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Stand Sideways
Years ago when we lived in San Diego my husband and I attended a concert put on by one of our favorite musicians. It was an open door venue with no seating. It was standing room only and the place was packed to the gills. Usually I don’t do very well in crowds, but the anticipation of seeing and enjoying music from my favorite singer helped me to conquer my fear. We were very close to the stage and as the crowd pressed in all around I began to think about turning around and getting out of there! As the music started, I was anchored by my husband’s tight grasp on my hand but my face was crushed into his back from the press of the crowd so that I was unable to see anything but his shirt! But then, he turned sideways to the stage and pulled me up to his side so that I could clearly see the stage and its special occupant.
Sometimes, like the crowd that pressed in at that concert, I become so passionate and fervent about my faith that I may block others view of the Savior. All they may see is my flawed self, so they that they may turn away and they do not get to see the kindhearted Jesus that I know.
Mark 6 tells the story of a weary Jesus who sails from the shore of Galilee to the shore of Bethsaida to escape the crowds and get some much needed rest. But…”when Jesus landed he saw a large crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things” [Mark 6:34].
Many of those Jesus taught did not thank him. But he taught them anyway. Many of those he fed would later cry out “crucify him.” He knew that, but he fed them anyway. Many of those he healed would mock him on the cross. But he healed them anyway. He still wants to teach us, to feed us and to heal us. This is the loving Savior that I see.
When I reminisce about that concert experience years ago, it reminds me to stand sideways so that those I meet can get an unobstructed view of the Savior we serve, Jesus the compassionate one.
