Reading Luke 24 this morning I came upon one of the most pivotal episodes in Scripture for me. In 1997, I was pastor of Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. On Monday of Holy Week, our staff embarked on a two-day silent retreat at Ignatius House, a Jesuit Catholic retreat center on the Chattahoochee River in Atlanta. It was there that I found my soul. During these two days, the Holy Spirit showed me that I had been working with God, not walking with him. I was so busy about the Kingdom that I was not still before the King. I could not remember the last time I read the Bible for no reason except to be with God--not to complete a quiet time routine, prepare a sermon, etc. I could not remember the last time I prayed just because I wanted to be with my Father--not to ask for his help, complete a prayer list, etc. Then I realized that I could not remember the last time I told Jesus I loved him. I was Gods servant, but I was not living as his son. During these days, the Spirit showed me that God wants an intimate relationship with me before he wants anything else at all. As Craig notes in todays First15, God wants us to be Mary more than he needs us to be Martha. He defines success by the strength of our relationship with him, the purpose for which we were created. At that silent retreat 17 years ago, I learned what matters most in life. In Luke 24 we find the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They knew much about Jesus, but they did not recognize him when he stood beside them (v. 16). Only when they were silent, listening to him speak the word of God and lead in the worship of God, were their eyes opened so that they knew who he truly was. And their lives would never be the same. When was the last time you made time to be with Jesus for no reason except because you love him? When last did you tell him from your heart that you love him? Will today be just another Sunday at church for you, or a Luke 24 Sunday for your soul?
Posted on: Sun, 09 Mar 2014 13:59:21 +0000
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