In the Old Testament book of Numbers, God brings His people to the edge of the promised land. They send out spies to scout out the land and their report is both positive and negative. Yes it is a wonderful land, flowing with milk and honey, but there are walled cities and giants there. The majority opinion is that the land is unconquerable. In spite of the encouragement of Joshua and Caleb to trust the Lord, most want to give up and go back to Egypt. Moses describes the scene in in Numbers 14: 1-4 this way That night all the people of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in the desert! Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” And they said to each other, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.”
It’s amazing to me that a people would choose slavery over freedom just because it was more comfortable and less challenging. Yet, I wonder how different are we really? Do we fear taking a risk for Jesus? Do we settle for mediocrity just because it is less demanding and doesn’t cost as much?
Listen to this quote from Hans Kung in his book “The Church As the People of God”. “A church which pitches It’s tents without constantly looking out for new horizons, which does not continually strike camp, is being untrue to its calling … we must play down our longing for certainty, accept what is risky, and live by improvisation and experiment.”
I believe what Kung is saying is that we can’t always play it safe. Following Jesus often means stepping into the unknown, trying something new and putting our self in places where unless God helps us we are destined to fail. That’s what it means to live by faith.
Is it scary? Yes! Is it always easy? Definitely not! But the upside is we may get to see the hand of God. There is nothing more exciting than being part of a miracle. My challenge to us as a church is to keep following Jesus wherever He leads us with radical abandonment. We never want to stop short of God’s best for our lives. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to spend 40 years wandering in circles like the Israelites. The promise land is waiting for those who will be obedient.
Have a great week,
Pastor Barry
P.S. Thanks to all who made our Trunk or Treat night such a success. We had a fantastic turnout and I believe made a great impact on our community.
It’s amazing to me that a people would choose slavery over freedom just because it was more comfortable and less challenging. Yet, I wonder how different are we really? Do we fear taking a risk for Jesus? Do we settle for mediocrity just because it is less demanding and doesn’t cost as much?
Listen to this quote from Hans Kung in his book “The Church As the People of God”. “A church which pitches It’s tents without constantly looking out for new horizons, which does not continually strike camp, is being untrue to its calling … we must play down our longing for certainty, accept what is risky, and live by improvisation and experiment.”
I believe what Kung is saying is that we can’t always play it safe. Following Jesus often means stepping into the unknown, trying something new and putting our self in places where unless God helps us we are destined to fail. That’s what it means to live by faith.
Is it scary? Yes! Is it always easy? Definitely not! But the upside is we may get to see the hand of God. There is nothing more exciting than being part of a miracle. My challenge to us as a church is to keep following Jesus wherever He leads us with radical abandonment. We never want to stop short of God’s best for our lives. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to spend 40 years wandering in circles like the Israelites. The promise land is waiting for those who will be obedient.
Have a great week,
Pastor Barry
P.S. Thanks to all who made our Trunk or Treat night such a success. We had a fantastic turnout and I believe made a great impact on our community.
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