All work and no fun makes Jack a very dull boy, at least that's what my mom used to say.
60 Teenagers have been on a mission in Guatemala to serve others, expose themselves to different cultures, and seek the heart of God around the world.
We've been staying at the Casa Bernabe orphanage outside of Guatemala city, and it's been a Blast. From cleaning, to changing diapers, these kids have gotten a real good taste of what it means to approach humanity with a humble attitude and care for those in need. It's been incredible!!
So yesterday I decided they needed a break. I know this won't sound incredible spiritual, but I thought it a worthwhile trip to take them down to Antigua, the market of Guatemala.
It's a quaint colonial village with cobblestone streets, an outdoor market, and a lively city feel. The kids were in heaven. They walked through the markets bartering for their trinkets to bring home, while drinking in a different culture from all senses.
They smelled the food cooking in the street, played Frisbee in the park, and even ordered a big mac from one of the coolest McDonald's I've ever been in. It was a great day with many memories.
I know I said it wasn't going to be too spiritual today, but as I was walking through the market, I couldn't help but notice the beggars on every corner. I saw a guy without any legs, a woman with a deformed arm, and many many blind people shaking plastic buckets in hopes to hear the clang of a few coins as the people passed by.
It was a haunting question rattling through my mind when I was wondering, "What would Jesus do with this?"
I read the New Testament, and the red letters are clear. He walked through those kind of markets and prayed for the sick. He healed the blind. He worked miracles so the handicapped could walk again, and I began wondering what my role was to be?
Are we supposed to stop?
Are we supposed to pray?
Are we supposed to spit in the dirt and coat the eyes of a blind man so he can see?
I've always been taught, "That was JESUS. Those times are over." But one simple verse keeps echoing in my soul, "Truly Truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father." (John 14:12)
Greater works than I do? What does that mean?
Are we to be satisfied that the meaningless giving of some coins to a blind man is somehow supposed to compare to the life giving works of the Messiah?
Should we be concerned as we look at our works and reduce them only to a fleeting compassion, lost in the moment of the market, but lost as we drive away in our air conditioned car?
I don't know....Sometimes I feel like I'm asking more questions without really getting any answers. If I'm supposed to sit with the blind man so God can heal him, then I'll do it! If I'm supposed to pray for the crippled lady so Jesus can make her arm well again, I just want to do what He commands me.
I know this one thing for sure...Living by the spirit and trying to listen to God rather than relying on the teachings of the law, is MUCH HARDER!! It's easy to say, "It doesn't happen so don't do it." It's hard to feel your wretched soul wonder....Should I?