We talked a lot about suffering and evil in the world, and if a good God was out there why wouldn’t he show up and do something about the horrific evils in today’s world. He wants God to be real, the idea of a loving God sounds really great, “all should want that, right?” He said. "But where is the evidence, "where is a compassionate God who will come and rescue the afflicted and the suffering people’s of the world." Hasn’t he come already, didn’t he walk among us. Jesus is a historical figure, regarded as a profound teacher, one with authority and power to heal. He claimed to be God and left us to answer the question for ourselves “Who do say I am?” Jesus said. Just in case we needed help, He gave us the answer, He said, “I am the Way the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through me.” He said, I Am the bread of life, whoever eats of me will never be hungry, and he will never thirst again.” He said, “I am God,” He proved it, the people who encountered Him were transformed, like myself. They knew He was God. The first disciples were disappointed when He died because they thought their Messiah would reign forever. They thought that He would overthrow the oppressor: Roman rule. Jesus did overthrow the oppressor: Sin and death. He made a way.
The guy on the street whom I have just encountered said, “What has your God done?” He made a way to freedom, sir. He sees the suffering in the world; yes it is there, but why? Because people act unjustly, suffering exists because of our sins, rebellion, and selfish greed. But Jesus gave a promise of a new city where there would be no tears, that those who would hear and repent would experience this new place, that they wouldn't have to live in fear anymore, because one day, Jesus said, “I will not leave you as orphans in this world, but I will come back and get you,” earlier He said, “I am preparing a place for you.” We have this hope of the restoration of God’s original plan for relationship with His people; we will no longer see in part but will see in full as He is. He is doing this; write it down in stone, He is calling out a people to be His that will enjoy Him all eternity long. This is our hope, this is what our God has done. But I can sympathize with this man I met. His heart has a discontent ultimately because he is disconnected. But I understand, because of the holy discontent that grips my heart like a wrench, living in an absolutely broken world with people who refuse to hear. What this man is looking for is a demonstration of the Kingdom of God. It is my very own heart, to see the Kingdom authority and dominion be released on the earth as it is in heaven. This authority has been given may we not sleep. This man’s discontent is an invite for God’s people to be the living breathing flesh representation in front of him. Consider the early church who as they began to understand that their Messiah actually is alive they continued the work of Jesus, and “flipped the world upside down...” No longer needing an argument but a demonstration. His discontent fuels the flame of my heart to see justice prevail, but may we not blame God who is moving and continue to call out a people of His own. The world wouldn’t suffer so much if we would turn back to the Lord. Following Him is the solution; we can’t dismiss our own human responsibilities either. The very fact that we see suffering and oppression tells us that we are in need; in need of a qualified Savior. What were we created for? What is the truth about me and about life? What is truth or better yet, who? Why do we see value, if we really are just a product of evolution then wouldn’t survival of the fittest bear suffering, proving the weaker species won’t be able to reproduce. I know in the heart of man we don’t actually think and believe that, because we have a sense of value; that people possess value, beauty is interpreted, appreciated as art. What happens when I die? These are life’s questions that need an answer; they cannot be buried in the numbness of drunkenness or in a release found in the opposite sex, because “it feels good,” What is the purpose of living, these questions must be answered, they are living, outstanding in the heart of people. If we would only turn to our original design, and see that good will prevail, that Jesus is the way. I am thankful for men like this man; they challenge me to seek God and to pray more. They want to see action, so may God’s people respond, may it be our holy discontent to see the Kingdom of God and His love invade what seems to be a hopeless place. There is hope for the nations. But to blame God in a world where we are trying to remove Him from every aspect of life is not the answer. We are destroying ourselves, our own sin, our own selfishness; our own greed’s and search for power and wealth. Willing to trample on the weak for self gain. With clenched fist we hold tightly to more and more stuff so afraid that we won’t have enough to fill the gaping hole of our hearts. I need not defend God because to those who have stopped to ask themselves, “Just who is this Jesus guy?” who have evaluated their own lives, and who have encountered His Love based on the absolute Truth of His word know that they have been changed forever. Living testimony 2000 years later. This is God’s heart for all people: that they might truly encounter Him, not vaguely, but intimately. Jesus said, “I and the Father are one, if you have seen me, you have seen the Father.” He is not vague but extremely specific about who He is.
These conversations are real, in places you might find it easy to dismiss people because of the actions that take place or by a stereotype of the individual who engages. But a red light district does not scare me, I don’t buy into the stereotypes, I choose not to see the labels, gender, or an industry. I see individuals searching for something greater, what they want but refuse to hear is Jesus. I know this from experience. I am reminded of that as I reflect on this individual whom I hope I will meet again. This, the result of a blank page and a pen. No agenda, no goal in mind, a burdened heart for my fellow man; that they would know and truly live.
Written by: Michael C.
