The Hope of Community

Last evening we had a hymn sing and ice cream social here in town. There were members from 3 different churches (possibly more) who all gathered to hear some tunes and enjoy a few “guiltless” calories. I grew up listening to the Gaither Homecoming Series with my grandmother. They were on in the house often, so when the music began last nigh, I found myself humming familiar tunes from my childhood. It made me thankful for that heritage of song in my life!

As I listened to the music, there was one song that I wasn’t familiar with and as I listened to it, I found myself a little uncomfortable. The song was really pretty and almost blues(y) in style, but it was the words that struck me. The song started out with something like “Jesus had to walk the path alone.” I was listening hard to understand what was being shared and I was starting to piece it together. But when the next verse started, I became confused.The singer said “We have to walk this path alone” and I found myself starting to spiral. Alone? I’m alone? Jesus was alone, I get that, but I’m alone too? 

There have been times in my life, both prior to being a pastor and during my ministry, that alone-ness has been a real problem. It’s so easy for us as “connected” as we are, to feel absolutely isolated. There can be a real loneliness in these moments and it seems that no matter what we do that loneliness seems overwhelming. I’ve heard others talk about feeling like they were drowning all by themselves or of being swallowed by an invisible darkness that kept them isolated. It’s painful to experience and it’s painful to watch someone else experience it. 

It’s a scary place to be – with all that lostness and loneliness surrounding you. Which is why I was bothered by the song I heard. As I look at the words of Jesus and as I understand more and more the beautiful Kingdom we get to be a part of, I realize that loneliness is one of the last things we should have to deal with as Jesus followers. Jesus seems pretty clear that even after he was physically gone from the disciples presence, He would still be with them. He promised that He would be with us even unto the “end of all things.” Beyond that promise, we understand God to be omnipresence and omnipotent – God is all-present and all-knowing. That means even in the deepest pit of loneliness, we aren’t alone. God is with us!

Now, that’s an incredible promise by itself, but it gets better! I think God knew that humanity could quasi-understand the reality of God’s eternal presence, but I also think God knew we needed more than just our intellect to tell us we’re not alone. We need a tangible reminder. It’s not too often that I can physically hug God when I’m feeling low. However, I can feel the arms of God through a brother or sister in Christ. God invited us to not just know that the Divine is with us in our minds, but to sense it the image of God in others! We get to be God’s hands and feet – we get to be God’s hug and presence to the lives of others – and you get to be that for me!

See, I think that’s one of the biggest reasons God gave us the Body of Christ, the Church. We have this incredible opportunity of being God’s presence all around us. We’re never alone when we have this community – NEVER. Sure the community can irritate us – it’s got other broken humans in it – but that brokenness also makes the love real.

The Church is God’s way of showing the world that we aren’t alone. We don’t have to go through those dark moments by ourselves. We have a beautiful vibrant place where life is happening and where we can find comfort when we’re hurting, healing when we are sick and broken and hope when it looks like the morning will never come.

Man, I want that kind of church. I want that kind of knowledge that Church is a home away from home. It’s a place to connect as I’m sent out on a mission to love those drowning all around me. I want the kind of church that says no one will be alone as long as we are here. 

So back to the song from last night, I think the lyrics at the beginning are right – Jesus went through a lot alone. He left the glory of heaven and had to put up with the stink of sin and it’s consequences. He had to face the torment of the cross alone. He had to die alone. But He faced this loneliness so that you and I would never be alone! The power of this lie of isolation is defeated in Jesus’ sacrifice and gift. He gave us Himself so that we would know the Father. He gave us the Church so that we could live life together with others who are seeking Him.

I truly pray that our churches will look loneliness in the eye and decide that isolation will not happen in our communities. I hope we’ll find ways to celebrate life and enjoy the togetherness we have in Jesus. I also hope that we’ll seek those out who are in the midst of drowning in isolation – we have a great task in front of us. Some in this isolation will need professional help as they journey through it (and if you are, please utilize the incredible people who are trained to help out). Loneliness is a problem that we can do something about and thankfully a simple smile, greeting or hug could be a gift straight from the Father above. 

 

Grace and Peace!

And know you’re never alone!!!!