Category Archives: A word

Pursue

Leave a reply

Pursue – I heard this word used in a sermon today. Later, I asked Siri for a definition, and she gave me two: following someone or something in order to catch them, and someone who continues or proceeds along a path or route. The second definition carries special significance for anyone who has run competitively. “Pursue” is the type of word that can fuel a manuscript.

The speaker highlighted some stories found in the Bible of individuals who pursued Jesus in spite of the obstacles they faced. “If I could just meet Jesus, then…”

One example highlighted the relentless pursuit of a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years (Mark 5:24-34). She was an outcast, shunned by everyone. The woman refused to be boxed in by her circumstances or give up hope. She fought through the crowd and touched Jesus’ robe. According to Jesus, it was her faith that healed her.

For the blind man, a refusal to be silenced by the crowd for repeatedly shouting out the name of Jesus, got him noticed (Mark 10:46-52). He didn’t let the crowd ridiculing him prevent him from pursuing Jesus. His relentless pursuit was rewarded by being healed.

The world is full of people pursuing something or someone. Will they be disappointed once they find it? Those who relentlessly pursue Jesus will not be disappointed. What is faith but the relentless pursuit of a man named Jesus.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life…” John 14:6

Uncomfortable

Leave a reply

When I think of the word “uncomfortable” my thoughts immediately turn to things that I dread, cause pain, or discomfort. I don’t enjoy things like speaking in front of crowds, being around a hostile person, cleaning up an eyesore in the basement, or going to the dentist. I’m sure you, like me, could come up with a lengthy list if given enough time. Conversely, things I really enjoy are the ones I take great comfort in. Spending time with a close friend, eating food I love, hugging my dogs, and sitting out in the fresh air reading a good book are great examples.

We spend the best years of our lives racing from one task or appointment to another, trying to finish a “to do” list that never ends. We turn off our emotions, chart a neutral course, and try to get as many things accomplished as we can in the short amount of time we are allotted. In the process we may push many uncomfortable tasks aside. Before we know it life becomes vanilla and we wonder why we’ve lost our zest for living.

One thing I have learned, being older but not necessarily wiser, is that once in a while I need to make time to tackle some of the uncomfortable tasks I’ve been putting off. Why? Because engaging in, and finishing, an uncomfortable task makes the things I enjoy taste a little sweeter, the hugs more memorable, and the colors of the world around me more vibrant.

Weathervane

Leave a reply

My wife and I are renovating a rundown cottage we purchased three years ago. One of the items that ranked very low on our “to do” list was putting up a weathervane gifted back to us by my in-laws after they enjoyed it for many years. This week I finally got around to putting it up.

By definition, a weathervane is “a revolving pointer to show the direction of the wind” (thanks Siri). People typically mount one on top of a building to get the best results, which invariably draws our attention to it.

The word “wind” in Hebrew is ruach. It can also mean breath or spirit. Ruach holds a special meaning for me as it is incorporated into my surname, Rauschenberger, which I am told has the root meaning of the noise the wind makes on top of a mountain.

Why should we concern ourselves with ruach? In Genesis 1:2, it was the Spirit of God (ruach) who initiated the creation narrative, giving life to our planet. Additionally, God breathed (ruach) into mankind the breath which gives them life (Genesis 2:7; 6:17).

In John 3:8, Jesus uses the illustration of the wind to describe being born of the Spirit (born again). The word for wind and spirit in the Greek language is pneuma. That same spirit, which many of us refer to as the Holy Spirit is referred to as “the comforter” in John 14:16. This life-giving spirit abides with those who are born of the Spirit (born again).

Perhaps ruach, or pneuma, is the reason so many of us are drawn to weathervanes. They help us see evidence of the wind. Wind and spirit remind us of who we are and the eternity that awaits those who call on the name Jesus.

Familiarity, Part 2

Leave a reply

In my previous post I challenged others to let go of the familiarity they held with cherished possessions. To put them on hold for a season. Though this wisdom certainly applies to places and things it runs contrary to maintaining relationships with the people we cherish.

Take my wife for example. If I disassociate myself from her, this would not have a desirable outcome. The same would hold true of my relationship with my children, devoted friends, and God.

When I let go of my familiarity with possessions, it frees me to focus on relationships. It serves to elevate relationships over possessions. That brings me back to the season of Lent, and why so many people choose to do without favorite objects, and focus on their relationship with God and the suffering Jesus endured for all our sakes.

Don’t let familiarity with a relationship you hold dear breed contempt. Instead disassociate yourself from anything that stands in the way.