Tumbleweed
Originally scheduled for
November 1
The lights in the theater grow dim; the screen lights up and an
image forms. In the background a single harmonica begins to wail.
The sound of the wind blowing introduces a round plant rolling by —
it’s a tumbleweed. It’s the icon of the Old West.
The tumbleweed is a curious plant. It spreads by generating seeds in
amongst its thorns, snapping off of its roots and letting the wind
take it where it will, spreading seeds along the way. Wherever the
wind is blowing, that’s where it’s going. Do you know people like
that? Whatever today’s wind says for direction, that’s the way they
go. Keep up with the latest fashion, move to the right neighborhood,
make more money than your neighbor does.
Sometimes it’s hard to tell a tumbleweed from a pilgrim. Both of
them appear to be wanderers. Neither of them seems to be in charge
of its direction or path. The one great distinction between the
pilgrim and the tumbleweed is this: destination. The wind may know
where the tumbleweed is going, but the tumbleweed does not, nor does
it care. The pilgrim, on the other hand, knows precisely where he is
going. How is this?
At the Last Supper, Christ told us where the pilgrims are all going.
After taking the bread and the wine, Christ made this statement:
"But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from
now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's
kingdom."
(Matthew 26:29 NASB)
We are told later, in Revelation, more about the destination: the
New Heaven and New Earth. To take communion is to proclaim that
Christ is returning to judge the living and the dead and to welcome
his followers into his kingdom for all of eternity. At that time the
pilgrim’s wandering will cease; he will be home.
As you partake this morning, remember what you are saying to the
world. You proclaim that this bread represents his body, broken for
you and all who love him. You proclaim this cup represents his
blood, shed for you and all who love him. You proclaim that you are
a pilgrim, going home. Remember the price he paid so that you might
be welcomed in your new home.
