When I think of freedom loads of images and thoughts come into my mind. Some good, some not so good, especially when thinking about things I thought were freeing but actually brought guilt and condemnation.
It seems to me that there is great freedom shown by the shepherd in the story Karl talked about on Sunday from Luke 15:1-7. In this story, the shepherd gives his sheep real freedom; he really loves and cares for his sheep. As I wonder why, the bigger picture shows me that he hungers for his sheep. An ancient letter written to the small church in Rome by the Apostle Paul tells me that he wants them to have a freedom, free from any guilt or condemnation. I get the picture that the shepherd’s desire is for his sheep to grow and develop in their individual gifts, skills and attributes. Not in comparison to others but as individual loved beings. He even gives the sheep freedom to get lost, if they want to, knowing that he will intentionally and continually hunt for them.
In another ancient letter written to a small church in Ephesus I am reminded that this is because his desire is for the sheep to journey and grow into the fullness of being like Jesus Christ. That just blows me away, that the shepherd wants us to become like Jesus. Just LIKE JESUS. And to do it he will give the sheep the tools they need by giving the gift of his wisdom and spirit for counsel.
As we taste true freedom, we can pass it on to others. As God’s people, we can then help, assist, love and tell others who are hurting and weighted down by the guilt and condemnation of false freedom that there’s something better, that true freedom is staying close to The Shepherd.
In the stories the shepherd is God and the sheep are a representation of us human beings. When I link it to this ancient festival of Christmas it kind of reinforces the whole point. That Jesus came naked and weak into our history. That He then traveled part of this planet illustrating that with the nurturing boundaries of God in our lives and as part of a gracious, loving, guilt free Kingdom community we can journey into expanding personal freedom.
The funny part is that this freedom can sometimes be the hardest thing for me to take hold of because it’s given with no strings attached and is unconditional. I often think I’ve got to do something for it. In the ancient mystical letter written by John–someone who walked alongside Jesus–he says, ‘when Jesus sets us free we are truly free’. This is so true. It’s only with this kind of freedom that I can with growing confidence walk the uncertain adventure of life.
i learned something really cool this week. i learned that Jesus hears my cries and loves it when i am desperate for him! he doesnt just love me when i am calm and collected and have everything together. he needs for us to NEED him. This rule is no different for pastors (or co-pastors shall i say). in fact, i think this is just as important for people in a leadrship role. it keeps us grounded. look at the bright side; we may suffer together but we also conquer together and rejoice together. What is it you always say to me? ONE DAY AT A TIME. we are in this for the long haul. think long term here.
besides, who doesnt love going to the carnival? we ride the goofy rides, get sick, and have awsome memories to look back on and the silly thing is we even look foward to the carnival to come back again!
there is a pretty large group of people now who love you and believe in the same vision you have and we cant ALL be wrong… can we?
well there is my piece of cheap advice for you and anyone else who is struggling with this “carnival syndrome”. hope it helps. i would offer my stories but it is way less fun when you are not there to laugh with and share back!
-tiff
sorry wrong post…. this is for kathy’s carnival! my bad.
-tiff