Started going through Mark’s gospel for Lent. And there in chapter one is this comment, “he saw heaven being torn open.” What in the WORLD must that have looked like? (Actually, it probably didn’t look like ANYTHING in this world!) Jesus saw the breach between heaven and earth starting to rupture. I think he saw the beginnings of what he would eventually usher in in a whole new way. It was heaven – God’s domain – breaking into this darkened world. The next words Mark records from Jesus are these, “The time has come…the kingdom of God is near.” I imagine he was thinking back to the rupture…the tear in heaven. It started leaking out into our world. “Thy kingdom come…” Bring it on.

Tonight a line of severe storms passed through the area. I found out by checking the online radar loop. It had already gone by me. I had several emergency emails – which I read after the storm had passed. It must have been a doozie. And I kinda like storms.
But I missed this one because I was in the basement. Actually, I missed it because while in the basement, riding on the trainer, I was listening to a podcast on cycling. It’s a fun hobby. But in this case, I got so close to my hobby/interest that I completely missed the big event that was happening around me.

Step back. There is a big event passing by us right now. It’s the work of God. It’s setting off emergency alarms all over the place. It’s way past being a doozie. But are we missing it? Am I? Do we get so close to our interests, pursuits, hobbies, etc. that we are literally deaf to what is going on? Do we only learn about the work of God by reading about it online?

Maybe we could at least take out one earbud.

Fasting is interesting…kinda brings all sorts of things out in me. I can get cranky and irritable when deprived of food. I can get proud about how “spiritual” I am. I try not to do that. I can get forgetful of why I’m fasting in the first place. And on occasions, I can get focused on something beyond myself. For example…

Today I was struck with this thought. While I’m hungry for calories, I’m surrounded by people who are hungry for hope. Some have given up. I’m surrounded by people who are hungry for spiritual truth…something they can sink their heart into and know…some way to connect with God. I’m surrounded by people who are hungry for purpose…life is one boring or predictable moment after another…leading up to the tombstone…and then what. I’m surrounded by people who are hungry for healing. They’ve been bruised, banged up, abused, and worse.

Here’s the thing. I know where to find calories. But most of the people who are hungry for hope, or spiritual reality, or purpose, or healing–they aren’t sure WHERE to find that. I’m inspired to pray for them…and to reach out to them. As one current ad campaign so poignently notes: before you can help people you have to reach them.

God shows up on Sunday. Am I looking for him? Expecting him? Waiting for him?