Do we over design and structure our meetings? Should we simply let Jesus take full control? Can we trust him in this or do we think we can do a better job than he can?
Sean, Melissa and I visited Rupert and Uli and their family on Sunday. Justine was there too though some others were unable to make it.It was a lovely time of simple sharing. We sat in the shade of a big, old tree and talked about life. Jesus was never far from our hearts and thoughts. We talked about Ffald-y-Brenin and our visit there last year. We talked about people we know and where they are on their journeys. Later, Rupert suggested we dip into the Bible and we read and prayed and listened together. There was no agenda, no plan, just us and Jesus.
As we ate together the conversation continued and he was still right there with us. This was such a blessing to us and a contrast with the planned and structured times we sometimes experience when we meet.
Jesus is looking for a place where he can rest and be at peace. During his life on Earth 2000 years ago, the place he found was in Bethany, at the house of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Looking back it strikes me that this meeting at Rupert and Uli's had the same flavour to it, the same aroma. Jesus was here and he was relaxing with us, chipping in from time to time, listening, enjoying our company and blessing us with his presence.
Shouldn't all our times of meeting be like this? Why are they not? Could it be that when he said, 'I will build my church', he really meant it? Should we stop trying to build? Should we simply behave like bricks and let him place us in his body and cement us together in love?
How does a brick behave? It does... nothing!
How, then, should a living stone behave?
If we don't - he will. If we do - perhaps he can't. Is that how it is?
What do you think? Comments please, they will be very welcome.
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For many years the home church I have participated in has simply met around the Lord (as you have described in your post) weekly. Each person shared something as they felt led by the Lord and everyone was always encouraged.
ReplyDeleteFor many years, the home church I have participated in has followed this same format for our weekly gathering and people are always encouraged. I love your question about a brick's behavior and the only behavior that comes to mind is that it is in a constant state of yielding.
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