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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Tuesday, July 29, 2003 "Seeker" |
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Frontline Devotion for Tuesday, July 29, 2003 by Penny Risen
Who said: "Everything else can wait but the search for God cannot wait. The purpose of life is to find out 'Who am I?' 'Why am I here?' and 'Where am I going?' "
Was it: A) Rev. Billy Graham; B) Martin Luther; or C) George Harrison?
If you picked "C" -- the former Beatle and rock icon George Harrison -- you are correct.
Throughout his life, this musician, composer, film producer and master gardener, was a seeker.
When he died of cancer at age 58 in November 2001, Harrison's family issued a statement saying:
"He left this world as he lived in it, conscious of God, fearless of death, and at peace, surrounded by family and friends. He asked that we love one another."
Why would a Christian devotion bring up the spiritual journey of this musician? Why not? I'm a seeker, perhaps of a different sort, and I pray you are too.
Didn't George Harrison travel many diverse roads -- chanting with Hindu priests, bringing attention to a myriad of causes, touting this experience or that vision for higher consciousness?
Didn't he have the world at his fingertips? Wasn't it enough for him to be the object of admiration and praise from thousands of fans? Apparently, being rich and famous was not enough, and Harrison could be admired for realizing it.
Harrison wasn't shy about his personal mission as a seeker. He put himself out there -- doubts and all -- in song after song for 40 years. Although he professed a New Age-type of faith in a universal god, Harrison aired his endless quest for answers through his music.
Perhaps the most upbeat song on Harrison's final album expressed how he was still searching, trying to find the road to redemption and personal peace:
"But oh Lord, we've got to fight.
With the thoughts in the head, with the dark and the light.
No use to stop and stare.
And if you don't know where you're going:
Any road will take you there."
(Any Road, 2002, Brainwashed.)
Jesus knew women and men are full of questions, and He commissioned His disciples in Matthew 28 to be ready to provide the answers for the seekers encountered on their mission road.
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
My hope is that George Harrison accepted salvation in his last days, that maybe the right Christian with the right words found him at the end of the road.
Find your own way to reach out to the seeker: E-mail her a devotion; tell him you are praying for his problem; invite them to worship. Maybe an "in your face" approach isn't your style as a Christian, but it's okay to ask God to help you find the way.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, we seek You every day for Your wisdom, guidance, love and forgiveness. Help us to be bold to obey the Great Commission and bring others to You. Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry. Pastor Dave welcomes and appreciates feedback. pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org.