Go and Tell

The disciples of John reported all these things to him. So John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” When the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?'” Jesus had just then cured many people of diseases, plagues, and evil spirits, and had given sight to many who were blind. And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.” When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who put on fine clothing and live in luxury are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (And all the people who heard this, including the tax collectors, acknowledged the justice of God, because they had been baptized with John’s baptism. But by refusing to be baptized by him, the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God’s purpose for themselves.) “To what then will I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not weep.’ For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Nevertheless, wisdom is vindicated by all her children.” Luke 7:18-35

I remember when we had show and tell in school. Often times someone brought a new, shiny toy and didn't have to say much, just watch us as we looked with envious eyes. I liked the times when a classmate would tell of an adventure or a scary moment. I often had sand in my pockets and pulled out some sand and told stories of the ocean. These days we rarely sit and listen to stories, letting TV and Hollywood be our storytellers. Jesus, when confronted with the disciples of John, told them to tell him what they have seen. May we go and tell the love we have seen, the healing and restoration that has been ours in Jesus.

Wondrous Creator, you hung the stars in the sky

and made winter times for telling stories

yet we hide from the change in our seasons

and don't  share the wonders you have done for us.

You give us all the wisdom and patience we need

for these times are challenging and fearful

you have so many stories to share with us all

if we would just sit down and listen with our hearts.

Lord, help us to seek your healing and redemption

help us to share your love in the darkest times

let our mouths be filled with your praise

and let us all be busy serving others in your name.Amen.