10-23-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
October 23, 2020
Scripture: Matthew 9:35-36
Jesus traveled among all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, announcing the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them because they were troubled and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Thought for the Day: Revival happens when the church returns to the ways of Jesus. Though let’s be clear – a lot of folks talk about “returning to Jesus,” yet they don’t have any interest in reflecting on the practical implications of returning. It’s nice rhetoric, but if you spend much time with the Jesus of the Gospels you find that the ways of Jesus begin with unconditional love embodied in table fellowship where those who are marginalized and those who are scapegoated have the place of honor. It is not about using the scare tactics of damnation to get folks in the sanctuary seats. Instead, it is making sure every human being knows their sacred worth. It is community where the logistics of religion do not supersede life-giving relationships. It’s not about delineating membership on the basis of those we hate and exclude, but turning inside out the whole concept of membership in our capacity to emulate Jesus and his radical grace. Revival is going to happen in the post-pandemic world, and if the church has not returned to the ways of Jesus then revival will happen somewhere else…it will happen without us.

Prayer: Merciful God, don’t just bring me into another conversation about the ways of Jesus. Instead, take me along the path that engenders a life that truly resembles that of Jesus. Amen.

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