This weekend, we attended the funeral of a man we have treasured since we met him 15 years ago. George was one of those guys with a big presence and powerful influence in the lives of many people. He was passionate about his love for God and often exuberant in His expression of care for others. In fact, he was so compassionate towards the suffering of others, he could easily become tearful hearing the story of someone facing challenges.
Our family was never connected with George beyond the confines of the church building and its programs but he would frequently and enthusiastically grab my shoulder or Larry’s asking how things were going. When we were in the throes of our early years of struggle with Carly, I remember having many conversations with him. He would attentively ask questions and brainstorm ideas about how God may want to use resources or methods to bring healing into her life. When I looked into George’s eyes, I always saw a man prayerfully and urgently anticipating the release of God’s power.
George’s relationship with Jesus started in 1984 when he was a young dad. It affected him in radical ways. Sometimes people were shocked by the intensity of his faith and many were profoundly inspired by it. He was a man who lived — all out LIVED — a life of worship.
Reflecting on George’s life has come at an interesting time for me. Over the last month, I’ve been exploring what it means to be a worshipper, the ways I outwardly express my growing relationship with God, what gets in the way of my worship, what purifies my worship, and so on. Last week I had been planning to write Monday’s blog about the woman who anointed Jesus at Bethany. Certainly that was a display of radical worship! Not until I started writing today’s post did I have a hunch why that post got delayed a week.
In light of George’s wholly devoted life, these verses I highlighted have even deeper meaning. I am praying they will have deep meaning for you today also.
While (Jesus) was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. Mark 14:3
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6
Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. Psalm 86:11
HOLY LORD, thank you for showing me that you deserve my all-out devotion. Make me unafraid to express my love for you, even when it appears radical to the world. Help me to live out my relationship with You in such a way that others are drawn towards You. Most of all, I just want to grow increasingly entangled with You, Jesus, because You are worthy and have designed me for exactly that! AMEN
