Shane Ash

I can’t escape the desire to continue to re-examine my understanding of the Christian life. When I put on my pastoral hat and step back to view the full landscape of the Church today, there are blurred portions of the picture that I wish were more clearly in focus. One of the areas needing our attention is the understanding of our direct role in the work of God in this world.

Contrary to popular belief…God is not pulling the strings behind the scenes making a mockery of our pain, suffering, or temptations. God is also not entertaining himself by sitting back in his heavenly recliner waiting for the next good laugh.  God is motivated by one thing…love. God sent his only son, Jesus, because he loves. Jesus and his earthly ministry was more than an appeasing sacrifice for an vengeful God. Jesus and his life were a gift to humanity, teaching us how to live. Helping us put actions, attitudes, and meaning into what a life of Love looks like.

The blurred portions of the Christian life can be refocused. And it starts by illuminating the reason God wants us to be living. To be spotlights of love, focused on spreading the light of Love from one created person to the next. We do this by living out the Great Commission, by putting others ahead of ourselves, and by focusing on extending Love (God) to others.

“The crucial form in which the Great Commission has been handed down to us (though it is the most neglected because it is the most costly) is the Johannine. Jesus had anticipated it in his prayer in the upper room which he said to the Father: “As thou didst send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world” (John 17:18).

Now, probably in the same upper room but after his death and resurrection, he turned his prayer-statement into a commission and said: “As the Father has sent me, even so I send you” (John 20:21).

In both of these statements Jesus did more than draw a vague parallel between his mission and ours. Deliberately and precisely he made his mission the model of ours, saying “as the Father sent me, soI send you.” Therefore our understanding of the church’s mission must be deduced from our understanding of the Son’s.” – John R.W. Stott in Christian Mission in the Modern World

I was just reading out of My Utmost for His Highest, a compilation of devotionals written by Oswald Chambers. In the devotional under today’s date the phrase “insubordinate in intellect” jumped off the page at me.

Does God have permission to form his will in me? Are others able to see the image of God in me?

Christ never spoke of promoting his rights…nor did he attempt to defend against his accusers…he willing submitted to the will of God.

Putting on the mind of Christ…becoming like our model for life both in outward expressions and inward thoughts of love for others. This is the will of the Father…so, do I submit? Or am I insubordinate?

Is the will of God fully allowed to control and lead in my life? Or am I insubordinate in intellect? Do I reject the instructions of Jesus to forgive when wronged? Am I willing to forsake my own will for the will of God? Am I submitted to the will of the Father?

I guess there are only two choices in this life…to live submitted, or live insubordinate.

Long before the shamrocks and green wearing traditions…there was the man. Not a man of luck…but a man of Christ. Here is a prayer said to be written by St. Patrick.

As I arise today,
may the strength of God pilot me,
the power of God uphold me,
the wisdom of God guide me.
May the eye of God look before me,
the ear of God hear me,
the word of God speak for me.
May the hand of God protect me,
the way of God lie before me,
the shield of God defend me,
the host of God save me.
May Christ shield me today.
Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit,
Christ when I stand,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Amen

• It is time for Spring. I really hope this March brings some sunshine back into life. It has been a looong, cold few months. I am beginning to believe in cabin fever…
• I love it when I hear stories of how our church is shaping people. Actually, I need those stories to keep moving. Yesterday, I heard a couple of amazing stories about how God is shaping our people into His image. And how God is using our church family to help with the process. These are the stories that keep me moving in the days that I would rather just give up (yes, I sometimes wonder if my efforts are in vain). Maybe we should find a way to tell more stories…it is God honoring and church edifying.
• One of the great ways to tell the stories is through baptism…and if you were in church yesterday you know what I am saying>>>
• One way to break cabin fever is to go fishing…and I am ready.
• This past Saturday I spent the morning together with several of our leaders at a training conference. I was really encouraged at the conversations I am hearing as a result. God is positioning us for a breakthrough…these are exciting days.
• Just looked at my schedule and I have an incredibly busy week. I am going to need some prayers.
• I am super excited about the potential of our Easter neighborhood outreaches. I can’t wait to find out the response to our ask for “event leaders.” Seriously, this kind of missional caring for our communities has the potential for major Kingdom impact.
• I keep having this recurring thought that something amazing is going to happen around nbc in the next few weeks. We have prayed faithfully and are preparing well…God will honor it.
• It is going to be a great week.