Are You Willing To Shout?
We Are Reluctant To Speak About Our Needs
by Eric Elkin
Justin Jefferson IS receiver Jesus!!! I posted those words on Facebook on Sunday while watching the Minnesota Vikings football game. The Vikings needed 18 yds to keep a drive going. It was fourth down, and time was running out. Hope seemed to leave the stadium, then, all of a sudden, there was Justin Jefferson making a miraculous catch.
A Facebook post might seem a mundane thing, but it is not. My post had a capitalized verb and three exclamation points. Anyone reading it would know I was shouting. Once the words were posted, I was exposed. Everyone knows I was watching the Vikings and celebrating. My joy was so overwhelming I was willing to flirt with blaspheme to share it.
What kind of pastor compares a million-dollar receiver to our Lord and Savior? Surely, someone out there thought my mind was not right. Perhaps, several proper Christians wanted me silenced. I don’t blame them; it was not my proudest moment. Still, I wanted a Vikings victory and was willing to shout for it.
Football is a strange thing. Fans completely lose their minds over games. They paint their faces, go shirtless in cold weather, and where jerseys to fine restaurants. Football games on Sunday morning seduce even the most faithful Christian away from the sanctuary. Growing up, we knew when Pastor Keltto had tickets to the Cleveland Browns game. It was the shortest sermon of the year.
No one ever seems shy about expressing their needs regarding football. Nor are we ashamed to show our desire for a win. We will confidently proclaim how a win will improve our lives. The joy we receive from a football game victory is always fleeting.
Reading the scripture passage this morning made me think of the congregations I have served. Some people in those congregations called out for healing, like the blind man on the side of the road. However, most people are reluctant to express their needs. For whatever reason, they remain silent and privately hope someone notices their pain and suffering.
Once, while reflecting on a tragic accident in a swimming pool, a YMCA Executive Director shared an observation from his experience. He said, “Drowning is a silent event. It doesn’t happen like it does in the movies. No one ever makes a sound.”
The story in our reading invites us to speak up, no matter how embarrassing. Take a moment today to consider what your most pressing need is? What gift of grace might meet that need? Then are you willing to shout for it? Can you do a bold thing, and call out for help? If you are, there is a good chance you will discover healing.
Click to read Luke 18: 35-43
Reflection Questions:
What is your most pressing need today?
What gift of grace would you like to receive?
What does shouting out look like to you?
Can you hear other people shouting for help in your life?