Oct 14 2007
playgrounds and old tires 7
What a fascinating day.
Today at Mountain we finished our series “Recycled” with a guest speaker. Michael Franzese gave his testimony and brought a message of hope and redemption. His story is amazing. He was a rising star in organized crime and then was led to Christ by an cast member in a movie that he was producing. I can’t begin to summarize how amazing his story was. In every detail it was like nothing I can ever imagine. I will relate two things now. Later I may post some parting thoughts on this series.
The first thing I remembered is that God can recycle anything. It was so clear that in his life God is working for good in a context that is very evil. I know that this basic to the Christian hope and it has been the main theme of this series, but it is a good reminder. God can recycle the parts of my life that are most disgusting to me.
The second thought that dominated my reflection on his testimony was a scene in which he was back in prison and was very depressed. A guard came by, saw that he was having a hard night and brought him a Bible. He talked about what an important moment this was for him and how in that night he life began moving on a new trajectory. I was very challenge by the actions of that guard. I am so judgmental. I might have mocked his pain rather than offered comfort. I must remember the corollary to the reality that God can recycle all of my junk is that God can recycle everyone else’s junk as well. When I look at other people and conclude that they are too far gone I am not thinking the thoughts of God.
God can recycle anyone. Sometimes, I forget that this includes me. Sometimes I forget that this includes everyone else. I was reminded today.
on the walk
-Ethan
Think of all the people God recycled in the Bible.
The chosen people, again and again, Aaron, Moses, Saul–>Paul, the fishermen.
He sees what we can do for him, not the evil we have done.
kire.