Overwhelmed

Yesterday we saw an historic event take place here in Saskatchewan.  The Saskatchewan Party achieved a victory in the provincial election with a popular vote of close to 64 percent.  There has never been an election held in the history of this province where a leader and party has been given this much support.

It doesn't matter if you are a supporter of the NDP, the Greens or the Sask. Party, the results are the same:  overwhelming.

Being 'overwhelmed'.  This word conjures up images of Tsunami waves that gather up their force in deep waters while being forced by immense tectonic plates shifting and transferring their power up through the oceans creating enough force to pile up destructive waves that crash over a hundred miles inland.  To be 'overwhelmed' is to be lost in something.  To be so taken by what is happening around you that you can't ignore it, and you can't take your eyes of it. 

So when I think of this overwhelming election, part of me is left hollow because I realize that, though it is historic and important, it does not capture my attention like something that is genuinely overwhelming.

There were some in times past who were overwhelmed when they came face to face with a force that captured their attention.  Consider this:  a young family with children.  One son who was experiencing physical affliction that was unexplainable other than to say it was spiritual in nature.  Violent seizures were the order of the day for this young lad, and no one knew what to do.

Until Jesus came along.  This man saw what was happening and, once again, as he always did, showed the world what the Kingdom of God looks like:  and it looks like freedom, because he healed that boy and sent him on his way.

In Mark 9:15 it says that "as soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him."  Just think about that for a second:  when they saw this man, they just knew that whatever life was throwing at them, they immediately ran to him because there was just something about him that made a difference--a real difference!

Yes, the Sask. Party has experienced an overwhelming election.  But I am not inclined to be filled with wonder and expectation that they will be able to address the deepest longings of my heart.

Only Jesus makes a real difference.  Only He can do that. 

Jesus, I ask on behalf of everyone who reads this today, that you would somehow reveal yourself in such a way that people are able to see you with the eyes that those in Mark 9 saw.  May we be filled with a wonder and expectation as you overwhelm us with your presence.  We need you more than we can even comprehend and ask that you make a real difference in our lives today.

BT