10/30/2024
PASTOR PONDERINGS: I love how the CEV translates Matthew 28:19-20: “Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.” Then just a short time later Jesus told is followers this in Acts 1:8: “But when the Holy Spirit comes to you, you will receive power. You will be my witnesses—in Jerusalem, in all of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world” (NCV). Two statements that are so very obvious, but to me, seem to be overlooked by the church today are this: One, Jesus said GO. Then he said to BEGIN in Jerusalem. To GO we must leave our cozy cathedrals and connect with those who need Jesus. And we need to begin in our Jerusalem, our own community. Mission trips are good, but our first priority in serving others for Jesus is to begin where we live. And we also need to understand this goes beyond inviting people to church, it means consistently connecting with the hurting and hopeless in our own communities. So let’s actually obey Jesus by going consistently to our Jerusalem, then go to all the world as the Holy Spirit leads and provides. Just some more pondering from the tired old preacher.
