The cross is one of those images that is hard for me to wrap my head around. Christians have taken this symbol of oppression and death, and found in it new life and hope. When Jesus tells those who have come to hear his good news that they need to take up their cross and follow him the words must have been abrasive.
The teachings of Jesus challenge the social boundaries that people create. They are alternative wisdom teachings. Wisdom that upends. Sometimes I wonder what cross we are called to take up in our church today.
We are currently in a season of transition. We are in the midst of a church merger. We are making decisions about our new church building. We are dreaming of what God will do. I continue to ask you to pray for us. Pray for our merger. Pray that our leadership may have wisdom. Pray that God will do something new within you. The answers may come from places we don’t expect. Keep an open heart.
Peace,
Matthew
Motivating and Invigorating God,
you challenge me to walk a difficult path.
Show me, as Jesus did,
that letting go of my own security and comfort
is the only way to create space
for your justice to move over the earth.
In this moment of quiet,
I listen carefully for what’s up.