: 

to loose the chains of injustice 

   and untie the cords of the yoke, 

to set the oppressed free 

   and break every yoke? 

Is it not to share your food with the hungry 

   and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— 

when you see the naked, to clothe them, 

   and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, 

   and your healing will quickly appear; 

then your righteousness will go before you, 

   and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. 

Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; 

   you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.

   “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, 

   with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 

and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry 

   and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, 

then your light will rise in the darkness, 

   and your night will become like the noonday. 

The LORD will guide you always; 

   he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land 

   and will strengthen your frame. 

You will be like a well-watered garden, 

   like a spring whose waters never fail. 

Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins 

   and will raise up the age-old foundations; 

you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, 

   Restorer of Streets with Dwellings."

Isaiah 58:6-12

Let's live out our calling with love and integrity. In any way we can. Wherever we find ourselves. With whomever we come into contact with. In a way that says we love you because we love Jesus. With a smile or a hug or if possible with a real way to mend a broken heart.