Shepherd’s Email Devotion

 

July 14, 2006

 

Pastor Nathan J. Thompson

 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.  For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  (Hebrews 12-1-2)

 

A lot of people today tell me that they believe in God, but they don’t believe they need the local church.  In fact, many today think that being a Christian doesn’t involve making a personal commitment to membership in a local congregation.

 

When I listen to their stories I realize they all have their reasons and experiences.  People tell me about cold and heartless experiences with religion from their childhoods.  They tell about parents who forced them to go, or the parent who stayed home all the time.  They talk about the priest who muttered his mumbo jumbo, or the pastor who screamed hell, fire and brimstone.

 

So they don’t go.  Some say they feel closer to God, or more worshipful, on their sailboat, or in the woods hunting, or watching a television preacher.  And yet the reality is that these people are suffering as much as anyone.  Many are stuck in lives that are lonely.  Many are lacking in supportive and social networks.  Many are looking for ways to justify themselves.

 

And yet like it or not, Christianity is a team sport.  We are formed for fellowship as Rick Warren puts it.  We are not meant to be alone.  Jesus didn’t “do church” by himself.  He gathered a group of friends.  He showed up in the synagogue and the temple.  He gave his life so that people might know true and loving community.

 

We live in an exciting time to be the church.  As we in the church listen to the voices of people who confront us with our selfishness and self-centeredness.  As we “do church” in a culture that is increasingly indifferent to “organized religion,” our listening holds the possibility of us taking some action on our part.  Our listening moves us in a way of being that unites us in a more Christ-centered caring community that reaches into our broken world.

 

And as that broken world continues to spin out of control at an ever-increasing pace, more and more people are becoming open to the reality that God does a better job of filling the “holes” in them.  God meets their needs far better than other behaviors, and passions, and chemicals.

 

So bridging that gap, helping people make that connection, restoring that relationship between the broken and Jesus our healer--that is our mission and purpose.  For only Jesus brings true life.

 

Let us pray:  Loving God, you have called us to be your people and have connected us in a faith community that is centered in mission and purpose.  Open our hearts and minds so that we can be witnesses for you each day.  And open our doors to those who need the love and support you have for them.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.