#51 Happy Reformation Day! Thoughts from the Back Deck...

[Barnabas and Paul] preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.
—Acts 14:21-22

Happy Reformation Day!

What kind of table do you have? Our home has a rectangular table. The room itself is small but we can squeeze in 9 elbow to elbow at the table! We can serve only from one end of the table as the other rests against the wall.

I have been thinking about relationships with people. It comes to mind often. Jesus was all about relationships with people. So is God our Father.

Relationships between people are important. Maybe give a listen to our Solid Ground sermon kick-off where we talk about Doors being open and closed (10/29/2023). 

I did a little research and here is what I found...

1. We have a circle of 1-3 really close friends. These are those we share struggles and secrets with as we move through life. These are the best friends!

2. There is a group of 5-10 people in most of our lives who are our friends. We share similar interests. We hang out at each other's homes from time to time and vacation together. 

3. We have another group of 20-30 people with whom we share interests, social media, and basic positive family facts. We would hang out in public with them like at sports events.

4. Lastly there are 50-100 people we know their name. Small talk. Surface trust, no details. Don't hang with, but "bump into". 

And then there are the strangers. An infinite number and growing every day as the population increases! 

Sometimes we think "The Reformation" is a Luther or a Lutheran thing. Actually, Reformation is a Jesus thing. 

The Reformation is a reminder that Christianity, regardless of the denomination, is about first and foremost...  JESUS!

Christianity is not about what I do or don't do. It is not about my faith or lack thereof. It is not about good works so I get something in return. It's not about me measuring others against me or measuring others or ourselves against the scriptures because we lose. I say again: first and foremost it is about Jesus. 

Jesus forged a relationship with us by his blood. He invites us to his table and he is always inviting more to come to his table. 

It is a really BIG table! 

Some people are best friends with Jesus. Some are pretty good friends. Some hang with Jesus at times and some barely know Jesus. Just like the friendship levels I mentioned earlier.

What is cool here and different is Jesus knows us really well. He knows your name. In fact, to be accurate, he knows us completely and fully... and as I have said before, loves us anyway... Warts and all!

Barnabas and Paul, they understood that the table Jesus provides is a really big table. Jesus always has an empty chair ready at his table to welcome the next new "friend". He is the friend of sinners after all! 

Luther? Well, he asked a lot of questions. The Holy Spirit took those questions and helped people remember that the important thing is always...  JESUS.

Who in your different relationships are you praying for to come and have a seat at the table? Who in your relationships do you know that Jesus might be calling you to be their Barnabas or Paul so they get to hear about Jesus?

Peace out,
Andy

Share as the Spirit leads...

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