Radically Happy

Immanuel Approach Memo

I am in a small room
In some sort of public building
Like a school or hospital

I look for Jesus.
Somehow I know He is outside
In the hallway

I don’t know
If He is waiting for me
Or I am waiting for Him

The door opens
Jesus walks in
Wearing a doctor’s outfit
Smiling a grim smile

I only then realize
I am in a clinic
And there was a man in the room with me
Of indeterminate age and race
Wearing a white coat and stethoscope

Pretending to be a doctor

When he sees Jesus
He pales visibly
And stammers an apology

Jesus is gentle but firm
He makes the man sit in the corner
And watch
As Jesus diagnoses and heals me

I realize the man
Is supposed to be a doctor
But isn’t as ready
As he thought he was

Am I?

Reflection

I feel…

• Abashed
• Rebuked
• Chagrin
• Humbled
• Put in my place
• Ready to listen and be trained
• Inadequate

MIC Check

• Today’s Most Important Challenge is…
• Making room for Jesus
• To properly diagnose
• And heal
• What truly ails me
• And Others

Scripture

In that day, neither the remnant of Israel nor the survivors of the house of Jacob will lean anymore upon the one who abused them, but they will lean fully on the faithfulness of the Lord Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel.
So hear what the Lord Yahweh, Commander of Angel Armies, has to say: “My Zion-people, do not be gripped with fear over the Assyrians who oppress and abuse you, as the Egyptians did long ago. After only a brief moment, I will end my indignation against you, and it will fall upon them to their destruction!”

Isaiah 10:20,24-25