Can people be invisible? This is a favorite device of the writers of fairy tales and fantasy, but these are works of fiction. Yet some people are treated with so little regard they might as well be. Have you ever looked at those who serve in important but menial positions only as far as their functional benefit to you? What about those without any job? What about those who do not fit your cultural template for beauty, such as those who are overweight? Yet these are all my children and their essential humanity is no different from yours. Is your vision large enough to see them?

What is the most basic essence of the Christian life? Isn’t it to follow me? This was my call to my original disciples and the same thing extends to you. Have you found that much has been added to this simple request? But this is the most important thing. Have you found this difficult to do? Implied in my request is my commitment to provide you with clear direction to follow. Otherwise it would be an unreasonable request. You can call me on this. In any situation you can turn to me for clear direction. How could I refuse? I want you to take seriously the idea of being led by the Spirit.

The most prominent actors are referred to as movie stars. This term clearly implies that they are a level above other actors or ordinary people. Have you ever heard of a pastor referred to as ‘the star of the show’? This is not common church terminology and you may find it inappropriate and offensive in this context, but have you seen this concept in practice whether it was referred to this way or not? Isn’t the concept just as offensive and inappropriate regardless of terminology? Those who I call to positions of leadership are to be servants of all, even as I was.

Would you like to have an encounter with me? What would you expect this to involve? You have some examples in the Bible to consider. Would you expect it to be placid and serene? This isn’t what the Bible characters experienced. Consider Moses who exceedingly trembled, and Isaiah who was undone. Consider John who fell to his face as a dead man. These were extreme experiences for those involved, and they were not sure they would survive the encounter, but they did, and were transformed. So do you still want to have an encounter with me? Can you handle it?