Rocks

9/11/10...nine years after 9/11/01...there is a large rock on the alter;  we are beginning a new series, on forgiveness.  This is also connection "Sunday" so besides the "Olah", burnt offering, atmosphere with the candles, communion, offering chest, band and prayer tables, the sanctuary is surrounded with tables.  There are tables to connect with ministries, education and spiritual activities.

Pastor Bill quickly begins our journey on understanding and participating in a forgiveness that takes us to the country beyond, that to which we have not previously been brave enough to travel.  We have learned, of course, that forgiveness is turning the other cheek, but now we are confronted with several propositions and the idea that God does NOT turn the other cheek.  He judges and disciplines, accordingly.

We also quickly learn that for us to forgive those circumstances, people or experiences which have scarred the masterpiece, which is ourselves and will always remain a scar throughout life, is to empower our own victimization.  Wait a minute, we must pause to think about this:  what I heard or understood, is that if we even "truly" forgive another, that we are all the more the victim (take the time to check out how Webster defines "victim").  Here is a good place also, to point out that the purpose of the "Olah" service is to disrupt.
I had a little trouble with this until I recalled the words of Robert Frost: "I'm going out to clean the pasture spring; it won't take long, I'm only going to clear the leaves away, and stop to watch the water clear, I may; it won't take long, you come too".  Explaining, Frost said, "I like to rumple up people's minds and then stand back and watch them clear".

The assignment for the week is to find a rock, write the name or circumstance, which was the greatest crime ever committed against you, on the rock and place it somewhere where you will constantly be reminded of it throughout this series.  The big rock on the stage reminds us first, of the rock, Jesus Christ, and if one can imagine what it would be like to carry this around all week, what would become of us.  No wonder we must somehow discover a true forgivenss which can lift this burden.  Now, the trick here, is to follow the assignment, otherwise the true change will not come over us.  James reminds us, '"do not merely listen to the word, but do it" otherwise you will just merely continue on the journey from whence you came.  RJ