A Marvelous Grasp On The Obvious

    I have a favorite saying, “You have a marvelous grasp on the obvious.”  This statement is reserved for times when someone notices a very apparent fact.  I recited this statement when my children made a non-spectacular observation.  I teased my wife when she pointed out an important issue to me.  Sometimes, I used this statement in an antagonistic way to point out the simplicity of a comment of a person I did not particularly like or with whom I totally disagreed.
    For some unexplainable reason, I thought about how my statement applied to many areas in my life as I drove to Austin for worship last Sunday.  I thought about how the authors that I like are those who have a marvelous grasp on the obvious in their subject area.  As I have pointed out over the past several weeks, I am working through a biography on Luther.  It is the fifth biography that I have read of this reformer.  The author of my current biography tries to explain why leaders of the Reformation made the decisions they made.  For example, Frederick the Wise (Duke of Saxony) did not turn his back on Luther in the years immediately before the Reformation.  The reason was Frederick had just founded Wittenberg University in 1502.  Luther was his star lecturer.  And, Luther was the main reason that the admissions office had more applications from bright young students than it had a right to expect.  To protect the university, Luther had to be kept safe.  After reading this explanation, I said, “What a marvelous grasp on the obvious.  Why didn’t I make that connection?”
    After thinking about that particular insight from Luther’s biography, I began to muse about other authors.  By my definition, a good book is one which agrees with me.  Sometimes, a good book can be written by someone with whom I happen to agree after reading his or her work.  In both cases, many times the author has a marvelous grasp on the obvious.  (By the way, how do you define a good book or author?)
    Having fun on my drive, my mind turned to a statement by Pastor Sara.  In one of her sermons, she hit the nail on the head as she communicated the way the church at Corinth actually practiced communion in the first century.  In this setting, the communion experience was radically different depending on your social class.  Communion was administered around a church dinner.  The rich were treated first class while the poor received minimal attention.  In Pastor Sara’s words, “It is like those sitting in first class on an airplane and those sitting in coach.”  In its simplicity, what a brilliant explanation. I will tell you that statement has become part of my teaching vocabulary on First Corinthians.
    I have learned a lot from the people who point out the obvious because I often just overlook that which is in plain sight.  I have learned a lot from simple illustrations that have me saying “wow” that is exactly right.
    To top things off, the confession in the order of worship at Austin included, “We are blind to the obvious.  We disregard the subtle yet powerful ways you (God) try to communicate with us.”  My conclusion, having a marvelous grasp on the obvious also influences my relationship with God.
    So let me ask, who in your life has an occasional marvelous grasp on the obvious.  Is it a close friend?  Is it a 7 year old who said something so simply that it struck you as being utterly profound?  Heaven forbid, is it your spouse?  Imagine that.  We can all learn something from a friend, a 7 year old, and a spouse.  All of us are capable of having a marvelous grasp on the obvious.  Share them when you do!
Pastor Pete