It’s difficult when you are travelling along in the journey of life, going in the right direction, and all of a sudden, a roadblock appears – and you have to change direction to get where you are going. Bumps in road – detours – temporary inconvenience for permanent improvement – new traffic pattern. You know what I’m talking about if you drive. So many things get us off of the track that we were on!
Such is the situation in our world, in our nation, in our church. We’ve been traveling through a deep valley called COVID – working our way back up to the top of the mountain – seeing the signs that everything is leading us in the right direction – and then BOOM! We run into a DETOUR sign – and the road is taking us right back down into the valley. Ouch!
At Summit our plans are still on track – but we know a wrench has been thrown into the works. Regular church gatherings will resume – choir rehearsals, back to regular worship times, Sunday School, Youth Groups, THWOG, the Graduates luncheons, the ROMEO breakfasts, Bible Studies, etc. We can’t wait – but we know that we are still traveling up and down hills on our way back. A big part for the church is making sure EVERYONE – regardless of their opinions, thoughts or politics – feels welcome to come into the presence of the Lord and to hear about the gift of salvation that Jesus offers. Jesus wanted – and wants – everyone to know what he offers. No one was discouraged from coming into his presence – rich or poor; men, women and children; sick and well; educated and uneducated; saint and sinner; pharisees and adulterers; lepers, demon possessed and Jewish Leaders; etc. ALL! And in our world today Jesus wants – Republicans and democrats; conservatives; liberals and moderates; people protesting for or against a myriad of issues; rich or poor; students, teachers and parents; etc. ALL! Basically, Jesus says to everyone: “Come to me all you who are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest!” And Jesus says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life – no one comes to the Father except by me!” You see – we all need to come to Jesus.
Getting to Jesus though in these times goes through deep valleys and high mountains, through roadblocks and detours, but he always gives us directions. So whether we are on the mountaintops or deep valleys in our life journey, Jesus will either help lift us up – or bring us down – into his presence. All the things we are going through now are ‘temporary inconveniences’ in the journey of life and faith. As the verses above explain, Jesus knows the ups and downs; the highs and lows; the mountains and valleys in the journey – because he has been there. He has gifts for us no matter who we are. So make sure your eyes are focused on the road – or should I say on THE WAY!
See you in church!
