The Saturday after Jesus' crucifixion was a silent day, at best. Bewilderment, fear, frustration and anger were likely emotions for those who celebrated the triumphal entry of their king just 48 hours earlier. The most fundemental discipline of being a God-follower had been elevated to status-critical : walking by faith rather than sight.
When Jesus interacted with people, he challenged the religious to be humble, the learned to be relevant, the healthy to be hope, and the wealthy to be gracious.
He encouraged the diligent to sit and rest, the lazy to work and earn, the weak to get up and walk, and the strong honor the weak.
He taught parents to become children, children to become heirs, foreigners to become citizens, and citizens to become inclusive.
Yet many Christ-followers, like those on that Saturday long ago, exchange God's gift of transformational faith for a bipolar faith. One day we are singing and shouting His praises; the next, hunkered down ready to sit out the next season (or more) because our loss is just too great and we don't see enough personal benefit to justify the cost.
As creative worshipers, we must remain committed to the details while increasingly cognizant of the fuller expression. In other words, our worship cannot be centered on this one life that has been changed but centered on the One who can change all life. Then, and only then, will our faith grow beyond "me" and "my" benefit, to him and his purpose.
This might be the only way to elevate our worship beyond ourselves and Easter beyond another hallmark holiday with chocolate bunnies and new clothes.
When Jesus interacted with people, he challenged the religious to be humble, the learned to be relevant, the healthy to be hope, and the wealthy to be gracious.
He encouraged the diligent to sit and rest, the lazy to work and earn, the weak to get up and walk, and the strong honor the weak.
He taught parents to become children, children to become heirs, foreigners to become citizens, and citizens to become inclusive.
Yet many Christ-followers, like those on that Saturday long ago, exchange God's gift of transformational faith for a bipolar faith. One day we are singing and shouting His praises; the next, hunkered down ready to sit out the next season (or more) because our loss is just too great and we don't see enough personal benefit to justify the cost.
As creative worshipers, we must remain committed to the details while increasingly cognizant of the fuller expression. In other words, our worship cannot be centered on this one life that has been changed but centered on the One who can change all life. Then, and only then, will our faith grow beyond "me" and "my" benefit, to him and his purpose.
This might be the only way to elevate our worship beyond ourselves and Easter beyond another hallmark holiday with chocolate bunnies and new clothes.
No comments:
Post a Comment