Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Contextualization

We are fond of "culturally contextualizing" the tougher teachings of Jesus.

But what if He really did mean we should sell all of our possessions and give to the poor?

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Post Summit Redux

Interesting is the word I would use for this year's Summit. Thursday night and Friday were normal. We started with the whole needing to unwind thing, and then Friday had some great small group time.

Then I went to the emergency room after dinner Friday night. And they admitted me and I was there all day Saturday, as well. So I was gone for this big chunk of the Summit.

God answered the prayers of the group, and me, and I was back for Saturday night. But it was weird not having been there the whole time.

I led worship Sunday, and that was good. And the great thing is that I heard from God, and it confirmed what I had been hearing all along. Simplify, live more generously, and live more communally. Thank God I have friends who will help with the latter.

The clear message I have been hearing since we started talking about planning the Summit was "Rise, take up your mat, and go." As in, how often do we know the path we are to take, and we stand there looking at it instead of walking it?

Jeremiah 6:16, "This is what the Lord says: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient path; ask where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls."

It is when we start walking, that we find rest for our souls.