After some slim pickin's over the last couple of weeks we had a good group meet again this morning. It was nice to be back with the group making ourselves "vulnerable" to the revelation of God (thanks Craig for an awesome start with prayer).
Our time was mostly focused on the questions of the second coming. We are so preoccupied with the "when" question that Pastor Jay got us thinking about another one. "Where next?" And, if not here, then "why?" What are we doing to actively keep Jesus from being "really present" here and now?
Lot's of quotes, but I want to get the point across. See for the 5 of us in the room, all ordained ministers, Christ has come again with real power and real glory into our lives. Otherwise we wouldn't be where we are, but what do we have to say to those who haven't seen him come again. And how do we differentiate Christ's coming again now; Christ's kingdom breaking into the world around us from his coming again to judge the living and the dead?
3 other thoughts came out of our discussion.
1- Why did Jesus feel the need to address this issue? Why did Matthew record it? Because we all want to be swept off our feet. We have a deeply rooted need to be a part of something larger than ourselves. So, necessarily, we are all obsessed in one way or another with the end of days; the rapture; whatever you want to call it. We all have a piece of us that wonders what it will be like to be a part of Jesus' reign.
2- The thief comes to steal and Jesus is that thief. He comes when we are unprepared and rips our self-sufficiency away. He can rip the heart from our chest and leave us in tears. All so that we might be open to his saving love.
3- The most important action we can take is to be here, now. The past is past. The future is not our concern. All we can do is work to be more like Christ right now.
Good stuff today. Wish I was preaching this week, but after 4 straight weeks, the break is nice.
1 comment:
Thanks for the post even though you are not preaching....
I keep thinking about Advent - I happen to love it - it feels more like poetry than prose and this year I'm wondering about the waiting for the birth of Christ. Instead of awaiting the anniversary (of sorts) of the birth of the historical Jesus I'm thinking more about birthing Christ in me - making this season a time of expectant waiting - living with the questions - inviting God to work wonders (even more wonders than God already has) in my life. How can I invite others into this time of expectancy without sounding like a cross between a demanding preacher and an idealist who has lost touch with reality? It is my challenge throughout this season.
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