Genesis 19:4 Before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, both young and old, all the people from every quarter;
I did a google search for the terms "a crowd gathered". I wanted to find out what types of things for which people will crowd around. There were things like when the men landed on the moon, an accident in Afghanistan causing a riot, the crumbling of the world trade center in a terrorist attack. These are big events that people, for whatever reason, wanted to be a part of. The historical benefit of being around when we hit the moon - anger of an injustice - or sympathy and support for the suffering.
But why would a whole town - of just men - show up for two strangers? The Bible verse is so specific - EVERY man in the town. Like I mentioned in yesterday's post, it didn't take too long for them to show up. We know that food was made rather quickly and then eaten and then it says - before they went to bed this crowd appeared. I think we're looking at maybe a couple of hours. We can't get a crowd to gather for a Bible study thats scheduled two months in advance - let alone have everyone in the class show up in two hours. What's the rush and the importance?(we'll see in tomorrows post)
Let's look at our own lives. What are we willing to drop everything and follow the crowd for? A sale at JCPenney's? An ambulance at the end of the block? We are called to follow in only ONE circumstance. Here's the irony - We are called to follow Christ - but in following Christ we become leaders. We are called to stand out of the crowd - turn away from the way everyone else is acting and look to God, alone, for guidance.
4 comments:
No crowd sales for me and I am not an ambulance chaser. However there are some crowds that I fail to gather for that I know I should. More on that later too. I can't wait to hear the next part of this. This series is very informative and interesting.
You've hit a good point for church member Christians today. I haven't fallen into this trap but I have been readng in many places where a dilema for the church is our isolation and need to be with people just like us.
I call that "safe" but so boring. I thank God He ripped those "boxes" for me long ago and in ministry I am with people of different races, socio economic places, status, ages and length of time walking in the grace of God.
My cry would be for all of us in Church to obey Christ's commandment: orphans, widows, poor, hungry, homeless, hurting, lost, prisoners, and those that are "sick" because He said He did not come for those that were well.
Good post.........and you've been missed!!!
Can't wait until your follow up tomorrow. Good thoughts.
I was thinking as I read this that I'm not much of a crowd follower. I follow Christ but often don't feel that there's much of a crowd. That's a whole post in itself. :)
I love what you said here.
"We are called to stand out of the crowd - turn away from the way everyone else is acting and look to God, alone, for guidance."
I love that you focused in on the crowd following here. Very insightful Dorothy. I'm looking forward to tomorrows post.
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