Situation- Desi grew up in a ghetto, living in fear and under the threat of gangs (29). He had a rough upbringing: he didn’t get along with his deadbeat father and was made fun of by his sister for playing the violin (32). He was told he was hopeless as musician (32). Moreover, the police used to beat him (for no reason or because he was black), and he was even arrested on suspicion of murder (32; 33).
Bad Fruit- (a) Desi buried pain of the past and never displayed his anger; he never forced nor encouraged confrontation, but always played it cool and tough, even at his interrogation (32). (b) Desi escapes his world and his inner turmoil by pouring his life into playing violin (32, 33). Although he did not get along with his family, he protects their reputation, enabling them to mistreat him (32).
Bad Root- (a) Desi was driven by the desire to control his emotions and life (32). His fear of man forced self-dependence (he liked to be a loner) and drove him to complete hours of running and playing violin as a way to escape his life (32, 33). (b) Desi was also driven by the desire to please: he never stood up to his family; also, he sought to please Mr. Ortenberg who was the only person who showed him kindness, and who was never embarrassed to be with him; Desi played violin to please him, and never turned down lunch with him (33).
Results- These desires for control, self-dependence, and self-protection caused Desi to plot a “survival course” (33). He ran early everyday, and practiced violin for hours each evening (33). This produced huge success in both spheres; it was rewarding. This success also fueled his desire to please, which helped fuel his success. However, Desi remained fearful and untrusting, and was still a loner (33).
Cross- (a) Matthew 23:37-38 provides not only a rich look at who Christ is for frightened, defenseless people, but also a stern warning for Desi. Jesus is more than willing to gather His people under His wing, to protect and secure them in Himself. However, those who do not will be left desolate. (b) I would also encourage Desi to seek the Lord and to do His good pleasure, trusting that it is God who works in us both the desire and the ability to do so (Philippians 2:13).
Good Root- Desi would live out of the desire to rest in God alone, trusting that the situations that he faces are for his purification, and that he need not fear man because God is with him. He can trust God’s care for him. He can also learn to play the violin with the desire to bring glory to God and to build up the body of Christ through his music. Desi will want to please God in all he does, not having to worry about what others think about him.
Good Fruit- Finding himself safe in Christ, Desi will be able to confess and work through the feelings of grief and terror that grip his heart. He will be more open and trusting with other people; therefore, he will be able to begin developing healthy relationships with others, and repair the broken ones that exist. Desi will be able to use his talents as a musician to teach others to play for the glory of God, and be an example to them of how to do this.
Results- Desi’s life will be much more fulfilling. He will not be living under the burden of such heavy emotions and horrors of the past. Desi will also be able to relate to people on a deeper level, and develop rich friendships. Most importantly, Desi will draw closer to God and grow in his trust in Him.
No comments:
Post a Comment