Losing Jesus

Do you remember a time when you lost a child at the supermarket or lost a friend while traveling together? If so, you know the feeling of fear and panic.  One of the readings this week from the liturgical calendar is in Luke 2:41-52 and it is one of the only accounts we have of Jesus as a child/teenager.  Please be encouraged by the following article - Losing Jesus.  If you have lost Jesus then it is time to seek him again and if you'll seek him then you'll find him - just like Mary and Joseph found him in the temple!

Losing Jesus by Brian Zahnd 

This story (Luke 2:41–52) is about losing Jesus. Mary had Jesus. She gave birth to Jesus. She nursed him and raised him. She knew him. Better than anyone. Then she lost him. After an agonizing three day search she found him…but he was different. Mary was forced to re-evaluate what she thought she knew about Jesus. Years later Mary would lose Jesus again. We lose Jesus.

We seek Jesus.
We find Jesus.
We rethink Jesus. 

Mary had lost Jesus. She couldn’t find him anywhere. Jesus had gone missing. He wasn’t among the friends and relatives who had traveled to Jerusalem for Passover and who were now returning home to Nazareth. Jesus had always been reliable and trustworthy, but now he was inexplicably absent. Concern gave way to panic as Mary and Joseph rushed back to Jerusalem to search for their missing twelve-year-old son.

For three days Mary and Joseph frantically searched Jerusalem. It must have been agony. On the third day they found Jesus in the Temple, sitting with the rabbis immersed in theological conversation. Mary’s anxiety turned to relief and then to irritation. “Why have you treated us this way? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.” 

Our sympathies are naturally with Mary. After all, twelve-year-old boys aren’t supposed to disappear for three days without telling anyone. But this isn’t just any adolescent — this is the divine Word in boyhood. Jesus is unapologetic. He doesn’t offer an excuse. What he does say are the first recorded words of Christ:

“Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”

Mary and Joseph didn’t understand what Jesus meant by this. It wouldn’t be the last time people failed to understand Jesus.

When Jesus began his ministry around the age of thirty, he left Nazareth and moved to Capernaum. But Jesus’ family didn’t understand what he was doing and wanted to force him to return home. Apparently they thought he was out of his mind (see Mark 3:21). When they found him in Capernaum, a message was brought to Jesus: “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.” Jesus replied, “Who are my mother and brothers? Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” For the second time Mary had lost Jesus. After seeking and finding him, she had to again rethink what she thought she knew about him.

Mary would lose Jesus one more time. Again for three days in Jerusalem. She would lose him on Good Friday…and find him on Easter Sunday. After that Mary would have rethink Jesus in the ultimate sense.

Losing Jesus. Finding Jesus. Rethinking Jesus. This is how we make spiritual progress. This is the only way we make spiritual progress!

We think we’ve got Jesus figured out. We think we know the crowd where Jesus can be found. We think we know where we can always locate Jesus. Then one day…he’s not there! And we have to go searching for him. “Seek and you shall find.” But when we find Jesus after losing him, he’s…different. That’s when the rethinking (repenting) starts. It’s the only way we make spiritual progress.

I’ve had the experience of what feels like losing Jesus several times in my four decades of trying to follow Jesus. It’s distressing. But it’s also the way of progress. I became a Christ follower during the Jesus Movement. Those were glorious days, but the Jesus Movement wouldn’t last forever. For a long while I followed Jesus in the context of the Charismatic Renewal. It was wonderful. But renewal movements eventually run their course; and besides, the fullness of Jesus cannot be contained in any one movement. So in midlife I was forced to seek Jesus in a new way. After a desperate search I found Jesus in robust theology and the ancient practices of the church. I wasn’t expecting that. Just like Mary wasn’t expecting to find Jesus in the Temple. It was a joy to find Jesus in a new way, but I also had to rethink some things about how I understand Jesus and his church.

How did I become a sacramental, liturgical Christian? By losing Jesus and then finding him again…this time in the theology, sacraments, and prayers of the church. That’s my story. Others have a different story of losing and finding Jesus. Going from Jesus Movement to Charismatic Renewal to the Great Tradition is not necessarily a pattern (though a lot of us seem to have a similar story). What is a pattern is losing Jesus, finding Jesus, and then having to rethink Jesus.

