Through and To

We live in an interesting cultural moment. The things that make us fit in with some people and stand out from others are less frequently seen as characteristics and increasingly seen as who we are, our whole being, the essence of our existence. 

Why? People are desperate to be seen, accepted, known, and loved. It is in God and God alone that we live and move and have our being. 

So, who does God say you are? 

The best assessment of who you are is not who you say you are, but who you are convinced others are. We unconsciously shine light on our own shadows. - Erwin McManus, author of Mind Shift

What if the way you see the world is not a reflection of who you want to be? What if it's not a reflection of who you know God wants you to be? 

The story of Emmaus Road leads us into what is called a cruciform – or cross-formed - view of the Bible and, consequently, the world. If we see the world as we are and we are formed by the cross, that means being transformed by the renewing of our minds includes learning to see the world through the cross.

Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey my commands." That's a really easy statement to hear the wrong way. What did he really mean when he said it and how do we respond? 

Jesus was betrayed by Judas and Judas never recovered. The betrayal was awful, evil, literally of the devil. Yet, it was not outside of God's will. Judas betrayal led to Jesus' suffering, which, in turn, leads to our redemption. 

Whatever you're going through - whatever pain you're facing. God wants to turn it around for your good and his glory. Your pain has purpose in God's plan.

What's a small thing that is incredibly valuable to Jesus? People.
What has Jesus entrusted to our management until he returns? People. 

Luke 19 includes a parable about the rewards and warnings of missional stewardship. Take a listen! 

As navigation technology has improved over time, it has become easier for people to get where they need to go without getting lost. If only the same kind of navigation technology existed for the ways things get lost. What if my keys could find their way back to me when they’re misplaced? What about all the single socks in the world that have lost their match in the dryer? What if we had some tool to help them find their way home? 

What about people? Jesus came to seek and save the lost, then he sent the Holy Spirit to us to do everything he did and more…which includes leading people through and to Jesus – the only one who saves. 

That means, for this particular kind of being lost, we ARE the navigation technology. 

What you take in through your eyes affects your whole life. Be mindful, then, of what you look at and how you view the world around you. 

Need help? Strap on "God Goggles" and see the world through His eyes.

Jesus is radically inclusive. He ate with tax collectors, drunkards, prostitutes, the homeless, the poor, people with disabilities. He healed people he wasn’t supposed to touch. He chose as his closest followers: uneducated fisherman, a tax collector (who worked for the government and betrayed his people), a violent anti-governmental zealot, an impulsive hothead who probably had ADHD, and a skeptic. 

AND while we were still sinners, he died for us! 

If we're going to be like Jesus, we should be radically inclusive, too.

Where you are matters. Bloom where God has planted you. Pray for him to make you faithful and fruitful. Pastor Tracy Collier, Groups Pastor at JaxNaz Church (Jackson, MI) brings an encouraging word.

Whatever you’re facing right now – or whatever you might face in the future – remember this story. Think not just about what Jesus does, but the living Word he is. When you’re brokenhearted, crushed in spirit, don’t ever forget – the same power that multiplied the loaves and fish, comforts the afflicted, heals the sick, empowers self-denial and cross carrying – that’s God’s mountain-moving power and it’s in you!

Never forget: God moves mountains even when we’re walking in the valley.