06-21-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
June 21, 2025
I have had a bit more time to sit with my thoughts lately, and a question continues to make an appearance in my mind. It’s actually a question with multiple points, yet it begins with: If Jesus were to show up tomorrow, what would grieve his heart in regard to…? What follows are the specific areas: your life; your family; your church; your community; your nation? This is not a question intended for anyone to impose on someone else, but to simply be a very individual spiritual challenge that cannot be a one-and-done. Of course, asking the question assumes a basic idea of what might grieve the heart of Jesus. I don’t want to pretend I have some exhaustive list, but I think it begins with knowing the expectations and purpose of Jesus. We are all probably in agreement that loving the neighbor is first and foremost, assuming one does not define neighbor by proximity, geography, or resemblance. It assumes a willingness to take up the cross of Jesus—which I would best describe as self-giving love when there is a good chance some people won’t like it. And I would think a genuine concern for the most vulnerable among us, including but not limited to those whom the prophets often referenced: orphan, widow, poor, sick, and immigrant. You might have others that you can easily add. The point is that you and I cannot allow the Spirit to challenge us on what might be grieving the heart of Jesus if we do not know what might grieve the heart of Jesus. Spend a few days on each of those areas, and remembering that God is forever merciful, start making some tangible changes so as not to cause as much grief to the heart of Jesus.

Challenge me! Push me! Invite me into a deeper relationship with you, O Living Christ, as I want my life, family, church, community, and nation to honor you and the life you modeled. Amen.