Don't Forget, God Moves

Don’t Forget, God Moves

             This past fall, Lynn and I had the opportunity to travel to England together.  It was a marvelous time of touring and experiencing the wonder and traditions of Great Britain.  We followed the footsteps of John Wesley, enjoyed Piccadilly Circus, and celebrated the museums.  We also spent a good bit of time visiting Cathedrals such as St. Pauls, Westminster Abbey, Salisbury, and Canterbury. 

            The buildings are incredible.  Some of the cathedrals have been standing since the 13^th century.  It is humbling when you walk in and tour the structures.  The massive spires invite you to turn your gaze upward and put you in a place of worship as soon as you enter.  The old stone and time worn dates of important fixtures around you are a reminder that the church has been around for a very long time, and will be here long after we are gone.  There are such healthy and humbling reminders around buildings such as these as they speak to the permanence and non-changing nature of God and even of the church eternal.

            And yet, when you open the Scriptures and look at the stories of the people of God, of Jesus, of the early church, and of all the followers, it is clear that this is not the only image.  Again and again, we find that the church moves.  While we do hold to that foundation built on the rock and not on the sand, it is clear that the God of the Scriptures, when it comes to his people is simply not stagnant.  God moves.  Jesus moves.  The Spirit is in constant motion.  Apostles travel.  Churches are scattered.  In fact, it could be argued that movement is a key Biblical adjective that describes God’s ways with God’s people.

            This weekend, we are going to talk about this more.  So often, we see church as that cathedral, in that intense and fixed image.  There are good things in that impression.  But more often, the Scriptures offer movement as the more fitting picture of what it means to follow God.  Come join us in worship, and let’s take in a reminder that our God is not stagnant, but in the business of moving in our lives and moving in this world.  See you there!

In Christ,

Pastor Pete