I hope you've had a great week. This series "Why are Christians so..." has challenged me. It's difficult work for Christ followers to dig deep into what others think of us, especially if it's uncomfortable. It's so easy to just say, "Well, God knows the truth." Over and over again in the Bible, we see people like Noah and Job who grew not only in their faith, but in their stature and reputation among others around them. This week, we're going to continue the hard work of looking within and ask what others are asking: "Why are Christians so self-righteous?"
Thought for the Week
"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing." Luke 13:34
That's a quote from Jesus many don't know. He looks over Jerusalem and sees them with a mother's eyes. God is often described as our loving Father, and rightfully so. He is the Father that waits expectantly for the prodigals to come home. But Jesus takes a different angle. He sees those that are hurting and scattered through the lens of a mother's love. This Sunday is Mother's Day and a time all of us reflect back on the love of our mother, whether or not she is still with us. Of course, we're also reminded of the many other women who mothered us through the years. A grandmother, step-mom, aunt or even Sunday School teacher. There is something about the nurturing spirit of motherly love. Do you know that this is how Christ sees you? He wants to nurture you and guide you back on the path. He wants to gather you up and put band-aids on all your old wounds. He wants to sit around the table and nourish you. He wants to bring you home, with him, to love you and dote on you. Let us not be among those that scatter and run away from this Eternal Parent that wants us back in the fold. Let us not be fearful of a Big Judge in the sky. That is not the image Jesus intends here. No, the message is clear. As a mother hen sees her precious little chicks, so I see you. You are vulnerable, but you are mine. Come home where it is safe. No matter how far you've wandered...you can always come home to Jesus.
In Christ,
Carter McInnis
Lead Pastor
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