The Jesus Project: Come and See

 1 Samuel 3:1-10 and John 1:35-51

 Today's scriptures tell of two different very different call stories: the boy Samuel and the first disciples of Jesus. Together, they offer some important questions and statements that can help us grow in our own discipleship journey:

• What are you looking for?

This is the question Jesus asks the two disciples of John who turn to follow him. It's also a question we should ask of ourselves. What are we looking for? What brings us to church? What makes us want to serve Jesus as disciples? What restless need does our heart have? We all come seeking something. Do we find the answers we are seeking in our faith? Do we believe that God still asks us today to share our burdens and seek the peace that only God can give?

• Come and see

This phrase is used twice in John's scripture. First, Jesus uses it in response to the disciples' question: Where are you staying? This seems a curious question for the disciples to ask. But John's gospel is filled with words that have double meanings. Here, the word "stay" is the same word for "abide" or "remain." In essence, the disciples recognize that Jesus can help them find what they are looking for. They can't articulate their needs, but they don't want to lose him. Their question expresses their desire to not be separated from him now that they have found him. "We want to abide with you."

The invitation is later made by Philip to a skeptical Nathanael. "Come and see" this Jesus, says Philip. It's the original evangelism invitation - just as effective now as it was then. I wonder why we don't use it more often? How often do we say to another "Come and see" as an invitation to attend church, to learn about what it means to be a Christian, to find a place where we can find what it is that we are looking for?

Tom Long tells a wonderful story about staying in a hotel where a colorful sign was posted near the elevator: "Party tonight! Room 210. 8:00 p.m. Everyone invited!" Long found this amusing, and enjoyed speculating about how many different kinds of people might attend such a party. Returning to the elevator, he saw a new sign, a boring sign, typed on hotel letterhead. It explained that the original sign was a joke, a hoax. Management apologized for any confusion. Long writes:

For a brief moment, those of us staying at the motel were tantalized by the possibility that there just might be a party going on somewhere to which we were all invited-a party where it did not make much difference who we were when we walked in the door, or what motivated us to come; a party we could come to out of boredom, loneliness, curiosity, responsibility, eagerness to be in fellowship, or simply out of a desire to come and see what was happening; a party where it didn't matter nearly as much what got us in the door, as what would happen to us after we arrived.Perhaps if there is to be such a party, the church is going to have to throw it. (1)

I wonder what would happen if we invited people to "come and see" with the attitude that our church is hosting the party in Room 210? What if we came to church expecting that something would happen that helps us find whatever it is that we are looking for? What if we helped other people experience this, as well?

This week, we begin The Jesus Project, a journey we will take together for the next nine months. Click on the link above to find the brochure that will outline the 21 Days of Spiritual Renewal that we are all invited to participate in for these first three weeks. Each day, you are encouraged to pray, asking the question, "God, What Can I Do For You Today?" I invite you to ask that question, and then to add the statement Samuel makes in our Old Testament lesson:

• "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening." 

The Monday Connection:

• Imagine that Jesus is walking with you. He asks the question, "What are you looking for?" How do you answer this question?
• "Come and see" is the original and (in my opinion) best invitation to a relationship with Jesus Christ. Who do you know who you can invite to "come and see?" Will you?
• Pray that God will show you what you can do for God each day. Pray the words of Samuel to remind yourself to listen for the answer.

(1) http://day1.org/1034-theres_a_party_goin_on_round_here

Wisdom from Our Youth

This Sunday, the youth shared three different scripture references with us.

Romans 12:3-5

³ Because of the grace that God gave me, I can say to each one of you: don’t think of yourself more highly than you ought to think. Instead, be reasonable since God has measured out a portion of faith to each one of you. ⁴ We have many parts in one body, but the parts don’t all have the same function. ⁵ In the same way, though there are many of us, we are one body in Christ, and individually we belong to each other.

Jason compared Paul's words here to a sturdy offensive lineman playing the part of wide receiver. The gifts of strength that make for an effective lineman are not the gifts of speed that a wide receiver requires. As Christians, we each have gifts that are uniquely ours, and we are called to use these gifts together to make up the body of Christ.

James 1:5

⁵ But anyone who needs wisdom should ask God, whose very nature is to give to everyone without a second thought, without keeping score. Wisdom will certainly be given to those who ask.

In her children's sermon, Addie talked about how sometimes she has problems, but doesn't know how to solve them. This verse from James reminds her that she can't find all the answers she needs on her own - she needs to pray and to seek wisdom from God.

(Careful, though. Remember: God is NOT a cosmic vending machine!)

Matthew 28:18-20

¹⁸ Jesus came near and spoke to them, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹  Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”

Gabby shared a story about a friend who is an atheist. Gabby has had many conversations with her friend about faith, but Gabby often feels that her words are inadequate. But then she realized that she was relying too much on her own ability to help her friend understand. Gabby reminded us that we are called to be faithful in making disciples. But we are not the ones who change people's hearts. We should not be anxious about how effective "we" are: we should be faithful and let God work in people's lives.

The Monday Connection:

• What gifts has God given you for ministry? What are you involved in that isn't really a good fit for your gifts? What are you not doing that God has gifted you to do? Do you feel called to begin offering your gifts in this area of ministry?
• Consider one problem that you are facing that you cannot solve. Take your problem to God in prayer.
• Who do you know that does not have a relationship with God? Pray that God will show you how you can share your faith in this person's life. Pray that God will give the growth.