good vibrations?

Previous blog posts may have been a bit cryptic, indeed. They were intended to be so because most people won’t understand what I mean or what I’m learning since it is my experience (though I’m working on communicating these personal lessons better) – so I’d rather just post something poetic and be okay with its mysteriously esoteric nature. As such, the posts are for me – they should be – and not you (sorry if that bursts your bubble). Nonetheless, the writings are loose personal inquiries as to what I am doing at CM and/or why. They attempt to reconcile my wrestlings with urban missionaryhood. They are ponderances upon themes and questions such as: what is the good news? Hope? Proclamation v. incarnation? And some various other “Kingdom” references, not to mention - just personal frustrations and mixed views on my life. So…

“In the nearness of God, we are happy and life begins to vibrate.” This is the quote from Jurgen Moltmann that caused me to read his book The Source of Life: The Holy Spirit and the Theology of Life. Contrary to the title, this is not a Family Bookstore read. Rather it increases the size of the Spirit from the personal do-gooding spirit within to the creator, inhabitor, and perfecter of all life (at least it did for me). I digress to yesterday morning:

I held this book in my hand as I walked into work at 8AM. From my car to the store, I thought about which quote I might read someone if they were to ask me about it. I struggle with whether or not to take in such books so as not to seem “too religious” to the average man since it isn’t normal among employees to read theology books at Central Market (and everyone seems to always curiously check out what others are reading as a way to stimulate conversation and eavesdrop on their personal life). But this is more than simply my personal life, so - Yes, perhaps I’ll share this quote with my co-workers and friends because it really resonated with me. I love the fact that lately, I have felt more in tune than ever before with God’s creation, will, and love amidst the chaos the world throws at me. But back to the digression…

I’m still considering this quote about the nearness of God causing our world to vibrate with happiness, and when compiled with the “good news/hope/kingdom” business, I must admit – I’m at a loss. It seems to me that to proclaim the above sentence does in fact cause the world to vibrate. But not vibrate easily – its more of a world-shattering, earth-quaking ruckus that causes babies to scream and adults to cower in fear.

This is the life of the unbeliever.

As a not-yet believer’s world comes closer to the all-encompassing God surrounding him, life begins to crumble like a castle under siege. The holy presence of God invades his space, pointing out the shadows of his sin calling him to the light of new life. What was providing "happiness" becomes exposed for what sin really is - the failure of our lives to meet the presence of God. So where’s the catch? Where’s the space between the total foundational destruction and such utter resonance that the vibrancy of life shines through the devastation?

Jesus – he is the only way. He lived to fight for God’s perfection and defend against man’s insurrection. Somehow Jesus navigated the blurry line of flesh and spirit so perfectly that he instilled hope in individuals, strengthened a community, and revolutionized humanity. He shakes down houses built in the flesh and restores their fondations upon a rock to be built in the Spirit.

I can’t help it that Moltamnn's quote brings me so much joy and describes my life so well at this point. While at the same time, this quote may very well be either laughable, scary or both for others as they lie upon the sandy San Andreas during their 8.5 trials. All I can do is help them see that the subtle vibrations of God’s life indwelling our world trump the unpredictable earthquakes of a life on the brink of disaster.

"What's this book?"
{takes book from my hand}
{reads back cover}
"Jesus Christ."
"Actually it's the Holy Spirit, but close."