While there's still snow on the ground here, supposedly the weather will warm up soon (if the science of meteorology can be trusted at all). Super excited about that, mainly because I really want to play ultimate frisbee again. More importantly though, Easter comes with the season of spring.
Today, the pastor of the church I go to spoke about John 2:1-11. This passage is about the first miracle Jesus did at the wedding at Cana. The pastor talked about how using the water jars (specifically designated for Jewish rites of purification) was not so much symbolic of forgiveness, but of sanctification. As this was the first Sunday of the month, we also partook in communion. Because of this, I was thinking about the relationship between this 'holy wine' that was Jesus' first miracle, and the wine that Jesus and his disciples drank at the Last Supper.
It was around this time that I got an image of looking up at Jesus hanging on the cross. I saw then that in order to see Jesus like that, you have to approach him on that cross. You have to get close to appreciate the 'broken body' that was broken for you and me. Also, we talk about being washed with the blood of the lamb. You cannot look at it from afar and be washed by it, you need to be right next to Jesus to be washed by the blood.
I'll be honest, I don't really know what it means to draw near to him on the cross. The friends of Jesus fled, and abandoned him. Perhaps it means to be willing to accept the lifestyle of Jesus, and truly being a 'little Christ'.
Returning back to the image of Jesus, if that was all there was to Christianity, then there would be nothing else to the story. However, instead, we see one of the most incredible events in history. Jesus came back to life, and continued his ministry for a number of years. More than a symbol of God conquering death, I think this is more of a testament to God's purpose. God didn't just go through pain and suffering to wipe away our sins so that we 'owed him one', but because he wants to have a relationship with us.
Not sure, but I think God might be moving my heart more for missions (long-term or short-term, I don't know). Once again, not sure, but the importance of the Gospel has become so much more evident to me during this past month or so. Once again, very unsure.
Tim's Song of the Week: This week is Cathedrals by Tenth Avenue North. I really like a lot of the music that Tenth Avenue North does, but this song certainly stood out to me. Regarding the title of the song, it takes the idea that we are God's temple, and puts a modern twist on it. Either way, good song. Hope you enjoy it.
Challenge (update): Yeah, I'm following a program that has me running some days, cross-training others (perfect since I do ultimate frisbee), and walking. So far I've run a total of 13.88 miles. Give me a few more days, and I'll have run a marathon over the course of two weeks! That's an accomplishment... right? I'll count it.
Well, there it is, see you next week
No comments:
Post a Comment