By John Dunnett
“Attack Lamb for Jesus.” What an odd phrase and an intriguing answer.
There he stood on Halloween night alone in the parking lot in the wind and rain. Dressed in green with a safety vest, an orange nerf rifle and an old military helmet with the Icthus Fish painted on it. When a passer-by asked about the helmet he said it was one that he has had for years ever since he did a skit about being an Attack Lamb for Jesus.
As I think about this solitary figure and what he was doing in the parking lot last Thursday night, somehow the nonsensical phrase “Attack Lamb for Jesus” is making sense to me.
He had taken up the position in the wind and rain to help families and children find the “Trunk or Treat” stations that had been moved inside out of the weather. With each car that entered the parking lot he would approach with a smile and explain that Trunk or Treat had been moved inside, then he told people how to find the correct door and where to find a close parking space. Often he would engage the children with a friendly comment about their costumes and smiling send them on their way for the warmth, welcome, treats, kindness and community that awaited them beyond the door.
The “soldier of the cross” brought nothing but service, kindness and goodwill to all that he encountered. His words were not a judgment but an open invitation to find the DOOR and all the good things that awaited on the other side. He was a living parable of what Jesus invites his followers to be in this world.
Armed with the simple weapons like prayer and the scripture we are invited to be out in the cold, wet, windy and dark places of life inviting or fellow travellers to find warmth, kindness, community and blessing (not just candy) among people where the generous Kingdom of God prevails. Our weapons are to attack the darkness, never the fellow travellers in this life.
Unfortunately too many people have been wounded by friendly fire that was meant to attack the darkness when attack Lambs lose their focus, but this night the parable was clear and focused. He was to help people find the DOOR and all that awaited through that door.
The practical DOOR this one directed people towards was the front door of First Baptist Church. The spiritual DOOR of the parable is JESUS himself. Jesus actually used the word gate in John’ gospel when he said, “Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.” John 10:9, but the truth is still there.
Jesus is the door by which we find the safety to grow and thrive as spiritual people. He stands as a welcome to the kingdom of God and all of the forgiveness, transformation community, kindness and blessing that awaits us.
The “Attack Lamb for Jesus” did a good work that night and 60-some children found shelter from the wind and rain where there was kindness, community and blessing. We need more of these welcoming, inviting helpful people pointing to the DOOR in a world that can be stormy dark and tough.
John Dunnett is pastor of First United Baptist Church in New Glasgow.
