Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally. Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge…”
Matthew 28:16-18a MSG
If you grew up in the 90s, you might remember the Primitive Radio Gods’ one-hit wonder, “Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth with Money in My Hand.” To me, it’s a song of disillusionment and disconnection. The way the world was supposed to be is not the way it is, Chris O’Connor seems to be saying. Despite having all of the answers, we’re still missing the point. Do I even exist, and if so, can I really “do what prophets say”?
In the background, a sample of B.B. King’s 1964 song “How Blue Can You Get,” spins, mixed in with church bells and piano and walkie-talkie calls. It’s haunting and aching. That sample track has resurfaced anytime I’ve been disappointed or discouraged:
I’ve been downhearted, baby, I’ve been downhearted, baby, ever since the day we met, ever since the day we met.
Sometimes I get downhearted. Sometimes it feels like all of the work and all of the effort will never be enough. No matter what we do in this world, there will always be doubters, naysayers, and accusers, waiting for your humanity to show.
It feels that way, because it’s true—there will always be doubters, naysayers, and accusers. Not everyone is going to believe in you, in your work, in your vision, or in your God.
At the end of Matthew’s gospel, Jesus has actually risen from the dead and reappeared to his disciples, and there are still those who held back, hesitant to go “all in.”
When it feels like we’ve done everything we can, Jesus gives us a model for how to respond to the doubters:
Live the gospel life, undeterred.
Jesus didn’t waste time sitting outside and arguing about his resurrection all night long, like the characters in that song. Instead, he called his disciples into an active, vibrant life of sharing the good news of God’s love and forgiveness, of teaching others the way to abundant life, of preaching freedom and compassion and mercy, of living fully alive.
There will always be those who cannot see the value of the good work you do, whether it’s caring for creation, pursuing justice, advocating for the poor and hungry, serving the orphan and widow, worshiping and praying in cathedrals, teaching about the Son of God, or reaching out to the marginalized populations. Why waste time arguing points of theology when you can live like Christ, undeterred—demonstrating your love for the Lord your God through your love for your neighbor—a testimony worth far more than your words.
Don’t stay downhearted, baby, don’t stay downhearted, baby. Life is more than seconds ticking away. Go and make disciples. Go and love the world.
Points of Reflection
- Which crowd do you relate to the most in the gospel story above? Why? How is God inviting you to respond to that reality?
- What areas of your life is it easiest to get downhearted? Offer those up to the Lord and ask him for his perseverance and steadfast love so that you are able to keep doing the good work God has given you to do.
For the Kids
- Why do you think there were still some of Jesus’ followers who held back from worshiping him, even after Jesus rose from the dead?
- What cheers you up when you are discouraged? How does Jesus’ willingness to teach, even in the face of people’s doubts, help you think about times when you’ve been discouraged?
Action
All of us get tired and weary, even when the work we do day to day has purpose and meaning. Identify one area of your life that is currently under the pressure of doubters and naysayers. Ask the Lord for renewed energy and to examine the desires of your heart. How does this passion project align with the Great Commission, to go and make disciples? How does it shine the light of Christ in the world? If it is good work, then it is God’s work. Identify one way you can press on with your particular calling and be encouraged: even Jesus had doubters in his midst, and that did not keep him from loving the world.
Reading
The lyrics for “Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth with Money in My Hand” reminded me of another more recent song whose lyrics I’ve thought a lot about in the last couple of years. “Down” by Kings Kaleidoscope asks a lot of questions about fame and purpose in our lives. “What have I gained in the long run? When will I be more than I want? Why am I down on the way up? I got you, but if I’ve got you, then why don’t I still have enough? Maybe that’s the question I don’t ask enough.” If you’re into it, do a little side-by-side reading and listening tour of these two songs, and see what they have to say to your own searching heart.
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Root and Vine