The Lion and the Tribes

Turbans? Yes, please. 

My son attended Vacation Bible School (VBS) last month. Children were grouped together according to the tribes of Israel. Colorful posters displayed on chairs in the worship space showed icons and names of the groups. Spotting a lion, I realized we were assigned to the tribe of Judah. Delighted, I squealed, "Ooh, the line of David! Of Jesus!" My son just looked at me and glanced back at the cool image of the big cat. 

Earlier that Sunday morning, Pastor John spoke about hospitality as we prepared to open our church to the youth of the city and surrounding areas for VBS. He referenced Abraham and Sarah in the desert when three mysterious visitors appeared. Abraham ran to the tent to prepare a feast. Thankfully so, since as it turned out they were messengers. Angels in the desert. 

The theme for this year's Bible School was Marketplace 29 A.D. It offered a snapshot into the time of Jesus' life and culture through the activities of the market. Each tribe visited different stations every night -- jewelry, weaving, pottery, carpentry, scroll writing, spices. Little noses lifted skywards to bunches of dried thyme and rosemary. Herbal treasures. Pretend beggars even made their rounds and children offered up faux gold coins.

The marketplace pulsed with life and so did our Vacation Bible School. We danced in whirling circles and waved scarves of scarlet and tangerine. My son's favorite song offered an Egyptian dance move, complete with lyrics: "Pharaoh, Pharaoh, ohhhhhh baby, let my people go, uhh. Yeah, yeah, yeah."

The week continued. Friendships were formed. By the fifth and final evening, the dancing and music were moving more into a frenzy of games of chase, bounding leaps and other horseplay. Some members of the tribes listened more than others. The energy was reaching a crescendo and my gut reaction was to corral, lay order to chaos, but I refrained as a spectator.

After the happy bedlam had subsided and we made our way home, I reflected on my feelings. How I had wanted to stifle joy, curb its free and boisterous spirit because it didn't seem to fit my definition. Not very hospitable for these angels in the desert. While VBS is traditionally meant for children, I found my very adult self learning in the process. I can only be thankful that I have my lion to lean on.

"Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." - Revelation 5:5