I love being on mission. Not just in far away places but also in the here and now. Teaming together with Jesus (and other Christians) in prayer, planning, and sharing the Gospel, is the quintessential life in Christ. I think the here and now is the actual living out of a life in Christ, or the realization of what Jesus was talking about when He described the full life in Christ. I’m not talking about a “campfire-singing-Kum Ba Yah” sort of existence. Instead, it’s more of a real day-to-day intimacy with God. The kind that is with me through my highs, my lows, and walks me through the here and now moments of life.
If I’m honest, I can run hot and cold for the Gospel. Short-term missions trips and localized events help keep me stirred up and that’s great. But having Jesus in the here and now is what I desire. The “everyday-walking-in-the-Spirit” sort of thing. Wouldn’t it be amazing to see your day through the eyes of Christ? For instance, I would love to see my neighbor mowing his lawn and instantly be concerned for his salvation. Or, how about having the capability to look beyond an offense from another person and love them anyway?
Jesus gives us a great example of loving in the here and now in Luke. Jesus enters His disciples everyday lives and asks to use the boats the men were using to fish all night. He gets into one and preaches to the people. This is a prelude to Him sending these men out to catch the most bountiful haul of fish they have ever seen. How incredibly personal this must have been. Peter and his companions were astonished at their catch.
Jesus entered their lives in the everyday moments and made Himself known to them as their God. A simple come follow me expression of love. In Luke, Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” They left everything and followed Him.
Our God is here — now. Don’t miss out on the full life He offers. Leave everything and follow Him in the here and now.
Here fishing!
Mac
Posted in A Word from the Pastor