Thank You for Your presence at the chapel this morning! Sophia-Spirit, You flowed through the message and music, speaking to my husband and I both in ways that were unexpected and surprising. We entered that place feeling a little awkward, but soon felt welcomed. Since the worshipping area was close to the front doors, it was easy to see where to go, and the combination of worship and arts was clearly evident from the beginning. Both of these things were very appealing to us.
There were a few things that made me think I’d rather go elsewhere, like the loudness of the music and the strange placement of the early offering. For the first half of the message, I felt like I was listening to one of my brothers tell a story. The pastor jumped all over the place, citing Bible passages from Hebrews, Philippians, Genesis, Jonah and John. My mind was a metal bal inside a pinball machine! But then, somewhere about two-thirds of the way in, the pastor suddenly seemed to connect with Your Spirit of Peace, and clarity came. The last portion of the sermon was poignant, and exactly what we needed to hear today.
Then we prayed the prayer that You taught Your disciples, and many hands around us were lifted. Your Presence was tangibly felt, and complete surrender fell upon everyone in the crowd. In those moments following the sermon and the prayer, the room seemed to vibrate with energy, and then, when the band began to play, every hair on my body stood on end. I don’t think a single person stood still in that room. We couldn’t! You were there! My husband’s hand met mine, and we were practically elevated off the floor! What energy!
What a gift! What an unexpected gift! Ah, Beloved King of kings, how awesome it was to worship you in a way that used our entire being! To sing to you with the kind of music that naturally makes us want to dance fully connects our heads, hearts and bodies in worship. We were so blessed to receive Your Presence today. And I am humbled, because You came and met us where we least expected it. The theology at that church is very different than mine, and they have restrictive burdens that I feel are highly unnecessary, but even there You are working.
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| "Unexpected Beauty" - Photo by Trista Wynne |
You come where we least expect You, and You act in loving kindness, granting Your Presence even to those who do not understand. I suppose this unexpected Presence is what Palm Sunday is all about, for You entered Jerusalem not as the messiah hell-bent on war and overthrowing the oppressive powers, but as the gentle King of the Universe, humble and riding on a donkey. You came in peace, knowing that You had the rest of eternity to make all things right. Your presence then came as a surprise, even to those who knew You best; so it is even today.
Blessed King, may we be continually surprised by Your loving kindness for all of creation, and may we do our best to reflect this same unrequited love to all, amen.
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