On Sunday, July 3, we took a break from the current sermon series and had a question and answer time in lieu of the message. We did not get to all of the questions posed. Today I want to look at the following question:
How do we stay positive about Jesus when we see all that goes against his teachings going on around us?
What a great question. Undoubtedly we have to take our cue from Jesus. He entered the world in a time of war and famine. Slavery, prostitution, classism, sexism and racial cleansing were issues in his time. I see Jesus as portrayed in the Gospels as doing several key things:
* Time to pray -- Prayer was as essential for Jesus as breathing. It kept him focused and centered on living out the Kingdom of God on earth.
*Time in worship-- Throughout the Gospels, we see worship is key for Jesus to live out his personal mission.
*Time in a small group--Jesus chose 12 and ultimately 3 to share key moments. He had a small group. We see the three present during the particularly challenging times.
*Proactive Response -- Jesus decided to live out his mission regardless of a world that seemed out of control.
We know Jesus agonized and prayed for those who followed him. Read John 17 to get a good understanding of how Jesus felt. We know he wept at the death of his friend and over the city of Jerusalem as well.
In a world filled with harshness and violence, we would do well to utilize these same principles. When I get discouraged, I read the stories of Jesus in the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. I have to remind myself that I am invovled in a greater story than simply my own.
On the journey,
Alecia
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
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