Author: Wick

I remember standing on the edge of a large natural amphitheater, with the Sea of Galilee very close in view. Green rolling hills, birds overhead, and imagining the words of Jesus from the “Sermon on the Mount” being spoken.

Specifically, the “Beatitudes“. I will post those verses at the end of this post, because I think it’s important to think of them, along with these words. It’s important to realize this is not a list of “actions & rewards”, such that we might strive to be (poor in Spirit, mourning, meek, etc.) in order to be Blessed.

Jesus was not speaking these words as a way of “transforming” or even “offering a new or alternate” reality. Jesus was revealing what actually IS reality. He was doing this with his entire life/being/death/resurrection/etc. To live for myself, or for many of the things this world has to offer offers a “false” sense of reality.

In His message to the crowds, He was describing reality in a way most of them had never heard before. He was also telling them what life may be like for those who recognize this reality. It will probably lead you to a place where you find yourself poor in Spirit, mourning, meek, hungry and thirsty for things to be made Right, etc…and if so, “Good!!!”

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely ^F31 on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

An interesting connection was made in comments to a recent blog post of mine (on Facebook, even if none of ya’ll commented here). The reference to what expectations one brings to a sporting event, compared to the expectations we may bring to a worship service.

I’ve been to both a worship service AND a major sporting event in the past week, so I figured I’m qualified to make a few comments. I agree that there are interesting things to note.

The obvious one would be participation versus consumerism. “Liturgy” literally means “the work of the people”. I think it’s important that we as worship leaders find ways to integrate response and active participation in some form of those we are leading. I also believe when I come to worship, I come wholly expecting to participate as actively as possible in the context provided…possibly even outside the lines a bit. 🙂

But maybe not so obviously, how often do we actually “expect” God to do something extra-ordinary in our worship time together? I think it often falls into the “ah….another worship service just like last week“, or possibly even the “WHOO HOO, ANOTHER WORSHIP SERVICE LIKE LAST WEEK!!”….depending on your approach. I think both extremes can miss out…although I think I like hockey more than basketball.

I desire the healthy expectation that comes from regular movements of the Spirit in our times together, much like the ebb and flow of a basketball game. Being able to accustom ourselves to how and where the Spirit is moving in our lives, and through us in our community.

But I also desire the random, out of nowhere, unexpected in occurrence and/or method, bursting forth uncontrollable moments of the Spirit, much like a goal being scored in a hockey game. Being completely surprised and taken off guard by the offensive and overwhelming presence and urging of the Spirit, both in our lives and through us in our community.

Ah well…as I’ve said before….our prayer is that we would reflect the worshipers God is looking for in John 4:23…

In listening to a message by Stanley Hauerwas the other day, he used a similar phrase over and over again. He was emphasizing the call of Christians and the Church to stand out…to live differently….to exist in ways that obviously contrast the way of the world toward the direction of Christ.

He mentioned several ways this can be done. Obviously, since the talk was not only from Hauerwas, but about Bonhoeffer & Yoder; Pacifism & non-violence were discussed. I have to say I find my being nodding in agreement with much of what was said in that regard. And not to be pigeon-holed in a “I’m against war” mindset, but in every area of life…to sacrifice ones assumed “rights” and show love, forgiveness and grace to the other, even when that means suffering. Not something I’m inherently good at, but something I’m working on.

But this concept of being a “light in the darkness”, or a “city on a hill” really become quite difficult during the Christmas season. We have displays that involve angels and stars – so does Wal-mart. We have productions and songs that involve a baby Jesus – so do half of the televised Primetime Specials. We remind people to be of good cheer, filled with hope, and emphasize good will above selfishness and materialism – so does, ironically, much of Christmas advertising.

And before the “War on Christmas” people get started, I don’t believe the “light in the darkness” comes in the form of forcing stores into plastering the word “Christ” in all of their commercialism. That may actually be simply making noise in the darkness.

Nevertheless, God has called us and has given His Spirit to enable us to LIVE DIFFERENTLY during every season of our lives, including Christmas. What will that look like in your family?

What patterns have your celebrations taken that are rooted in the world? What new patterns could you begin with your family this year that are grounded in Christ and His Kingdom? Where are you crossing the line between “feel good Christmas-ish actions” and “sacrificial, making no sense except to Jesus-ish actions”?