If I were Jesus riding into Jerusalem, I would have been pretty agitated. Imagine entering the city where you’re about to be betrayed, abandoned, beaten, and killed. How could Jesus remain present to the crowds of joyous people shouting, “Hosanna!”? Before the week is through, another crowd will shout, “Crucify him.” Yet Jesus remains calm as he rides into Jerusalem and is welcomed by hundreds of palm-waving supporters. Yet he seemed to savour the moment.
How does he do that? How does anyone welcome the reality of their life without having the full reality of life rob them of joy? I got an answer to my question at Rob Des Cotes’ Soul Care Retreat.
Rob said, “This is how we tend to go through life.” Then he drew the diagram below (what I call the “me” stance):
“We have a relationship with something–an event, a relationship, a job, a goal, or a problem–and then we ask God to help us or bless what we’re doing. God is somewhere out there a distance from us,” he said.
Then Rob drew a second diagram (the “we” stance):
“Instead Jesus invites us to re-establish our relationship with God daily then, together with God, relate to everything else in our lives.”
Jesus was able to ride into Jerusalem and lovingly interact with the people around him because his primary relationship was not with his inevitable suffering and death. It was with God. The Lord God was holding Jesus’ right hand and telling him, “Do not fear, I myself am with you. We will face what is ahead together.”
When I think of addressing life this way–from a “we” stance instead of a “me” stance–I feel hopeful and light. I relax. I don’t have to be prepared for every possible outcome when the God of the universe is beside me. I can step back from whatever I’m dealing with and be more present to those around me.
It’s comforting to know I can turn to Jesus at any moment and say, “I’m glad you’re here.”
“For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you…
I myself will help you,” declares the Lord,
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
– Isaiah 41:13,14 (NIV)
Questions for your Lenten pilgrimage:
- What is on your mind right now?
- How would it be different to address it with God ?
An Everyday Pilgrim 
Esther – this is excellent and very encouraging. It brings to mind Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s comments: “By calling us he has cut us off from all immediacy with the things of this world. He wants to be the center, through him alone all things shall come to pass. He stands between us and God, and for that very reason he stands between us and all other men and things. He is the Mediator, not only between God and man, but between man and man, between man and reality.”
Thanks for the great post.
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So helpful to hear how a great theologian from a different era says something similar. Rob Des Cotes has done so much to deepen my faith and the faith of Christians locally and around the world through his writings and Imago Dei Communities. Thanks, Dave.
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Esther, thank you. This was so helpful to me in a difficult situation yesterday. (I also loved your beautiful story in your post the day before. Thank you for sharing it!)
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Thanks, Carolyn. So good to hear.
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I’m sure this is the first time in my life I’ve posted a second comment on the same blog post. Forgetting that I’d posted a previous comment, I came back here to say that I’ve been thinking of this post most days lately as I walk through a difficult situation. So helpful. I’ve also been finding comfort and encouragement in your book again in recent days. Thank you. Looking forward to seeing you again soon.
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Thanks, Carolyn. Looking forward to seeing you, too.
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