Of Gratefulness & Unity

I called Debra to check on the zombie-virus status and what was happening in the outside world.  Seems social and news media are working hard to promote sales of every form of sanitizer and shelf-stable foods.  Knowing that the panic of the day was largely unchanged was a bit comforting.   That changed when we turned South onto I5.  Each day traffic had been building, Friday morning was the worst.  Just past Magic Mountain, we were down to a crawl at 4 MPH. A group text from Vikram clued us in.

It was about an hour before we arrived at Grace.  The first message was from Nathan Busenitz speaking to the deity of Christ explained in the OT.  In closing, Nathan recounted the interaction his father had with a JW family that were visiting with their 10 year old son.  Nathan recalled that his father asked if he could speak to the young man.  He bent down and asked the boy.

"son, do you know what the Bible says about the people around you now?  It tells us that it would be better that millstone be on their neck and thrown into the ocean than to lead a little one astray".  

After that guidance the JW family quickly departed.

It was lunch.  Time to scurry off into the lines.  Still pretty amazing that 3500 men can be fed in less than two hours.  I enjoyed a Burt's Dog and a "light pass" for the pulled pork meal.  

Rod and the Schuhs embarked on some final bookstore items and a trip to the Shepherd's Shoppe.   I picked up some books to share with my new son-in-laws, then got diverted to the phone charging station for a fill up.  While waiting, I spotted Jon Harris.  With kindness and mercy in my heart, I got a selfie with Jon for Debra.  Jon and I were able to chat a bit regarding the goings-on in the outside world.  It may not be clear to everyone, but I am the one in the blue shirt.  I left Jon with an encouraging word and pushed my way into the sanctuary for the last 1/3 of Paul Washer.

From the part I heard and the summary from Jason and Marv, the focus was on prayer, learning to pray and teaching to pray.  Paul used every moment of the time available.  

The doors opened and Dr. Lawson was next.  His text was Romans 1:1-16.  The message was critical nature of getting The Gospel right.  He was effusive about the ministry from Dr. MacArthur and the value his pulpit represents.  It was then he described a question often heard from RC Sproul, "tell me what the Gospel is...".  

Steve answered that question fully from the Romans text.  He centered on 5 key points; Propitiation, Reconciliation, Redemption, Expatiation and Justification.  

Michael Riccardi was next.  However, I was beyond tired.  The day had started very early.  Jason recognized my state and offered the keys for a nap in the rental car.  I got a quick hour of wonderful sleep.  It might have slept longer, but some homeless folks on mini-bikes were racing up and down the sidewalks.  Every few minutes there would the BZZZZ and BraRRRaaAAPP  of the motors.  I awoke and watched what was going on. There was a team of two, ferrying tools back and forth to somewhere.  Thinking nothing more about it I headed into the Worship Center.  On my way, it became clear why the tools were needed.  It was a threesome and one of the team was broke down working on a repair while his dog napped in the cart on the back.

We now had a two hour break for dinner. Jason, Marv, David, Rod and I all got together and decided to try the food trucks.  Lobster had the longest line.  However, the general suspicion of lobster from a food truck pushed us forward.  There was a Texas brisket/BBQ truck, but we were all real Texan's, it just seemed wrong.  So we lined up with a truck that held a reasonable line length and reasonable message (Who's Hungry?").

The team's selection was a mix of pastrami and burgers.  Really, really good food.  It was so good in fact, I would even call it "Wholesome".

Jason had one last purchase to make for his family.  The complete JM Commentary library was 50% off, BOOM, done and done!  Rod, David and I stayed behind.  The air was crisp and fresh with a slight bite.  Just right as we enjoyed some steel on steel time, sharpening our souls.  These are the very times that make this experience of unplugging, considering and really thinking about our lives so profoundly helpful.

Time to line up.  Trying to get good seats to hear the final music and message from Dr. McArthur.  

While in line, Jason brought an update. Rocky and Jonathan were inside guarding seats at the front for us.  YES!  We were 4 rows back, right behind several missionaries.  

Several folks made there way to Tom and the other pastors for greetings.  During a sidebar I learned that Rocky and Jonathan were quite courageous in taking advantage of providence, in getting us these seats.   What a blessing.  

The music was beyond wonderful.  Terrific and uplifting.  The soaring vocals and precise accompaniment, were a perfect 'Capstone' to the week (FYI... Jason loves the word "capstone").

With Paul Washer, HB Charles, Steve Lawson and the other pastors there, Dr. MacArthur walked up and commenced at the pulpit.  His message was from Philippians 1: 21-27 and 2:1-2, imploring us to pursue unity.   A real unity based on Truth. The message was a graceful walk through a dozen scripture verses, punctuated with clear teaching of the text.  Every few steps we would pause and listen as these were wrapped together into larger truths.  At each point there was time that the scripture could swell and heave itself into our hearts.  Great and wonderful teaching.  

We gathered and moved out to the cold night air.  It was strange and jarring.  With so many walking across the parking lot,  volunteers stood watch on high and would flash their lights to get drivers' attention when needed.

On the way to the Prevost, we made our plans for the rental drop-off and targeted 7am as our departure time. Homesickness was setting in.  We started to awake at 5am Saturday morning.  Trash was picked up, tanks drained, connectors stowed.  Jason left to fuel the rental and the drop-off.  Rod made few laps as an impromptu constitutional.  Marv scouted our egress point.

Rod, got a text from Jason; "He's all fueled up, time to go".  We used a single turn route to pull up right beside Jason at Hertz.  He hoped in and Marv pulled away.  We were an easy 30 minutes early.   There was only one traffic problem from construction, only caused a ~15 minute delay. Things are going well.

Just past San Bernardino, Rod got news.  His first grandchild, Ian, was born. This was the perfect event to seal our thoughts from this time.

 We stopped at a Pilot Travel Center in Palm Desert, changed drivers and prayed.  It is 1PM at our homes, this moment and we will be crossing over into Arizona in just a few more miles.  Our hearts and love are already there, we are just waiting for the bus to catch up.

See you all very soon.,