Monday, August 22, 2011

Last night at Tribe L A

Tribe LA has me come out now and again to do a little preaching or teaching. I really do enjoy being with them. Great group of out of the box people, doing life and community among the artists, in Los Angeles. Their worship music is all written by the church with electronic tracks and participatory percussion. Everyone has a hand drum or something. They start with a meal, and communion. And the time in the bible is usually discussion oriented.

But last night I was asked to talk about the church. And I was specifically asked to just preach. Well you don't need to ask me twice, I love to preach. I feel most alive, and at peace with the world while preaching, (though I do prefer doing so line by line expositional teaching as opposed to subjects).

I felt like I really connected with most of the people there, I felt like I said what I was supposed to say, and I feel I said it well.

But afterwards, I was approached by a man with a gentle smile. He was using a cane, and his body was twisted backwards awkwardly. He moved with great difficulty and his head was tilted sharply to the left. I smiled as he said thank you. I asked how he was doing, and he said through very labored speech that he was doing good. I told him it was great to see him again, and asked if he enjoyed the message. He smiled and gave a kind of well it was okay shake of the hand. I said, "so it was just ok?"

He said, "... I... think... itsss.... aaaall... about... love... jesus... isssss... aaallll... aaaaboutttt... love... aaaaaanddddd... we.... are... suuhhh... posedddd... tooooo... loooooovvvvveeeee... everyone..."

I was humbled. I hugged this beautiful man, who's body might be broken, but who's spirit is bright and shining like the sun. Why did they have me come out and speak?

The simple beauty of Jesus.

rev

4 comments:

Meredith Gould said...

Heart-opening and Spirit-infusing.

Conrad said...

But could he cage fight? lolz


Yeah, Jesus shines through what the world would think be the most unlikely people.

God has a way of keeping us humble.

God bless you!?

Alan Hirsch said...

Troy is one of the most amazing people I know. He was almost killed in a motorcar accident and is a miracle of life. But his body and brain were damaged. He is one of the most Christlike and joyous people I know.

Neil Cole said...

As always, well said bro. I'm always proud of you John. Ready to meet up when you are neighbor!