The Word from St. Andrews

What if the most prodigal person in Jesus’ story isn’t the son?

He takes his father’s money, wishes his father were dead, leaves home, blows everything, and ends up in a pigsty. Then he comes home with a plan to earn his way back.

But the father does something absolutely outrageous. Prodigal. Reckless.

He runs.

Before the apology is finished or restitution is made, even before the son gets to the house, the father runs straight toward him with reckless, extravagant grace.

Luke 15:11–32 is one of those stories we think we know—until we actually slow down and listen to it again. If you get a moment, try to read the text. And listen ready to ask: What kind of God runs after people who have walked away from him?

Pastor Jace

Dear St. Andrews Family,

What is love, really?

It’s more than a feeling (Do you see Marianne walking away?)

Is it an experience (Baby don’t hurt me, don’t hurt me, no more)?

Is it accepting others (all your perfect imperfections)?

Is it fate (Darling, so it goes, some things are meant to be)?

Is it absolute devotion (everything I do, I do it for you)?

Or could love look much more ordinary—and much more powerful—than we imagine?

As we finish our journey through Ruth, we’ll discover that the Bible has a surprisingly rich answer to the question, “What is love?” Ruth and Boaz show us a love that risks, initiates, crosses boundaries, gives more than expected, stays loyal, and ultimately brings redemption.

Before Sunday, try to read the whole book of Ruth—slow readers maybe 20 minutes. Come ready to see this familiar story in a new way—and maybe to ask yourself a harder question: Who in my life needs me to show them what love really is?

Oh, and the first person to text me with the artists or song titles above wins my eternal admiration.

Pastor Jace

Dear St Andrews Family,

I want to connect the last few verses of thebook of Ruth with the Christmas story (I know it’s not Christmas, but the incarnation is always significant) to remind you of this important truth—God loves you and he is working even amidst the emptiness you are possibly feeling.He will bring fullness.

That should be enough, but in case it’s not. . .  Star Wars, Kings, Apollo 13, reunited lovers, and the crash of flight 191. Can’t wait to be with you.

Pastor Jace

Dear SABC Family,

When was the last time you prayed for Syria? When was thelast time you gave money to take care of orphans in Northern Uganda? When was the last time you broke down upon realizing that God’s people are suffering and dying in horrible ways in many countries overseas?

I am so afraid for the American church. Our wealth hasmade our focus all wrong. We pray for blessings for ourselves and we forget that our blessing is so we might bless the world. WE have a new team headed to Kenya on Thursday and I thought this would be a good time to share with youGod's plan for the nations. Its from Psalm 67 and I would love for you to read it before coming. It took me 34.85 seconds to slowly read it out loud. I hope you can find the time to read it twice. 😉

Pastor Jace

Dear St. Andrews Family,

In 1955, the LAPD introduced the new motto of their police academy: To Protect and Serve. A few years later this phrase made it to all the cars and since then it has been adopted by Police departments all over the country.

To Protect and Serve.

Boaz was an Israelite who took this idea very seriously. This week I want to show you the numerous ways that Boaz showed himself a “man of worth” as he protected and served those around him—especially Ruth. Of course, from there I want to show you the ultimate protector and servant and call us to follow in his footsteps. I'm excited to talk about this with you.

Pastor Jace

Dear St Andrews Family,

You know those pick-up basketball games where you callyour own fouls? I like those. It’s a chance to have integrity. It’s a chance to admit that the ball went out on you even if no one noticed it. It means you let everyone know that you did make significant contact with someone even though their position was established.

How do you do in that situation? Are you honest? Honestyhas diminished in our society. People of integrity are more and more a thing of the past. Or so it seems. But I am not convinced. While some people have abandoned ethics and morals, I think the kingdom is ever widening.  I think Jesus is doing something. I think people are being transformed by the Spirit. Whatever the case, I think that is what you want. I think you want to be people of integrity in this world. Let’stalk about that from Ruth 3. Looking forward to encouraging you on your journey with Jesus.

Pastor Jace

Dear Family,

Every Politician has to have a response to the immigration question. Perhaps it’s naïve, but I like to assume they are asking the right questions and trying to answer them with care. They are asking:

• How do we protect ourselves and still be compassionate?

• How do we help, but not get hurt?

• What is the best way to handle so many people streaming into our country longing for a better life?

You may have an opinion on this issue, but I wonder how you have reached that conclusion. Did you reach it primarily as an American or as a Christian?

So many people want to come here for a better life. Ruth went somewhere fully knowing she would not have a better life. She went because she loved God and she loved Naomi. She reached out with a love beyond understanding to someone hurting and hopeless. I want to talk about our responsibility to those hurting people this week and I want to do so from Ruth 2. Take a look before you come and pray that God will speak to you and this congregation when we gather. I can’t wait.

Pastor Jace

There is nothing quite like those pictures that hang in office buildings with that one inspirational word.

Challenge

Motivate

Excellence.

Maybe they inspire you to be committed, . . . to make a difference.

Maybe you are like me and find most of those posters pretty stupid. But maybe like me you do need reminders that 1) Jesus is that committed to you and 2) we do have the strength to be self-sacrificially committed to others. Ruth 1 gives us a glimpse of Ruth and her commitment to Naomi. I think it will be beneficial.

Pastor Jace

Dear St. Andrews Family,

Do you struggle with resentment and bitterness? Does it seem that God is afflicting you or, at the very least, isn’t helping you? Maybe you feel like you haven’t received what you need to live life the way you want?

This story begins with great tragedy and great bitterness. Naomi has lost all hope for the future. But this story has only just begun. You will want to hear what God has to say from the book of Ruth this week. Read at least the first chapter, but feel free to invest an entire 20 minutes and read the whole book. I can’t wait to be with you on Sunday.

Pastor Jace

Dear St. Andrews Family,

I wasn’t here this week as I will be checking out the Crown of Thorns far away. Two points for any of you who know where this religious relic is housed. Anyway, I asked Reggie McNeal to come and lead worship for us and I am excited for you. I have been reading his books for a long time. Here is what he says to get you ready for the message:

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, nobody gets any help until somebody gets off their donkey! We will answer 5 key questions that will help us know if we're ready to dismount in our own story. I hope you take a look at Luke 10:25-37 before you listen.

Pastor Jace