Volume 30, No. 6
February 6, 2005

Catching the Significance

    In the 14th Century, a single event laid the foundation for the greatest growth and prosperity Europe has ever known. That event was the Bubonic Plague.

   No one knows where the plague started, but many Asians blamed Italian sailors from Genoa. So when Genoese traders were in Kaffa, an angry mob laid siege to the city and used catapults to lob the decaying corpses of plague victims over the walls. Most people inside died, but a few Genoese escaped and sailed home, carrying the plague.

   When frightened officials in Asia began turning away ships from the East, most of the vessels went to Genoa and other European ports. Entire ships of dead men sailed the seas. On the armpits and groins of each Black Death victim were dark, egg-sized swellings called buboes, which gave the plague its name. The buboes were followed by boils and black blotches that led to an agonizing death in just days.

   As the epidemic raged, Jews in Germany were accused of poisoning wells and thousands were murdered. Other fearful Europeans blamed the plague on stagnant lakes, the stars, the devil and — most commonly — the anger of God. In reality, the bubonic plague was spread by fleas living on rats, meaning death was only a flea bite away.

   Once the disease reached a person’s lungs, it could be spread through coughs, sneezes and direct contact. Victims vomited blood and an overpowering stench came with every breath and drop of sweat. Since there was virtually no escape, law and order disintegrated, and so did basic morality. By 1350, between a quarter and a half of Europe’s population was dead, perhaps as much as 75 million people.

   But out of tragedy came transformation. With so few peasants left, survivors could demand lighter work and better treatment, and many moved into the cities to find jobs. Wages rose and a surplus of land and goods made prices fall. Suddenly, almost everyone could own property. For the first time, peasants saw themselves as human beings who mattered.

   Soon, universities began to spring up. A teacher shortage was filled by new instructors with fresh ideas, taught in local languages instead of Greek or Latin. That meant even common people could get an education, which helped trigger the Renaissance. More important, people began to look for answers. Many survivors refused to believe God caused the plague but, if He didn’t, what did? Such radical questions led, not only to new theology, but scientific investigation. Life would never be the same.

   In the same way, our greatest heartaches can usher in a spiritual renaissance, if we let God work in their wake. That rebirth begins when our reaction to grave sin or sorrow strips away everything and shows us who we really are. Suffering has a unique way of teaching us what’s true, and what’s truly important, especially when we’re parted from what we prize most. But heartache also reveals beauty, both the beauty of what’s lost, and what’s left, if we choose to look. Suffering, in itself, is no guarantee of growth. It’s not always noble, but it’s almost always necessary to deepen our faith and character.

   That’s little comfort amid the pangs of intense pain. When wounds are raw, loss, emptiness and a seemingly insurmountable hopelessness cloud any hint of blessings to come. Recovery takes time. We know it takes prayer, patience and perseverance. But it also takes permission. We must allow God to work on our hearts and minds, rather than hold out and hold on to what can never be again.

   When we do, we escape from the twin plagues of sin and endless sorrow. Those around us are dying but, as we look for the Lamb and not a scapegoat, the grace of God frees us from the stench and stain of an infected heart. We take our place among the survivors in a realm where the yoke is light. We, few, become valued citizens with heavenly purpose and property. Yearning gives way to learning, in a heart language we understand. In time, though it seems impossible at first, recovery becomes discovery, opening our eyes to a new view of our God, our world and ourselves.

   Blessings can be contagious, too.

By Rick Gamble, published in Cross Current, the weekly newsletter of the Followers of Christ church family in Brantford, Ontario, Canada.  Reprint at will in not-for-profit publications.  To receive these free weekly articles via email, send a note to sgamble@bfree.on.ca

By Rick Gamble, published in Cross Current, the weekly newsletter of the Followers of Christ church family in Brantford, Ontario, Canada.  Reprint at will in not-for-profit publications.  To receive these free weekly articles via email, send a note to sgamble@bfree.on.ca

NEWS AND NOTES

Rings of the Lord!
This week, we’re distributing a document called Rings of the Lord, the Quest for Commitment. This short ex- ercise will help you identify where you are in your jour- ney toward Jesus and spiri- tual maturity, and explain how you can move to the next level. Though God ex- pects every follower of Christ to grow and develop, we recognize the need to let everyone progress at their own pace. Rings of the Lord merely explains the various levels (rings) of commit- ment that lead us ever-closer to Christ, and outlines the steps necessary to move into the next circle, which is com- pletely voluntary. Please fill out the last page of the docu- ment and return it to Rick Gamble. Once the results are in, we’ll have a much better idea what classes we need to offer, and what we can do to help each person mature in the months ahead using the curriculum we’ve put together for spiritual growth. Those who want it will also have the op- portunity to meet with the leadership to discuss individual needs. Opportunities for growth will include group courses, one-on-one mentoring and directed individual study.

Lots On Your Plate!
Don’t forget the Potluck Dinner right after worship. Today’s meal features Italian and Mexican dishes and we’ve got plenty of food, so stick around, even if you didn’t bring something. We value your company much more than your contribution!

A “Current” Event!
 NRG!, for boys and girls 10-15 years old, meets this Saturday (the 12th) at 7:00 in the Gym. Our numbers are growing, and so is the cohesiveness of the group. Please encourage your kids, and their friends, to join us for a fun night of sports, games, practical spiritual advice, and food!
Tee It Up! Wednesday is your last chance to order a Followers T- shirts, so sign the sheet if you want one. As for sweatshirts, we’re looking for a supplier who doesn’t want the shirts off our backs!

Fab In Feb!
Those celebrating birthdays this month are Glen Petch, on Wednes- day; Courtney Myers, on the 17th; and Clive Whiddett, on the 25th. May the coming year bring a rich harvest of blessings and happiness as the Lord watches over them all!