I’ve been contemplating what our “new normal” might look like as we move through the summer and into the fall. I remember how things changed after the bombing of the World Trade Center in New York City on 9/11.  Overnight, it seemed, we woke up to a new and hostile world.  In response to the terrorism, a whole raft of new precautions at airports and federal buildings appeared.  Things which now seem normal- concrete barriers, long lines at security screening, taking off shoes and belts, removing computers from their cases, and those millimeter wave scanners that allows the screener to practically see you naked. Yikes! Within 2 months of 9/11 the Transportation Security Administration (current budget $7.79 billion) was formed and within a year, the Department of Homeland Security (current budget $47.7 billion) followed. Certain aspects of our lives changed forever on that day.

The same is true today.  Life has changed.  But I wonder, what part of what we are currently experiencing will be a reoccurring part of our life in a post-pandemic world? Will we be social distancing and wearing a mask every flu season?  What will we be doing differently in one year or two? How much of what we are currently doing is an overreaction based in fear and a lack of hard data? One thing for sure, I should have bought stock in hand sanitizer and Lysol.

Similarly, in Mark 8 Jesus was preparing his disciples because their world was about to radically change too.  Very soon, Jesus (and they) would experience suffering and rejection, and Jesus himself would be killed and then rise again after 3 days (v. 31).  The Bible says, “He spoke plainly about this (v. 32).” Jesus wanted his followers to be aware and prepared.  He was leading them into a time of uncertainty, fear and confusion. Would they follow?

Peter resisted Jesus’ words and his response is instructive.  He “took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him (v. 32).” I wonder what that looked like?  “Now, Jesus… you’re the Son of God and the Father loves you.  Of course, nothing bad is going to happen to you (or us)!” or “You just told us you’re ‘the Christ’.  If we run into any trouble, just snap your fingers and take care of it.” or “Look at these crowds and the miraculous healings!  For crying out loud, we just fed 5,000 people… how could anything go wrong?”  Note to self, don’t rebuke the Lord of the Universe.

But on the face of it, Peter’s objections make sense to me.  They center around his safety, security, and personal comfort. It’s the way all of us intuitively think.  If God is God, then why is there suffering at all?  If Jesus is King, why would his followers be required to sacrifice?  Just snap your fingers, God, and all of this will be over.  Cure Corona. Stop the plague. Use your powers to make everything right, and while you’re at it, make my life easy too.

Jesus’ rebuke was harsh.  “Get behind me, Satan.  You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men (v. 33).” Peter’s reasoning makes sense, but it was fleshly, earthly, the thinking of men.

The truth is, Jesus never offered us a trouble-free life.  Yes, his burden is easy, and his yoke is light, but he leads us to resurrection by way of the cross. His main concern is not for our comfort and security, but our character, our soul.  So instead of ease, Jesus often leads his disciples into uncertainty, suffering, and sacrifice. He says, “follow me” even when the path is rocky, and the way is unclear.  Will we follow?

In Philippians Paul prayed that he might “know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” (Philippians 2:10) Exactly how do we think this is going to happen?  It sounds like suffering and struggle are core to knowing Jesus in a deep and intimate way.

I don’t want a weak, flimsy, half-baked faith.  I was to know Christ fully and follow him with my whole heart. I want to be transformed and impact others with the truth I’ve found. And if that involves suffering, disappointment and discomfort… I may not love it, but I will embrace it. Resurrection is coming.

As we stand on the threshold of a strange new world, what is dominating your thinking- the things of God or the things of men?