Open Hands

Last week I shared some wisdom about responding to a dilemma like the one the Freedom Tour has encountered.

And I hinted at what might get in the way. Yesterday’s quote was a first step.

Jesus said, “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

You see, I understand the wisdom. Here’s the problem.

I don’t want to simply do something about injustice. Supporting one group of kids doesn’t seem like enough.

I want to end injustice, right now. In other words, I want to dictate the outcome. Because, clearly, I know how and when the story ought to end. And if that requires a shortcut or two, well…

You see where this is going, right?

What I’m saying sounds a lot like wanting to be God.

I know better, of course. So do you.

Jesus invited us to follow him in a kingdom ruled by generosity, justice, and love. Sounds wonderful, but it’s so tempting to whisper that the real world doesn’t work that way. So tempting to settle for more “realistic” short-term solutions.

I don’t know how this works. I don’t know how to stop grasping for power and control, except to be aware when it happens.

That’s the point of sharing this.

Perhaps when we see ourselves seeking to be first in line, desperately clinging to some illusion of control, we can stop and talk to Jesus instead.

Perhaps we can ask for open hands.