What about those who never have the experience of feeling like they’ve lost Jesus? The Christian mystics would probably suggest they simply lack the spiritual sensitivity to notice Jesus’ absence. Because Jesus was in their crowd ten years ago, they assume Jesus is still there. But this is exactly what Mary and Joseph assumed. Jesus is faithful, but he’s not predictable. The Jesus of the Gospels is full of surprises. To assume that the way we once understood Jesus is the way we always understand Jesus is a prescription for spiritual stagnation.

We have Jesus.

This is the inescapable pattern for spiritual growth. In his book When God Interrupts: Finding New Life Through Unwanted Change, Craig Barnes says, “The deep fear behind every loss is that we have been abandoned by the God who should have saved us. The transforming moment in Christian conversion comes when we realize that even God has left us. We then discover it was not God, but our image of God that abandoned us. … Only then is change possible.” 

Losing Jesus.  This is how we grow. Without these difficult experiences, we simply stay the same, not even realizing that Jesus is no longer traveling in our company. But if we can have enough spiritual sensitivity to notice when we’ve lost Jesus, we can seek him anew, find him again, and in the process be transformed.

TO KNOW HIM BETTER!

Inspired from the book PRAYER by Timothy Keller

I have heard the prayer from Ephesians 1:15-19 many times including last week as we celebrated the beautiful life of Tracey Walling.  Since hearing this prayer read by Dolly Mills, I have meditated on this prayer again. At the heart of this prayer is the revelation of the greatness and importance of prayer.

It is remarkable to me that in all of Paul's writings (to my knowledge), his prayers for his friends and the churches contain no appeals for changes in their circumstances.  It is certain that they lived in the midst of many dangers and hardships.  They faced persecution, death, disease, oppression and separation from loved ones.  Yet in these prayers, I see not one petition for a better emperor, healing from disease or even bread for the next meal.  Paul doesn't pray for the goods we would usually have near the top of our lists of requests.

Does that mean it is wrong for us to pray for such things as bread, healing and protection?  Not at all. As Paul knew, Jesus himself invites us to ask for our "daily bread" and that God would "deliver us from evil."  In 1 Timothy 2, Paul directs readers to pray for peace and for the needs of the world.  In his own prayers, then, Paul is not giving us a universal model for prayer in the same way Jesus did.  Rather, in them I believe he reveals what he asked most frequently for his friends - what he believed was the most important thing God could give them.

What is that?  It is - TO KNOW HIM BETTER.  Is this what I pray for when I make petitions for my children, my family and my friends?  I must admit that I am challenged to begin praying for my children, my family and my friends in this way!  Paul explains in verse 17 - "I keep asking that....you may know him better." I believe that Paul sees this fuller knowledge of God as a more critical thing to receive than a change of circumstances.  More than good circumstances, Paul sees the importance of communion and fellowship with God!

If you are reading this to the end, know that my prayer for you is that regardless of whatever circumstances you are facing in your life right now - you will know God better!

Are you Blessed?

Modern Day Beatitudes! 

Matthew 5:1-12

Blessed are those who seek more authentic ways of being Church in the world today, they are my witnesses. 

Blessed are those who strive to live 'in communion' in their endeavors to build community, they are my people.

Blessed are those who struggle for justice within oppressive structures, they are my prophets in today's world.

Blessed are those who strive to live according to my Gospel rather than societal values, they are my heralds in this land.

Blessed are those whose hearts are bent on serving, rather than being served, they are my true servants. 

Blessed are those in whose hearts my law is written, they are my friends. 

Blessed are those who seek humility and act with integrity as the Church's mission is redefined and the call to partnership is heeded, they are my stewards.

Blessed are those whose ministry is of healing, prayer and reconciliation in a broken and fragile world, they are my peacemakers.

2015 Post Mission Trip Reflections

Each time we serve others, we meet Jesus; and when you have an encounter with Jesus, your life changes!

While I deeply missed seeing my dear brothers and sisters in Christ this summer in Costa Rica, my soul is deeply grateful for the life-changing work that has been accomplished through Mission DC, Mission Detroit and Honduras/Loma De Luz.  I am already anticipating how God will continue to cultivate the seeds planted in many hearts, including those who ventured on these trips with Middletown Christian Church.

