Top Drawer Theology

Let me ramble a moment:

My top drawer always becomes a place for things like staples, paper clips, rubber bands, odd little things that I just can't throw away. Each item might come in handy some day. I have had about 5 top drawers since I started in ministry. I now have 4 small boxes full of Top Drawer items. Rarely do they make it to the next Top Drawer. A few things do though. They are usually items that are actually useful and can serve a greater purpose than just reminding me of past times.

I've also noticed a pattern in what items make the transition. Items that can hold things together or open things up--
Rubber bands. Stretchy, fun, useful and a weapon if the need arrises. Paperclips. They connect papers, sermons, syllabi, or, open the SIM card on my phone. Multi talented little things. Staples. Same as paperclips only more permanent. Unless they go into a finger. Not permanent then, but painful. Letter openers. I still love to open letters. The mystery. What is in there?

My Top Drawer Theology hinges upon those things that connect and open. They are useful. Always there. I was reminded today of a verse that has been with me a long time. Almost 27 years ago we had a preacher come to FBC Eagle River to preach our revival. Lew Miller. Each night he'd have us repeat two verses of Scripture that he said should always be with us and will always be useful. Hebrews 13: 20-21:

 "Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant
brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,
equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us
what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be
glory for ever and ever. Amen."

I can still remember the sound of our voices saying this verse in unison, or almost unison, in that church in Alaska. The voices of so many saints. Archie, Jim, Charlotte, JoAnn, Donna, Art, Bob, Marlene, and so many others just hoping for strength in that moment. These men and women lived out Top Drawer Theology for so many of us. A few things I learned from my Top Drawer and these saints.

Top Drawer Theology one. "God of Peace." It is easier to judge than to bring peace. Yet I am reminded here that because of the blood of Jesus I can have peace with God and I can and should bring that peace to others. Our world needs that peace now. It always has and always will. It just seems more apparent today. Many things can bring people together. Hate; Anger; Frustration; Grief; The Peace of God is the only lasting connection. Bring Peace.

Top Drawer Theology two: Great Shepherd of the sheep. I need a Shepherd. I have followed many things in my life and there is the constant pull from some gravitational field. Jesus left the 99 to look for the 1. That is me. He found me. I needed rounding up.

Top Drawer Theology three: He has plans for me and he equips me to get the job done. But I have to get taken out of the drawer to function. Staples, paperclips, letter openers all sit in the dark until I reach in and use them. Do I think that God has a purpose for me? He says he does? How has he equipped me? That is exciting. Better than opening a letter. Most of that is junk mail. But He says His work in me is PLEASING to Him. That is fan mail. That is a love letter.

I may not be cleaning my Top Drawer out for a while, but I will be out connecting people to the One who brings me Peace.

The rambling ends...