Tonight as I stepped outside to fill a bucket with coal, I could hear a faint thump,thump, thump...... this weekend is the "bean dance" in this village. The men are down in the kiva practicing, I'm told. Also the young boys or anyone that has been "initiated" is there late into the night.
In the last several days we have noticed a difference in the 12 year old boys that come here in the afternoons. obviously they are being affected by something. They are playing rough, showing disrespect to adults and other kids, and just in general hard to manage.
This is one of those weeks when it is very evident that we need help. What can we do that will make a difference in the lives of those around us? Who are we besides needy sinners, unless we are fully dependent on the LORD GOD...... the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and Jacob
It used to be that when I thought of people getting together, beating drums and dancing, I only thought of some remote people groups in the jungles somewhere....but look - they are doing it right here! I could walk over and peek down the opening to the underground kiva, but of course I won't do that.
By the way, you know, it's not the actual beating of the drums that is a problem - but, why are they doing it? They are trying to please, or pretend to please, their "gods"..... they are slaves to all of this, they have to do it..... what if the bean crop doesn't grow? what if the drought continues? what if they stop all the rituals and .... and ... loose their cultural identity?
It seems fairly obvious here in this place that something is not right - I mean, look at them, they are for sure serving the wrong "god".....but what about the rest of us? We were reminded in a recent sermon that there are many things in our lives that can become "idols" or little "gods" to us. What is it that you will not live without? - you depend on it, cling to it, get defensive if someone confronts you about it...... you get the picture. Recently I have been having quite a bit of trouble with my 13.5 month old HP laptop computer..... I depend on this thing a lot. My life is better because of it (maybe). Of course, the warranty has expired, because I did not pay the extra money for a longer warranty, so I am left a little peeved....just a little, mind you, this thing does not have control over me......no, no it doesn't..... Not that the computer cares how I feel about it. Just a worthless chunk of plastic that I put way too much confidence in.
That's how idols are - just worthless something or other that suddenly gains power because we choose to give it a high place in our lives - a place that the LIVING GOD wants in our life. He is a jealous God. Let's not make Him share our hearts with some worthless chunk o' junk or ritual, or.....
Anyway, there's my thougths for the week. Would you join us in praying for the local people this weekend as they go about these rituals and ceremonies? They are people just like you and me - ten fingers, ten toes, red blood, hurting hearts. Thanks again to all who prayed during the "bean dance" ceremonies for the village across the highway from us several weeks ago. We know that God cares, and we appreciate it too as you remember us and the team here.
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