Watching Passion's Giglio out there in front of these United States repenting of his former faithfulness to Jesus Christ in calling gays and lesbians to repent reminds me of this anecdote recorded by Mark from that dangerous time surrounding Jesus' arrest. When the Jews came for Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane under cover of night, they carried weapons. It was dangerous and men often run from danger—even young men. Mark tells us:
And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me, as you would against a robber? Every day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me; but this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures.” And they all left Him and fled.
A young man was following Him, wearing nothing but a linen sheet over his naked body; and they seized him. But he pulled free of the linen sheet and escaped naked. (Mark 14:48-52)
The young man escaped but it was costly because when he ran away, he was naked. And of course this young man is you. He is me...
He is Mr. Giglio. We recognize this nakedness, don't we?
"Oh my no, Mr. President! I am absolutely not intolerant of gays and lesbians. Long ago I stopped preaching that homosexual practice is sin. I don't even think that way any more! I've evolved. I've moved on to central matters like how authentic Jesus was in His love, and how He calls each of us to be passionate in our love for Him and others. Gays and lesbians are all God's children. Jesus would have loved them. Jesus would have hung with them. Please understand that, back fifteen years ago, I was embedded in a group of spiritual troglodites who needed me to tell them why they were better than gays. But I've moved on to serve the needy, the despised, the hurting, the oppressed. It's been a long fifteen years since anyone's heard me call lesbians or gays to repent."
Whew! It was close but I think I got away. It's very, very dark right now—I don't think anyone can see me. I wonder if that trash can has a liner I can cover up with? When I get home, I'll pray for Jesus; I hope He's alright?
Tim serves Clearnote Church, Bloomington, Indiana. He and Mary Lee have five children and big lots of grandchildren.
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