Good Friday: The Day Death Died

On Monday, I posted that I would have a new and interesting post for you each day of Holy Week.  Although I failed to post, I have indeed been steeped in the spirit and words of this sacred week in the Christian year.  In many cases, I confess, I wasn't even sure exactly what to write or say regarding the journey I was on with Jesus, and I apologize for letting any of you down who have been following the blog.  This morning however, I was crystal clear on the message to be shared....

Today our Holy and precious God, who gave himself to us so that we might intimately know Him, experienced the worst suffering the human condition could bear in order to bring us into Himself.  He did this so that we would forever have a perfect mediator to usher us into the everlasting Kingdom of God, crushing death in order to reveal a new and eternal way of life.

I am always struck with sweet sorrow on Good Friday.  In Louisiana, where I am from, it is traditional for families to gather together for fellowship and fun with fried fish and boiled seafood.  My family is no exception...in fact, they lead the way for this great celebration.  We swim, boat, ski, eat, visit, and share love with one another all day long from mid morning to late afternoon. For the past 7 years, my husband and I have added to our tradition to follow our family fun day by leading a Good Friday worship service in our local church where we participate in Stations of the Cross, a viewing of The Passion, or reflection on the great sacrifice made for each of us and for the world.  Good Friday has become exceedingly meaningful to me and one of my favorite days of Holy Week.  

I woke up this morning overcome with gratitude and sorrow, excitement and grief over what today represents and I was reminded of a passage from 1 Peter I read earlier this week:

"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

 “He committed no sin,
    and no deceit was found in his mouth.”^[a]

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”  For “you were like sheep going astray,”but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."

Remember today, that God loved you so much that He sent himself in the flesh, as one of your own, to let you know.  Remember that he is calling you to be with Him always.  Take some time to listen to the still small voice of The Lord and to remember that through the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the doorway is forever open for you to be with God, your wonderful creator and the lover of your soul.  Know deeply that God's holy love for you reaches past the depths of your worst mistakes and failures and that He sees the beautiful and wonderful person He knit in your mother's womb years ago.  

Today is the day we remember the most powerful thing God could have done and we become infused by the strength Jesus shows us on the cross.  Through it we can go forward into the world without fear and darkness, because today, Jesus with the Triune God crushed death itself and lit a new path for humanity to be in constant relationship with God forever.

Is there any greater gift that could have been given?

    

Monday of Holy Week

"And Jesus…drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons."  —Matthew 21:12 

Holy Week is one of my favorite times of the year.  Its the culmination of the spiritual journey that I enter into (or try to anyway) on Ash Wednesday.  In our busy and chaotic life, there is always something so soothing and attractive about going into the wilderness with God.  There are many soul practices we can engage in during lent.  One of the most popular, dare I say most commercialized, is fasting.  Rather than fasting, I make an effort to raise the bar on my devotion to God in everyday life; simply to be more spiritually, emotionally, and physically present to God and what he has for me during this season.

This lent in particular has been especially interesting, as I have found God calling me to rely on Him for His guidance in my decision making.  I know you are thinking - "WOW - GEEZ, Never heard that before...glad I tuned in...," but really, for people who know me, listening to God and giving up control is one of the toughest for me to do.  This girl is a total control freak and control is where I find security.  But lately, I have felt God stirring humility in me and I have found deep comfort and liberation in choosing to trust in God and lean not on my own understanding.

As I tuned into The Bible last night, with 5 million other viewers and watched Jesus clear the temple I was struck with the idea that in the present day, we are the temple...our bodies are the temple.  I am willing to let God lead my in my everyday decisions, but what decisions to I need to make about my inner self?  What inner work is left to be done before Easter Sunday?  In other words, what junk do I need to let Jesus drive out of me so that I can more fully rely on God and continue living my Lenten journey even after the Resurrection?    

So today, my prayer for all of us is that that we might trust God to enter into the dark corners of our souls and be willing to let Jesus command inner cleanliness.  I pray that Christ would clear the cobwebs in His perfect grace and mercy, that we might be prepared for Resurrection Day, so that our souls would explode with light and for me, that my Lenten experience would only emerge into a long lasting rhythm of deeply abiding in Christ.   

Check in tomorrow for Tuesday of Holy Week :)

What is a Young Adult anyway?

Being a young adult, traditionally defined in the United Methodist Church as someone between the ages of 18-35, you would think I might know and understand the characteristics of my own generation.  However, when I accepted a position as a Young Adult Ministries Director at Centenary UMC in Danville, Ky, I felt deep within me that my own experience as a young adult combined with six years serving vocationally in ministry was insufficient knowledge on the subject.  The question that stays at the front of my mind, even in my dreams, is, "Who are You, young adults?"

In Millenials, a great book about my generation (born from 1980-2000), father and son co-authors Thom and Jess Rainer research key characteristics of what is now the largest generation in America's history, 78 million people strong.  Millennials are already stepping into power playing roles, impacting businesses, the workplace, schools, churches, and other sects in today's society.  

One of the most interesting facts brought to my attention in the book is that 96% of young adults believe in the statement, "I believe I can do something great."  Greatness, as defined by my peers is not in terms of fame, wealth, and personal power.  Instead, it is the greater good we are after.  We care more about global awareness, peace, unity, justice, and values than our own fame and fortune.  Sounds a lot like Kingdom building...Surprised?  I was a little at first, but as sat on the thought, I realized that it is not only true of me, but many of my friends and peers.  

The flip side of this coin is the shocking reality that only 13% consider ANY type of spirituality to be vital or important in their lives.  In fact, most young adults aren't thinking about religious matters at all.

Upon examining these two sides of the millennial coin, I can't help but wonder what would happen if our deep rooted passion to see a better world was met with a sustaining and authentic relationship with Jesus Christ.  See, I believe that in an authentic relationship with Christ we become transformed into living temples of God's spirit working in the world.  On our own, even banded together for a good cause, we could never accomplish what can be done through the power and grace of God.

Believer or not, millennials are characterized as optimistic, hopeful, and relational, not to mention the most educated generation of people our world has seen come out of America.  We care about family, we believe in marriage, we love our parents, we respect and desire worth-while mentors, we are diverse and appreciate diversity, and we believe we can make a positive impact for the future.  We work hard and we play harder.  

So, now, I am left with learning about the millenials right here at Centenary UMC, Danville and their friends.  Who are you?  What are your characteristics   Are there cultural differences in KY compared to these nationwide stats?

I am so looking forward to getting to know you and build relationships together within the church family so that we might go out and love millenials unlike ourselves.  If there is one thing I know for sure, it is that young adults are not OK.  They are in need.  They are searching.  And...they have AMAZING potential to make positive changes in the world beyond our wildest dreams.