Pastor’s Blog
Redirection: Mark 9:6-7
There's a joke used in movies and sitcoms sometimes of the jaded teacher's lounge: a sad, dim place filled with tired adults smoking and ignoring the kids. The kids are up to their shenanigans, and the teachers either yell or ignore them. No energy to attempt patient redirection anymore. There's another joke used sometimes about the bright-eyed, eager young teacher who thinks he or she can change the world. Both stereotypes are often played against one another. The kids have worn down teacher after teacher, and they'll get this next one eventually too..., or will they?
Shield: Ephesians 6:16
There was a time when a shield was a common household object. In your little one-story, one-bedroom home, you had your water jug, your firewood, your flints, your pottery…and your spear and your shield. Those were violent times perhaps.
The Spartan mothers would tell their boys headed out to war, "Come back with your shield or on it." In other words, don't be that coward that throws down his shield in the face of danger and runs away. Make a stand, and either win or die trying.” Ok, mom!