| I am not sure if “oblivious” is exactly the right word, but it is close. On this, the 24th anniversary of 9/11, I am thinking about the many first responders – many of whom lost their lives – who on that day were simply doing what they were trained and called to do … oblivious to the risk because they were so focused upon the task set before them. However, now – for us, they provide a wonderful example of sacrificial servanthood. We can probably put the many generations of military veterans into that same category. Earlier this year I read a book, “Who is Government – The Untold Story of Public Service” (Michael Lewis) that talked about others in public service who have given their lives (though not actually shedding their blood) for the betterment of this world and nation. They, too, were generally focused upon the needs that were placed before them, oblivious of being any sort of hero or example for others. While there is great intentionality in all of these cases, the focus is upon doing what is right, not fame or recognition or power. Hebrews 11 provides us with a similar list of “oblivious livers” from the Old Testament. None of them saints by their own value or actions, but all redeemed by the blood of the Lamb and then simply doing their best to do what they were called to do. The writer then goes on to say, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12.1-2) As I look back upon my life, it is very easy to come up with at least a dozen individuals who have had a great and positive influence upon me over the years. Many of them, though vital in my development, have names that I cannot recall. But you know what? I do not believe that this fact would bother a single one of them … they were so focused upon doing what they were called and trained to do that they, too, were living oblivious to what they were doing in and for me. Or another way to put this, is to realize that it was not really them doing the work, but God at work in and through them. As was said in a conversation I had with a young (perhaps not so young) man yesterday, “Good work – give God the glory … other works, my bad!”. And my, when one pauses to think about it, the opportunities God places in front of us to be his oblivious servants are innumerable … as are the times we fail. Our calling, thus, is not to be oblivious to the tasks/opportunities set before us, but to simply, “run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.”I was recently asked to mentor someone (the same perhaps not so young man mentioned earlier) in preparation for applying to be considered for ordination in our synod. My immediate thought was, “I could easily list 3-4 available people much more qualified than me.” However the request was repeated (I think probably because I was the closest warm body) and so now we are meeting bi-weekly (and I do believe he is giving me much more that I give him). Now this week two other men have been placed before me that have similar needs (hopefully God’s plan is just for me to be a “distant supporter” for them). And, as I look back, every time I have served over the years as any kind of mentor for people entering church work, three factors have been the same: 1) they came to me, 2) I felt inadequate (and still feel as though I – and even more so someone else – could have done a much better job, and 3) I gained more from them than I can ever imagine they received from me. And, as I reflect upon this, I think it all started when I was in high school and a teacher at our congregation’s Lutheran elementary school asked me to help coach basketball! Not a one of them ever made it to the NBA, and I don’t think I was ever asked to coach again … but now as I pause to look back today, I can think of over a dozen individuals with whom I have served as pastor and somewhat mentor who are now (or were) in ministry or preparing to be. And I do believe that that teacher was likely oblivious to the chain-reaction of influence God was setting in motion when he recruited me. We are all “surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses” while at the same time have multiple opportunities placed before us for “oblivious living.” And the key is so simple – “to run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” May God so bless you this day to reflect upon those who have blessed you with their oblivious lives and with the will and strength to live the oblivious life he has given you. |
Oblivious Living
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