In a recent webinar on spiritual conflict resolution, the facilitator referenced A.W.Tozer who observed that our necessary task in spiritual conflict is to keep Christ at the center of our vision. When we do, if the devil is lurking, he will only be seen at the edge, of incidental notice and only as a shadow in contrast to the brightness of the Light of Christ.
I was reminded of that reference tonight as I listened to Rev. Misty Barrett’s message at Christ Methodist Church-Montgomery recalling the gifts and frailties of the twelve disciples as they reclined around the Passover table.
Jesus moved the conversation beyond the ancient and familiar ritual to what we know as instituting the sacrament of The Lord’s Supper and Jesus’ humble demonstration of love in the washing of their feet.
With the thought of DaVinci’s masterpiece in mind, we made our way around the table and considered what we recall of their lives that informs our own personal meditation as we come to the table this Maundy Thursday. As she ended, she observed that although they had diverse motives, and backgrounds, and expectations in that moment they were united in their focus on Jesus Christ.
Keeping our sight centered on the Light of Christ this Easter, there is still a shadow that appears in the periphery from time to time, the persistent opportunistic presence of an Enemy who lurks and waits to strike if he can distract us from Christ’s Presence.
Today was a day of shadow……
The shooting at Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL was alarming to hear, even more so with our oldest grandson there soon to graduate. He is safe, but he was headed into the area impacted by the shooting for a final presentation in a class when he heard the activity and saw law enforcement officers swarming. His mother happened to call him shortly after that, unaware of what was underway and his response was to the effect of, “I’m safe. I’m with a SWAT team in the building. I’ll call you later.”
I got a quick call from his mother and turned on the news. I saw several interviews on campus with students after the campus was secured. One young woman observed that in the midst of the emergency, looking out on the scene from her study perch in the library, she could see some of the tragic event, feel adrenaline rise, but also felt the peace of Christ present with her. I saw the University President speak at a law enforcement news conference speak of the “family” of FSU and caring for one another. I texted my grandson when I knew he was safely back in his apartment after the lockdown was lifted. I told him I was praying for him, the students, university staff, law enforcement officers, and others impacted. He text reply was, “We will be all good.”
FSU is one of the schools that has experienced both divisive political demonstrations and Christian revival in recent years.
I pray that our nation’s schools at every age level will be places where Light pushes away the shadows and where peace banishes fear and where generations to come will stand on a solid foundation firmly focused on the Light and relegate the Enemy’s shadow to fading into a receding peripheral mirage.
It was shadow on my day. So sad for so many…
Cathy Byrd
Titus 2 Partnership, Inc.
3953 Cedar Av.
Montgomery, AL 36109
850-832-4052