trouble dying…go to the mattresses
During Entombed we’re learning that we need to die to some things (change) in order to really live and see Jesus move. Easier said than done! Easter week is almost upon us—if we want to be ‘prepared’ for resurrection Sunday, best we get on with it.
Hey, the resurrection does matter! We’re getting it. For some (or many) of us, it’s time “to go to the mattresses.” The Christ shows up a number of times to the surprise of all after they witnessed his death and burial; he teaches, encourages and lays out the battle plan for his warriors.
Jesus is again pushing ahead with his mission. So…it’s time for us to go to the mattresses—‘to prepare for war (maybe get better prepared) or develop a REAL warlike stance’ as we movie and TV buffs know from The Godfather and The Sopranos. Break out the movie DVD and set the scene:
Clemenza:
“That Sonny’s runnin’ wild. He’s thinking of going to the mattresses already.”
Sonny:
“No, no, no! No more! Not this time, consiglieri. No more meetings, no more discussions, no more Sollozzo tricks. You give ‘em one message: I want Sollozzo. If not, it’s all-out war: we go to the mattresses.” (The Godfather, 1972)
So, here’s the deal. Most of us want some more time to get rid of the junk in our lives so God can really move in and through us. I wanted more time after the encounter with the young boy and his family in the spring of 1968 I blogged about earlier this week. But—Jesus was (and is) pushing ahead with his mission. I wish I could say that I joined the JC Sonny and Clemenze’s crew ( figuratively) and prepared for war, but I didn’t. For me, it was a beginning.
In the 40 plus years since that spring day in 1968, I’ve learned Jesus does want all of us; and that life is much richer for us when we give Him what we’ve got. I’ve also learned through experience and lots of Godly counsel, that Jesus always uses willing hearts even when we’ve got some more dying to do.
So…this week I’ll share a couple of more blogs about Entombed and the response two others made when challenged about their lives…but I’m praying hard that you’re getting it; you want in the battle; you see Jesus movin’ ahead; and, by faith…you have “ developed a REAL warlike stance.”
That you choose to jump in side-by-side with other lofters who are ‘dying and changing’; living and pushing ahead with and by the power of the Spirit; seeking God and where He is moving; and, with a willing heart, join in and shout out “My soul follows hard after thee.” (Ps 63:8)
Can’t you just see Andy, the talking head (AKA-Sonny), chasing after us with his mattress? And look, there’s Terrence running side-by-side with the loft banner. Jeez, I wished they’d catch up.
As always, I’d love to hear from you. More later. East out.