John 9
Moving Boxes and Caskets
For years, we laughed when we passed a North Dallas strip center where two stores stood adjacent. Boxes to Go was next door to The Casket Store. The Casket Store is still there, but Boxes to Go moved, which suggests how these types of boxes are used.
A Tale of Two Boxes
Boxes to Go sold moving and packing boxes, which we all have used to pack up stuff and move from one location to another. Every time we pack, we go through a sorting process. What do we want to keep? And what do we want to get rid of? What do we want to give away?
The Casket Store sells more permanent boxes with no options. When we die, we’re buried in a casket, and it stays in the ground. Caskets represent death, not growth and change.
It occurred to me that we often describe people as being like the boxes they live in. Some live in caskets that are called unchanging, selfish or closed off. Others resemble moving boxes named faithful, adventurous, or generous. Our outlook on life and faith often defines our boxes, and they can dictate how we react to our world.
Jesus Shines Light into Dark Boxes
In John Chapter 9, Jesus demonstrates that he is the Light of the World by shining his Light into two types of boxes. The blind beggar whom Jesus healed lived in the darkest possible box. However, after his healing encounter with Jesus, he grew in his faith. He moved from the confines of his casket-like box into life in a new, light-filled box.
The Pharisees and religious leaders, on the other hand, were stubborn caskets who rejected Jesus and sought to kill him. Their legalistic box was defined by strict adherence to traditions, customs, and laws. As they encountered Jesus, they rejected his Light and retreated even further into the dark corners of their caskets.
In a significant role reversal, the reborn beggar shared the Light of his new faith in Jesus with the spiritually blind Pharisees. They, in turn, defended their choice of box by berating the beggar and intensifying their hatred for Jesus.
What Kind of Box Am I Becoming?
We often defend our own boxes, don’t we? Maybe we are protecting ourselves from outside forces like pain and problems. Or we fear failing, change, or trying new things. Sometimes, it’s easier to be comfortable in our status quo, even if we risk living casket lives.
One of the questions we can periodically ask ourselves is – Am I becoming more of a moving box or more of a casket as Jesus shines his Light into my life? Am I open to God’s leading me to follow Him in new steps in my faith? Or do I close myself off from experiencing new things and new calls and strain to maintain my status quo?
God is calling each of us to a brighter future of growth and service. But growth only happens outside our comfort zone. We cannot grow inside the confines of our box.
Three Repacking Questions
If God is calling you (or forcing you) to move outside your box, consider repacking by asking these questions-
· What do I need to take into my future? Things like giftedness, attitude, and relationships.
· What is holding me back that I need to get rid of? Perhaps fears, hangups, the past, or sins.
· What precious things do I need to share? Like my faith story, encouragement, or forgiveness.
Ultimately, we will all end up in a casket. But, if we know Jesus, God promises to resurrect our old casket into a glorious eternal body built to last forever. In the meantime, Jesus tells us to stop living like caskets and act like the best moving boxes.
Maranatha,
Andy
