The journey of a thousand miles...
As we've begun to make the turn into Exodus I've been struck by the implications of the Bible's story on my life. If what I'm reading is true, about God and the ways He interacts with mankind and about human nature and our response to Him, I am left with a decision about how I move forward from here.
If God is truly passionate about liberation, not only eternally but presently as well, then how does this glimpse into His nature transform how I think about my life? I am increasingly convinced that if I am to take the call of Christian life seriously I must... well... take it seriously.
As you and I begin to grasp the implications of being part of a much bigger story that is taking place we should find ourselves asking the question "What is my part and how do I play it well?" It is in this question that the Scriptures can begin to shape us. When we come to it as seekers with eyes of discovery and wonder and hope.
It is often confusing as we read through the Bible to recognize that, although it may be broken up into books and chapters and "old" and "new", it is still one story, one account. I believe this is the reason that God reveals Himself through a "chosen" people, so that we could easily follow the story line as it reveals the image of the Father.
As we've moved through Genesis I hope we have begun to discover that God is a creative God, that He makes and keeps His covenants, that He is looking out for the good of His creation, that He has a unique and powerful ability to turn what corrupt men and women intend for evil into good, often to their own salvation, and that He is a God of providence not punishment.
So as we continue to move forward into our story with God may you begin to discover that:
if our Father is creative and not destructive,
if He is faithful to His covenant,
if He is full of grace and mercy toward His children,
if He is looking out for the good of His creation, and...
if He is in the "business" of liberating and redeeming the world,
the implications on our lives, money, relationships, plans, and pleasures is nothing short of revolutionary.
As we begin to discover the Father through the Scriptures and through shared community I often envision the scene from the parable of prodigal son and his return home.
The father is standing just off the porch, looking out into the horizon, joy and elation are on his face as he sees his son coming home. I can only imagine the anticipation in the heart of the father as he realizes the implications of his boys return home. The things that can only be discovered through relationship and humility are about to be revealed to his kid, maybe for the first time.
As you begin the journey into freedom may you discover that there is always more in the heart of the Father for you and I than we ever dreamed possible. And as you take the proverbial "first step" may you hear Him say... "Welcome Home."
Pastor Jonathan Walker
