“Jojo was a man who thought he was a loner, but he knew it couldn’t last. Jojo left his home in Tucson, Arizona, for some California grass. Get back, get back, get back to where you once belonged.” These were the opening words of the last chart-topping Beatles hit in the late 1960s. Having seen their popularity slump somewhat and their divine right to reaching the number 1 slot in the week of release questioned, they stormed back with what I believe was their best single. The zany lyrics which seemed to capture the spirit of the age and the syncopated rhythm stuck in my mind for years. I know there are baby-boomers out there taking issue with me but …
The theme ‘get back’, however, was nothing new. The Bible contains a number of ‘get back’ incidents which can reveal a great deal about human nature and the will of God. As Elijah sulked in his cave after being hounded out of Israel by Queen Jezebel, God told him to ‘get back to where he once belonged’ (1 Kings 19:15). Devoid of the faith which had routed the prophets of Baal and gripped by a sense of self-righteousness, Elijah was a mere shadow of his former self. Thinking his career was over and that he had nothing more to offer God and the people, he needed this wake-up call from God.
After the resurrection when the disciples of Jesus were crouching fearfully in Jerusalem, the word came through Mary Magdalene for them to ‘get back to where they once belonged’ – in this case Galilee, where Jesus would meet them (Mark 16:7).
Two disciples of Jesus were crestfallen as they walked to Emmaus only to be met by the risen Jesus. After an electrifying supper they could not contain their excitement any further and they went back to where they had come from – Jerusalem (Luke 24:33).
The Lord spoke to the church at Ephesus reprimanding them for having lost their ‘first love’. He urged them to return to their earlier ways with a stern warning of the consequences of disobedience (Rev 2:4,5).
Do you ever feel like that? Are the pressures getting to you? Do you feel everyone is against you and there’s no point struggling on? It’s not uncommon to feel this way, especially when your main concern is the welfare of others and little or no appreciation is given in return. Sometimes in these situations our minds play trick on us. The opposition seems larger than it actually is and our sense of self-worth is diminished. We don’t actually become worthless overnight believe it or not. It’s also when we feel at our weakest that our God-given strength shines through in a new and more powerful way (Romans 8:26, 1 Corinthians 1:25 & 2 Corinthians 12:9). Indeed, too much self-confidence can be a dangerous thing, especially in the Christian life (Psalm 138:6 & Proverbs 21:4).
The ‘examen’ is a form of meditation attributed to Ignatius of Loyola (1491 – 1556), a Spanish soldier who, during a period of convalescence from a serious injury, turned to Christ and later founded the Jesuit movement. The idea is to reflect at the end of each day on the things which have happened, how you responded and what God would have you learn from your experiences. It is good for us also to take stock of where we are in life. A useful exercise in times of stress is to look back over your life and identify the times you have been successful and happy. Ask what contributed to those situations – what were you doing that worked well and what gifts did you bring to the situation? Sometimes we forget how gifted we actually are and the many blessings which God has showered upon us.
Perhaps during those periods of quiet over the summer, on the beach or up in the hills, taking a look back over your life would be a useful and therapeutic exercise. Take time to offer your hurts and disappointments to God in the assurance that his love longs to heal you. Ask God what robbed you of your inner peace and let him show you the hidden secrets which only he can see. But don’t forget at the end of the holiday period to ‘get back to where you once belonged’.
(thanks to Roger Johnson for this)
