By Ben Disney
Sequester - v. - 1. put somebody into isolation: to put somebody in an isolated or lonely place away from other people, the pressures of everyday life, or possible disturbances
The ongoing and often frustrating debate over the possibility of mandated cuts in federal spending has given rise to a new understanding of an old word: “sequester.” Given the culture of Washington, it’s not surprising that it now means something different than what most of us originally thought. So politics aside, let’s go back to the original definition.
The decision to isolate someone is either good or bad depending on the reasoning behind it. It might be either a form of punishment or a means of protection. It could mean banishment from others or a much needed sanctuary and refuge. Did Jesus go to the wilderness voluntarily? Well, yes and no. He was driven - says the story - but you also get the sense that he is supposed to be there. Alone and isolated, Jesus rejects the temptation to be less than what God is calling him to be. The foundation of his life, his purpose, and his calling is now set. He finds himself; more importantly, he finds God in the wilderness.
Sooner or later we’ll find ourselves sequestered in the wilderness, alone and isolated. Is it a punishment or a moment of grace? Is it a prison or a refuge? Is it a barren place or a place of blessing? Is it a place of silence or one of the few places left where we can actually hear God’s voice?
I don’t know. But here are a few hard earned truths most of us discover on the way: 1) More often than not, you have to be lost before you can be found. 2) You have to be blind before you can see. 3) Something in you has to die before a better part of you can begin to live.
The wilderness, depending on what it is, can either kill you or save you. The answer ultimately depends on how you answer this question: “Is God in the wilderness with me or not?”
# # #
ArborlawnUMC.org