Trying to See (Through the Eyes of Jesus)

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Our Journey through the Bible continues. We completed the Old Testament; we traveled briefly through the “intertestamental period” between the Old Testament times and New Testament times. And now we are moving into and through the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew frames Jesus clearly. He’s the Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament hopes, the new Moses, and the proclaimer of a new law for a new day. He calls on his followers to see the world differently, to live with others more gracefully, and to follow God more faithfully.

This week in our Sanctuary service, we will delve further into hard words and difficult teachings: “deny yourself; take up your cross; follow me.”

What does this teaching, in many ways a summary of the latter part of this Gospel, have to say to us today? These are tough concepts for any day, but especially now with all of our divided society and divisive rhetoric. What is it from Jesus’ words that speaks to us now? Join us this Sunday as we do our best to find out.

In the meantime, I’d like to share a very unusual poem that my mother passed along. It is by Brian Bilston. Please read it through first as it is written, knowing that it articulates a clear understanding of a certain perspective and a particular type of person represented in these words. Then read it again, only this time, backwards. You’re in for a surprise, and hopefully a valuable lesson (I’ve actually transcribed the reverse reading for you, too, if you prefer to read it the second time through in a more normal way).

REFUGEES

by Brian Bilston

They have no need of our help

So do not tell me

These haggard faces could belong to you or me

Should life have dealt a different hand

We need to see them for who they really are

Chancers and scroungers

Layabouts and loungers

With bombs up their sleeves

Cut throats and thieves

They are not

Welcome here

We should make them

Go back to where they came from

They cannot

Share our food

Share our homes

Share our countries

Instead let us

Build a wall to keep them out

It is not okay to say

These are people just like us

A place should only belong to those who are born there

Do not be so stupid to think that

The world can be looked at a different way

(Now read bottom to top)