While on these trips, I saw students and adults cross boundaries (step out of their comfort zone) to share life together and to share the good news of Jesus Christ. I witnessed students and adults serving with great love. I witnessed the faith and sacrifice of people who are living out Matthew 6:33 - Seeking first the Kingdom of God! Missionaries like Carl at Rippling Hope & Iain/Liz McKenzie at Sanctuary House and Dr. McKenney/Rosanne at Hospital Loma De Luz taught me once again what it means to LIVE BY FAITH!

One of the greatest joys of leading mission trips is that I get to spend an entire week with students/adults living life and putting the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) into practice! I am deeply grateful!

I'm thankful that those at Middletown continue to say 'YES' and 'GO.' When our churches become spiritual spas in which we retreat from the world, our salt loses its saltiness, and we are no longer able to impact the culture! (The Hole in our Gospel) My prayer is that each person who ventures on an overnight mission trip will live their lives differently once they return home. And, they will live it in such a way that has an impact on culture that ultimately glorifies God in all things!

Highlights from Mission DC:

• Joining our Middle School Students/Adults as they served diligently to clean up/paint at Craig Springs Camp (Disciples of Christ Camp) 
• Joining students/adults in packing 12,000 pounds of food at the Capital Area Food Bank
• Learning about Gleaning and serving alongside students/adults as we "gleaned" through potatoes and lettuce for those who were hungry and homeless
• Providing assistance at City Blossoms in downtown DC
• Witnessing the flexibility of our group! Move the rocks, move the rocks again and move the rocks again!
• 4 Square!
• Super Ninja Time!
• Small Group Time/Prayer/Teenagers praying out loud for the first time!

Highlights from Mission Detroit

• Joining our students/adults as they were Ripples of Hope in inner City Detroit
• Can I say painting, painting, painting and more painting?
• Real Conversations that involved tears and hugs
• Neighborhood kids waiting for us at the church after a long day's work
• Small Group Time/Prayer/New Songs to Sing
• Carl!  Yes, Carl!
• Boarding up Houses! Clearing Lots! Using Power Tools!
• Motown and the Detroit Tigers!

Highlights from Honduras

• Just say "Yes" to God! TESTIFY!
• Witnessing the faith, perseverance and faithfulness of the missionaries at Loma De Luz
• Debrief at Rosie and Prayer Time on the Beach
• Tears, Reunions, Friendships and awkward hugs
• God's Beautiful Creation - Water, Earth and Sky
• Doctors in Denim/Doctor's Parking
• Kristen being stressed over the plants, tumulos, Jill's awesome playlist of muic
• Matt's excellent Spanish Speaking Skills
• Ocean time with Marvin and the children from the Children's Center
• Roseanne's great meal and the giant bug that flew into Jill's lap! Dr McKenney's Stories!
• Wally and Bill's Driving Skills, Raccoons, Pastalitos, Kids jumping out of trees
• The Impact being made at the Hospital, Children's Center and Bi-lingual School

and many more!

GRACIAS A DIOS!

Pentecost 2015

I had the privilege of preaching my first sermon on Pentecost this past Sunday.  Although I did not grow up in a faith tradition that followed the liturgical church calendar, I have come to greatly appreciate such celebrations.

As I was preparing for this message, I realized that I could do an entire sermon series on Pentecost.  However, I tried to communicate what I felt was timely for our church. There are two primary reasons I believe the church should celebrate Pentecost each year!

First, Pentecost reminds us that we are to be a WITNESS!  I believe that Pentecost is best understood in light of Acts 1:8 - You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.  The mission was clear and present.  It is clear and present for us in the 21st century as well.  As I dove deep into the scriptures, God revealed to me that to be a WITNESS in the context of Acts, has to do with being a martyr.  Whether in reference to a person who is a witness, the testimony by a witness, it all relates to martyrdom.  A witness dies. No wonder we need the Holy Spirit to be witnesses. We need the power to die. The same spirit that anointed Jesus to make him the Christ is the same Spirit that came like a mighty rushing wind at Pentecost.  And now, it is the same Spirit that empowers us to be witnesses - giving us the power to die.  Just ponder that for a moment.  Even though we are not being persecuted for our faith like our brothers and sisters in the middle east or in other parts of our world, we must consider what it would mean for us to die - to be a martyr.  Could we do it?  Would we do it?

