Past The Buzzards

The other day I was traveling down Alabama Hwy. 10, coming from Prattville (a funeral) to Abbeville.  At night the stretch of road is known for deer and dents.  But during the day, the power poles and trees sport the Alabama State Bird ... yes, the buzzard.  The buzzard is an odd and interesting bird.  It is really a member of the hawk family.  Like its fellow raptors, the buzzard has keen eyesight that can (according to Google) spot a carcass from 4 miles away.  They gather in groups called wakes and they are a necessary part of a healthy ecosystem.  They are nature's cleanup crew.  But, for sure, they are nasty things!

As I looked at the top of a power pole, I saw 2 buzzards perching and waiting (it's how they roll!).  As I looked at them with thoughts about their presence being an omen of bad things, I looked past them and saw a beautiful sky, the colors approaching sunset, and a reminder that God is in the business of renewal, restoration and the beauty of grace!  It was a great thought!

Elisha and his servant were confronted and surrounded by the enemy (Syrians).  In 2 Kings 6:17 Elisha prays "O Lord, please open his eyes (the servant) that he may see."  Elisha is praying that in the midst of confusion, conflict and danger, the servant would see God's provision and deliverance.  According to 2 Kings, "the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."  So, a few observations:

1. In the midst of facing conflict and unpleasantness, God is already here.  We are in uncharted waters of decision, division and difficulty.  There are lots of buzzards, including the humanist theology, progressive world-view and political "wokeness" that permeates our society.  It is hard to see past all of this, but I am praying that we (God's servants) can look past the obstacles to the goal.  God is providing, God is speaking and God is living in us, His Church.

2. In the midst of facing conflict and unpleasantness, God is working for our future.  In the 2 Kings story, God provides a plan that leads Elisha to a place of protection and victory.  The enemy is led to Samaria and the Syrian soldiers open their eyes to certain defeat and probable death.  God provides a way, and God gives the victory.

3. In the midst of facing conflict and unpleasantness, God remains graceful.  God, in this story, "prepares a table before them in the presence of their enemies."  The king of Israel feeds the Syrians, and sends them home.  Even the Syrians find beauty beyond their conflict.

We have buzzards galore.  They include people who mean us harm, a worldview that is against our families and children, old prejudices that need to be left behind, disobedient bishops, conferences, seminaries, boards/agencies and even our own conference.  We feel surrounded and persecuted.  But, we must look past all of these things.  We must persist in our efforts to do what God is asking us to do.  We must lift our eyes to the hills, for our help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.  We must plan for the days ahead, knowing God will be in those plans.  We must resist becoming buzzards ourselves, and apply a grace that will teach those who oppose us.  We must look past the buzzards on the pole, and see the beauty of a sunset and the promise of a new day.  Randy