Contrasting Styles

Here is a picture that Jessica shot of the Stone guys just after we rode to the top of the Washington Monument. As our first full day in DC, we had quite a time! Jessica can fill you in on the details at our stonesintransit blog, but I'd like to highlight something that really struck me during the day.

Just as we were walking up to the Monument, we heard all kinds of sirens and saw at least 5 police motorcycles with lights on slowly coming toward us. With excitement, we quickly realized this was some kind of motorcade! Our suspicions were further confirmed as several (5-7 perhaps) black Cadillac Escalades with tinted windows followed the motorcycles and more police in back. Since it was just off Pennsylvania Avenue, we wondered if it was the President himself (we were told it was not because an ambulance is always part of a Presidential motorcade).

Truth be told, I felt it was quite impressive and may have been a bit awestruck at the sight. how cool to watch such an important person moving around DC (whoever they were)!

Yet with all of the impressiveness of that moment, it struck me later as I reflected on that moment that as we get ready to celebrate the entrance of the King Of The Universe, He chose to come with no fanfare or "Wow!" effect. Unnoticed by nearly everyone (except the lower portions of Jewish society and some foreigners), the Savior Of The World made His debut with no shofars or camelcades. He just came. He offered Himself and lived 30 years with no expectation that He was the Son of God from what we can tell. Even when His healings attracted attention, He was quick to downplay their effect.

How easily we love a leader who awes us or impresses us with power and display. Yet Jesus would have none of that. His basis for rule was love and not power. Imagine the implications for us on that one. How many times do I (did I today) rule my sons with stern proclamations of power rather than take time to lovingly correct them (do the words "knock it off" or "STOP IT!" ring a bell with anyone else)?

I need to consider this and ask the Lord to help me be like Him in this. Not awed by power, but compelled by love.

Proverb of the Day:

"Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent (17:28)."