unconcerned

There are moments in life that are paramount for transition into the next level of living.  Knowing you are in one of those moments can magnify anxiety about being prepared.  When it arrives and we are in the middle of it, the tension is almost palpable, the pressure.  God brings us through it for our good, to those who trust Him, no matter the outcome.  Sometimes I think NOT knowing you are on the precipice is easier, and allows for a more natural control of gushing emotions.

Before every big game, every crucial interview, every "do or die" mission, the leader gives a motivational speech:  "OK, guys.  This is the moment you've been waiting, training, drilling, prepping, studying for.  This is the moment.  Know what's at stake-the Championship, your livelihood, the continuation of the free world.  You can't blow this.  Win one for the Gipper.  This is it..."  and so on.  The pressure mounts.  Some buckle.  Others gather their resolve and bull doze through.

There was a team of twelve motley men who followed an up-to-that-time nobody Galilean.  In three years of travel and amazing ministry that set the whole region a-buzz,  He never set the goal of what they were to accomplish.  He never set them down and laid out the gravity of the importance that they "get it."  These men turned the world on its ear.  Because of their lives, the world of man has been illuminated like never before.  But they were utterly oblivious to what God would do through them.

You would think Jesus would have told Peter not to deny Him, or Judas not to betray Him, or the rich young ruler to not go away sad.  You would think He would have laid out the game plan, the plan of attack, something.  He gave no such speech.  He seemed staggeringly unconcerned about what they would accomplish.  At the Last Supper, He explained to them the real significance of the meal as they shared it.  He washed all their feet, including Peter's, who would deny Him in His most vulnerable moment, and even Judas', who had already betrayed Him to the Jewish authorities.  He even told Peter outright of his impending denial.  He did not try to stop any of it.

At age twelve, He was unconcerned that His parents were worried.  He was unconcerned about the men He chose to follow Him, or their vastly differing backgrounds.  He was unconcerned about the Pharisees' rules and customs.  He was unconcerned about their concern of the company He kept.  He was unconcerned that His disciples were concerned that he liked to hang out with prostitutes, felons, and the disabled, who were societal outcasts.  He was unconcerned about killer storms.  Jesus was unconcerned about anyone's race, sex, creed, religion, or political leanings.  He talked to anyone who wanted to talk, no matter their financial status.  He was unconcerned about the iron-fisted Romans occupying his homeland. 

He simply modeled before His disciples a connection to God and a focus on His purpose for being on the earth-to bring man back into relationship with His Father.  He was unconcerned because He knew the Holy Spirit would clue them into what they should really be concerned about.  Jesus showed them what loving God and loving people looks like.  The Holy Spirit inspired and empowered them to try it out.

As a living stone set in the building God is building-the Church-I want to become unconcerned like Christ. As the Church, we can't be the least bit concerned about outcomes.  Outcomes are the Father's concern. We just have to lay it all on the line everytime God brings us to the precipice.  And in that moment, that paramount moment, there will be no cause for anxiety, because it is not in my power or ability or disability to do the thing, but it is by His Spirit-God's words, not mine.  And, oblivious (like the disciples) or not, we will be fulfilling God's purpose for us, just as Christ did for His Father and lost humanity.  So get out there and... just keep hanging with Jesus.  You'll "get it."