It’s been a long while!
For the longest time, this blog was a weekly place where I shared thoughts and dreams and devotional thoughts that were rattling around in my head and heart. It is time to resurrect that practice. That’s actually what this is for me – a spiritual practice that invites me to think deeply and share outside of my normal preaching week in and week out. I read constantly. I listen to a lot of different podcasts. And I hear a lot of different sermons and takes on life. This is a place where I can process and share for those interested.
As I relaunch this discipline, my first thought is on a book I’m re-reading entitled “Abba’s Child.” It was written by Brennan Manning and who has become a deeply important person in my life (so much so that we gave Brennan to our 3rd son as a middle name). The whole of the book is worth my recommendation, but what has been stirring in my heart this morning is his chapter on Resurrection. One of the
key takeaways for me has been to allow the resurrected Jesus to invade my daily life.
It’s one thing, Brennan seems to indicate, to believe in a resurrection of Jesus from the dead and that he now resides in glory on the throne with the Father. It’s another thing altogether to know that the resurrected Jesus is actually with me in my daily moments and interactions. As I think about that, I’m stunned by the quickness I go about my day and give so very little thought to the presence of the resurrected Jesus with me, around me, in me, through me. It’s stunning actually to realize how quickly I move from a time of devotion to running off to do my little practices “alone.”
Eugene Peterson, the heart behind the Message paraphrase of the scriptures, wrote about living our lives as if we are practicing for resurrection. I love that idea, but I love it even more in light of Brennan’s writings. It’s not just that I am invited to practice my future resurrection by living a kingdom kind of life, but that Jesus’ resurrected presence is with me as I live this life.
I have a vivid memory of my dad and I painting a shed in our backyard. I had never painted a thing except for fingerpainting in preschool. But he lovingly took my hands and guided me as I painted that shed with the huge brush. I slapped paint everywhere and he joyfully watched me and allowed me to make my mess. I painted my heart out and with every messy stroke, he was there to guide, support and correct as needed.
Isn’t that just like what a resurrected Jesus could do if I opened myself up to his presence in my day today?
I invite you to join me in practicing resurrection today. Who knows how the day may be different when we become aware that Jesus is risen and Jesus is with us.
In the coming days, I’ll be traveling to Israel (my 3rd trip) and I’ll be joined by 13 folks from the churches I’ve pastored. Included in this trip is my middle son, TJ. He will be posting every day on my site and I know you’ll be blessed as read his thoughts. So, check-in daily and join us on our trip.
Grace and Peace – Jim