New can be intimidating, fear causing and tumultuous – but it
can also be fresh, better and amazing! When Luther nailed his 95 theses to the Wittenberg
church door (Martin – what were you thinking?!) the last thing the church wanted to do was
embrace it. Trouble makin forerunners with their radically foreign and DANGEROUS
notions! They threaten the very existence
of everything safe and familiar. Why,
their notions will simply crush and obliterate society and existence as we know
it! Isn’t it interesting that the safe
and familiar of today was actually once, historically, perceived as radically
foreign and DANGEROUS? Ha-ha – people forget. We can’t see the forest for the trees. The children of Israel, finally liberated
from slavery and oppression in Egypt under Pharaoh, wanted to run right back to
it when faced with a whole new world of existence. Were they provided for and instructed in how to
operate? God himself physically (miraculous signs, protections and provisions, cloud
pillar by day/fire pillar by night) walked with them and gave them Moses to
lead, train and guide! But, as horrible
as the old was, it was familiar. Those who led into the Promised Land (Caleb
and Joshua) were the ones with vision and a relentless determination to run
with excellence and confidence. They embraced what God was calling for - because they saw it almost as if it were already an established fact. They had the vision early on to embrace the radically
foreign and DANGEROUS that God had put forth. And they knew that what He calls for He provides for. They never lost that way of thinking. We are the Calebs and Joshuas of our
generation when we see, embrace and run to meet the new in Christ! When we see it with God's eyes and run with excellence, knowing it's coming, the amazing wonder and promise of Jesus - it unfolds. I get more than a little excited and I’m afraid I
really can’t contain my enthusiasm for God’s goodness here. He is breathtaking!
We are on this journey, out beyond the moorings, harbors and every
landmark is gone. When the sea is
stormy, no stars are visible and waves and winds are high. In the vast ocean, far from familiar waters,
where direction is directionless, we have the compass and He is ever true. In all places, times and situations He is
true. And, He’s not just a compass; He
is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. He makes us brave and generous. He is training, leading and guiding us
here! And, He is good cheer personified.
His countenance is contagious! He is also abundant provision, strength, guidance,
and protection on this journey! He
laughs at trouble and darkness! He calms
winds and seas with a word. And we are in
Him on this journey – this band fixed on His countenance and where He’s
leading. Wherever we are in this world we are one in
Him. We are Kingdom people rising
up! We know one another when we see each
other. We are bound by our love of
Christ as one and His love for the world and all He's leading toward.
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