"As they passed the rows of houses they saw through the open doors that men were sweeping and dusting and washing dishes, while the women sat around in groups, gossiping and laughing.
"What has happened?" the Scarecrow asked a sad-looking man with a bushy beard, who wore an apron and was wheeling a baby-carriage along the sidewalk.
"Why, we've had a revolution, your Majesty -- as you ought to know very well," replied the man; "and since you went away the women have been running things to suit themselves. I'm glad you have decided to come back and restore order, for doing housework and minding the children is wearing out the strength of every man in the Emerald City."
"Hm!" said the Scarecrow, thoughtfully. "If it is such hard work as you say, how did the women manage it so easily?"
"I really do not know," replied the man, with a deep sigh. "Perhaps the women are made of cast-iron.""
- L. Frank Baum, "The Land of Oz"
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
I love this.
Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?†And they said to him, “Rabbi†(which means Teacher), “where are you staying?†- John 1:38
Everyone on earth is looking for something. The two disciples in this passage didn't even know Jesus. They were just reacting to the declaration of John the Baptist, when he said "Behold, the Lamb of God!" But in that moment, somehow they knew: In this Man is what we've been looking for.
We're all looking for something; it's how we're built. We're hunters and gatherers, all of us. Unfortunately, many people find, as their life goes by, that what they thought they wanted really wasn't it.
That's why I love this passage. These two guys didn't know much, but they knew that they had found what they were looking for, in this unknown Rabbi walking by. Uncounted millions since then have followed in their footsteps.
What are you seeking? I pray that I will always remember that what I'm seeking can be found; it's with the one who came to seek and to save the lost. It's where Jesus is.
"Rabbi, where are you staying?"
