Backstage Pass

"The Son of Man is no lackey to the Sabbath; he's in charge."-- (Mat 12:8)

A few days ago I went to a concert to see one of my really closed friends perform.  The place was packed, in an attempt to avoid the crowd I tried to politely apologize from attending, and suggest to get together later.  My friend was clearly very disappointed and pleaded for me to attend specially that I am often out of the country and I haven't seen him perform since the band was still in its early stages.

I caved and promised to meet afterwards and share my feedback.  The concert was a huge success, and I did not realize how many fans my friends had.  There were large numbers of screaming fans singing along and dancing to their music.  That explained the number of security roaming around and guarding the exits to the place, in addition to assigned personnel just to make sure to keep the roaring fans from going backstage and "bother" the band.  

When the concert ended, I called my friend as agreed and I informed him of where I was standing along with another friend of mine next to one of the backstage doors.  It was a useless and some how funny to attempt convincing the securety guards that we are not some fans trying to go back stage but acutally we have been requested to come.  I am sure they were rolling their eyes in their heads and saying to themselves "that what you all say" J

Few moments later my friend the lead singer came outside to where we were standing and it became very obvious to the gurards that we were more than just some random acquaintance.  Shortly after congratulating my friend we gently denied his invitation to stay longer and join them at some after party gathering.  We headed out, the scene was different this time, the security guards were more friendly and smiling as they pointed us to the way out and they even wished us a good night. 

Today, I examen my heart and search my life and recognize my need to step closer into the glory of God.  It is a place that I can not force myself into.  I have to be invited to draw near.  I know I am not one of the great apostles, religious scholars or community leaders.  I am only a child (Mark 10:14) and perhaps with the criteria and judgement of some could be no better than the outsider Canaanite woman (Mat 15:22).  Yet, both the children and this outsider woman had courage to stand and hope for an exceptional/favored invitation to draw near to the Master.  

My own mind play a simlar role on me like those security guards at the concert, so do many in good faith take upon themselves the responsibility to plan the affairs of the Lord thinking that they are the ones who know what is acceptable and desirable to Him.

Yet, to my great joy and pleasure I know what those children and the outsider woman understood before me.  This powerful hero who dared the religious scholars and teachers of the law to heal, save, love and revive in his own time overruling the Sabbath; Satisfy the thirst of a Samaritan ignoring the eternal debate of tribal desputes of who worships God best.  

The unspoken secret was made known to the simple ones.  The one who even the storm and the wind at His beck and call (Mark 4:41), is more than willing and desiring to extend an exceptional and favored backstage invitation

Today, I know I am favored and precious.  I am accepted and welcomed to the full glory of The Almighty's very presence.