Identity: Profound Power

Identity: Profound Power Found

The bombings in Boston in 2013 forced upon us scenes both horrific and heroic.  The loss of life and limb were up against the acts of compassion and justice.

In the face of tragedy, it was stark our need to identify the suspects.  Two methods were note worthy.

One was “crowd sourcing” where the authorities asked the “crowd” (you and I) for our data (video, cell phone pics, ATM images, traffic cam takes).  Applying thousands of people hours, the authorities identified suspect images.  These images were given to the “crowd” with the question “do you know them?”  We gave our response and the suspects were initially identified and we all felt a modicum better.

Second was the curiosity of an individual.  When the all clear was sounded in his neighborhood, a sole person crept from his house to explore and discovered a blood stain on his boat.  His curiosity led him to lift the tarp and discover the 2nd suspect.

Crowd sourcing and individual curiosity are amazing methods of discovery!

To the lectionary scripture text of today - John 10:22-30.

Jesus puts forward that those who follow know his identity / voice, and those who do not follow do not know his voice / identity.

To the point . . .

One way of knowing Jesus is crowd sourcing.  There are times and seasons when we are deaf to Jesus’ voice and blind to God’s appearance.  In those moments, we are invited to crowd source our brothers and sisters of faith, asking them if they have heard or have seen the ONE we follow.  To be in God’s flock is to have a host of angelic ones who can point the way, give glimpse to the God we crave.

Another is the curious individual who leaves the pew and sanctuary to quest for the risen savior.  The stories that inspire us most ... youth returning from church camp or mission trip, young adults reflecting upon habitat builds, ancestors sharing the faith that stands them well.  Jesus suggests, “we will believe when we do.”  Those who get up and follow will find.  

I would love to expound upon the character of the one we follow.  Jesus, our risen lord, is beyond our hope and imagining.  For the sake of space, I want to close by encouraging us to be curious individuals who look to the crowd when we are weak.  Let us journey well with our brothers and sisters of faith.