(painting by British artist Banksy)
This past Sunday I visited Amago Dei to hear Shane Claiborne speak. I read his book Irrisistable Revolution a few years ago and was really inspired by his vision. He has started a community/movement called the Simple Way. The Simple Way is a web of subversive friends, conspiring to spread the vision of "Loving God, Loving People, and Following Jesus" in our neighborhoods and in our world.
His message on Sunday was simple yet challanging. He shared with us the story about The Rich Man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-26. The rich man had wealth while Lazarus was a beggar at his gate. When both men died they went to two different places. Lazarus was carried away by the angels while Lazarus went down to Hades. The rich man was surrounded by a gate and lived in luxery. How often do we as people put up gates and keep those in need out. I was reminded of the walls in my own life and the prejudices that I have against people. We are called to love the Lord with all of our hearts as well as our neighbors. This world is full of barriers and division. Christ's love includes all, even the ones who beg at our gates. I desire to have a heart that is like Christ's. One who eats with the "misfits."
