When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. – Mark 5:6

Today’s Scripture Reading (October 6, 2017): Mark 5

I would never have guessed a few years ago that “taking a knee” would become such an act of political significance. I have to admit that I am more impressed and energized by a football player taking a knee in the end zone after a touchdown then I am by the “look at me” dance that many seem to be working hard to try to perfect. There is a recognition in the act of taking a knee that says, “Yes, I am talented, or maybe lucky, but I recognize that my talent comes from somewhere beyond me. I am, for whatever reason, gifted to live this life, and I will never lose sight of the gift.” For me, “taking a knee” seems to be a very appropriate reaction.

So as the National Football League continues its struggle with regard to its players and coaches “taking a knee” during the playing of the National Anthem, for me, there may be no more appropriate action to take. After all, for centuries, people who have wanted to chase after the ideal things that we believe that this life should hold, which includes racial equality and an end to racial violence, have been chasing after those things by “taking a knee” and recognizing that there is a power that is beyond them that needs to be involved in the process. For centuries, people have come against the immovable objects that tend to scar this life by simply “taking a knee.” There is a deep humility inherent in the action. It indicates that we want to be part of the solution, but that we recognize that we are not the solution – just a part of it. And whether you believe in a God or not, our democracies have been built around that very idea.

The madman in the cemetery has a problem. It is a problem that is beyond him. This life was not the dream that he believed it should be. Living naked among the tombstones was not the life that he had hoped for when he was a child. But he could find no way out. The people had tried to at least bind him, but that had not worked. Instead, he continued to injure himself and cause himself pain.

And then Jesus walked into the graveyard.  The man’s recognized something in Jesus that was different from the others who had walked into his cemetery. There is no doubt that the man’s first reaction was that all this different man wanted to do was increase his pain. But, maybe, there was a way out.

So the man approaches Jesus and “takes a knee.” It was the most appropriate action given the circumstances. He had no idea what the outcome might be, but “taking a knee” felt right.

The weekend approaches. I am guessing if you tune into an NFL game this weekend, you will see Football players of all races taking a knee. Do not interpret the action as a sign of disrespect for the countries that they may represent. I hope that you will look into their faces and see the beauty of someone who recognizes that this world needs help and that that help can only come from beyond us. As the national anthem plays, maybe it is the time that we all “take a knee.”   

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Matthew 9