Not Just Any Other Day by John Elefante
Just another early morning as the sun begins to rise. Like a million other mornings just the same. The people of the town begin their ordinary lives. Unsuspecting of a world about to change. This was not just any other day… No, not just any other day. Little did they know that on the other side of town. The sin of all humanity would bleed beneath a crown. Of a man whose only blame was being born a king.
Movies dealing with the crucifixion make it seem all of Jerusalem was shouting, “Crucify Him!” In Jesus’ time, 20,000 to 30,000 people lived in and around the city. During Passover, around 150,000 pilgrims would occupy every room or set tents on the hillsides. On Friday, those in the Agora market with last-minute shopping on their mind were interrupted by Roman soldiers leading Jesus and the two thieves to Golgotha. It seemed just like any other day. That’s not an indictment; it’s human nature.
Every morning I wake up, drive to work, get that day’s meals out for Meals On Wheels Oklahoma City, and then start getting ready for tomorrow’s deliveries. I can get so focused on my routine that I have no idea what’s going on in the offices near mine. That’s why prayer, as part of my faith, is so important. It connects me to others.
Every Monday at our staff meeting, we pray for those who are ill or facing surgery, who have celebrated a birth or are grieving a death, for our health care professionals and new members. Before the Edmond LifeLight service, the band gathers to pray for those attending and watching online, as well as those things we’re experiencing in life that we lift up to God. It doesn’t matter whether I know someone personally or the particulars of their situation, we are all connected.
Individually, I’m convinced I have my family because of prayer. I prayed for someone like Wendy long before we met. Our daughter Hannah prayed unceasingly for a baby brother or sister. I continually ask God’s forgiveness for my irreverence, and give Him thanks for a good parking spot at the mall. When an ambulance passes, I say a prayer for whoever they’re helping. I’ll probably never know the result, and that’s okay.
Prayers need only be sincere, simple and to the point. In Matthew, Jesus tells us, “your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Prayer is the best way to ensure this is just not any other day.
Chris Lambert, Director of Meals on Wheels Oklahoma City