The power to die also means dying to comfort as the Spirit challenges us to go beyond our comfort zones, denominationally, racially, economically, culturally and geographically.  The power causes one to die to the familiar and stretches us as wide and far as the ends of the earth.  Power is needed to cross boundaries because you will be foreign and what you encounter will be foreign.  It is the power to die to the self while living in the Spirit.  The power is discovered more deeply I feel when we enter into boundary-crossing mission!  That's why I love to venture on mission trips on a global scale because the Spirit empowers us as we rise above and transcend our human boundaries.  The Spirit (dynamite) will blow up our cultural cliques.  I've seen it and it's a great thing to behold! We have to die to ourselves to be a witness because faith has feet and requires a power that will lead us to places we might have never imagined going and we would surely never go without God!

The second reason we should celebrate Pentecost is because Pentecost affirms the multi-cultural, multi-lingual and multi-racial mission of the church!  The Mighty Wind, the Spirit, blows our way and inspires us not to stay together in the sameness and status-quo.  On the day of Pentecost we see God's great deeds of power proclaimed in many different languages.  Symbolically, this miracle reinforces that we are to be a community in which all people are drawn together to experience God's great love!  There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female!  We are all one in Christ Jesus!  Pentecost challenges us to rethink our prejudices and our attitudes about those different from us.  The Spirit of God will help us do this!

The paradox of Pentecost is that the Holy Spirit comes as a Mighty Wind and the Holy Spirit is not always going to be nice and orderly! Are you ready for the Holy Spirit to shake things up for you?

Will you pray "Come, Holy Spirit, Come?"  If you are willing to say that pray - be prepared for how your life might be disturbed!

An Exhaustible Glory

I bleed blue and therefore I must admit that today I was a little disappointed in hearing the news that 7 players from #BBN announced that they will enter the NBA draft.  What’s wrong with chasing your dreams?  People do it everyday without attaining a college degree.  Well, there’s nothing wrong with chasing your dreams. Living out your passion (your dreams) brings a deep sense of peace and joy. I witness it all the time. I trust that each #BBN player planning to enter the draft is truly chasing their dream instead of someone else’s dream for them.

At the beginning of the season, my desire was that my family would enjoy our basketball team with great sportsmanship.  With every game on the Road to the Final Four, my family was hoping we would have the opportunity to attend a final four game and we did. For the past two years, we have had a great time as a family enjoying the final four at AT&T Stadium and Lucas Oil Stadium.  We love the game regardless of whether our team finishes as #1.    

We were made to admire glory.  It’s why I love driving through the beautiful mountains of Costa Rica. It’s why I love standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon. It’s why I love to hear the ocean waves crash onto the shore. It’s why I love to watch baby birds grow. It’s why I love to hike at Red River Gorge. We love to behold something glorious. This is why no one pays to watch church basketball but will spend thousands to behold the glory of Kentucky basketball.  But, earthly glory fades.  And the heights of glory will eventually run dry.  UK basketball is an exhaustible glory that will leave us wanting. Eventually, our idols fail us.  But, it’s our fault.  Even though I love college football and basketball, sports were never intended to fulfill our longings.  We have placed unfair expectations on a basketball game and we must choose more wisely! 

In Jesus Christ, we discover a glory that is inexhaustible!  We are to behold His Glory!  10,000 years from now, the story of Jesus - His Life, His Death, His Resurrection - will still amaze us! 

Although I walked out of Lucas Oil Stadium disappointed Saturday night, I’m thankful for the Glory of God that never disappoints. And, I'm thankful to worship the Word made flesh that remains undefeated.  

In the words of Marcus Lee - Don't Worry! :)

Seeds of Hope

Ken Wytsma has inspired this blog with the following excerpt from his book Pursuing Justice: A Call to Live and Die for Bigger Things.

Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. John 12:24 (NIV)

When we die to ourselves – when we give our lives away – God takes our lives and uses them to bring new life and restore creation and goodness. We are told what is required of us – to act justly; to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.  We are called, in the words of Wendell Berry, to practice resurrection.

In a broken world full of inequity and injustice – from human trafficking to racism to gender violence, and from gossip to consumerism to petty anger – can we really expect to find true life and happiness in obeying Him as we seek to give our lives away for others?

I think we can!  I think we must!