Well, I'm 3 months into my new position as Lead Pastor at River Pointe Church Missouri City. It's been a great, exciting, busy time in our house. Phew! Transitions are always tough. But in the words of McDonald's, "I'm lovin' it!"
We started a new small group about a month ago with some amazing folks. A dozen or so people who are all working on this thing called faith. A couple with a young daughter, another couple expecting their second very soon. An Asian couple and an Indian couple. Two families with special needs children. Another couple a year away from empty-nesthood. A neighbor of our host home who popped in for the first time last night and contributed greatly. Great times so far and great days ahead.
We spent a little while last night talking about Adoption. Yes, briefly we chatted about child adoption and how it has impacted us all in different ways, from having parents who were adopted, other family members and a few who have considered adoption themselves. This led naturally (and perhaps a little intentionally) into a talk about our Adoption into God's family when we become followers of Christ. Ephesians 1:4-6...
...even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
Amazing! That God loves us so much that he brings us into his family, as co-heirs with Christ. We are chosen! We've been picked! We are special! It's an awesome thing, that in the midst of our brokenness and helplessness, He drew us to Himself and wants us to be in His. That should mean something.
Then we flip over to Matthew 9 where it says...
And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every afficition. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."
Considering the peace, comfort and excitement that we all have about being "in the family", do we remember what it feels like to NOT be in? Do we remember the "harassed and helpless" feeling? The feeling of being without a shepherd? If we do, then our standing with God might compel us to figure out how to make sure others experience the sense of belonging to His family that gives us such peace and acceptance. The harvest is plentiful. Jesus is the Great Shepherd. Where are the workers?
May the rights and privileges of Sonship move me to action in order to help others join the family. Everyone wants to belong somewhere. Let me help them discover the lavish love of a great Father and a great family!
