Morning Musing with Mark

 

Mark 3:7-12 (NRSV)

Jesus departed with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee followed him; hearing all that he was doing, they came to him in great numbers from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the Jordan, and the region around Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him; for he had cured many, so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch him. Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and shouted, "You are the Son of God!" But he sternly ordered them not to make him known. 

My first thought was:  I hate to be shushed!  But, thankfully I got over that and moved into a more prayerful mode. 

I began to wonder about what it was that generated such excitement about this man who moved about teaching and healing and then telling others to be quiet about what he was doing.  I also began to wonder about the herding instinct and the unthinking nature of that behavior. 

Once again scripture reminds us that patterns of human behavior haven't changed that much over the course of history.  Crowds will press in on the popular one  and shout out at the one who intimidates us.  

 When a person is attractive, magnetic, or simply has a "way" that seems intriguing, they may become the newest "star" in the community.  Folks will come a long way to see the person, and will stand in long lines to get a glimpse of, and, hopefully some contact with the person.  That kind of fame can be fleeting, though, depending on the sustainability (and sometimes popularity) of the person's mission, purpose, and message. 

When the person's presence is threatening to folks who have once been (or currently are) in charge, he/she will be scrutinized, even named out loud by the ones who are losing their power to the newcomer.  The moment of recognition is not a movement towards understanding or relationship -- it is simply a proclamation of fear or envy -- a perceived loss of control.  

Whenever Jesus was present, his power was noticed by everyone.  Some approached him out of desire to know him or learn from him, others out of a need for specific healing.  Once transformed to "health" (of mind, heart, soul or body) they were sent on their way.  Jesus asked that they "show" others the health and wholeness that had been received, without highlighting specifically "who" bestowed it.   Their sketchy understanding of what had happened would render their words lukewarm rather than compelling.  The witness of their healing was to be through sharing their transformed lives, not their verbal testimony. 

Others (those who would undermine his presence if they could) fell down before him saying that they knew who he was and what he could/would do.  But they did not want to be (nor could they be) in relationship with him.  They were enraged by him, knowing that if they were in his presence for any length of time "they" as they were (evil or unclean) would cease to exist.  He shushed them too, knowing that their recognition sprouted from fear, not love.

(another thing that hasn't changed:  Folks hate to be "shushed", especially when they are excited beyond imagination.  It doesn't matter whether they are champing at the bit to shout praise and thanksgiving or if they are busting with critique:  "Hush up" is not usually well received.) 

So, take a look in the mirror now.  How do you behave when you are in the presence of a compelling personality or an intimidating one?  

Ask yourself how your desire for new life as you savor your relationship with Christ is characterized by both pursuit (yes, please change me, Jesus) and resistance (no, not that much or in that way!!!!) 

Remind yourself that there is no aspect of your existence that isn't known and recognized by Christ.  Whether it is your greatest gift, your deepest sickness, or even your capacity for evil, all aspects are transformed in and through the power of God's love in Christ.  Your understanding emerges as you stand before the Cross where your life was catapulted beyond the limitation of human existence. 

Once you get that message, although it remains a mystery, you are ready to go and tell others about what God has done in Christ.  That message is True.  That message is Loving.  And, as it was, and is, and always will be:  It is Necessary!