derekmaul

When we are lost in the noise, Jesus offers peace….

– That grandchildren in church! Sunday morning at HMPC

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. – Colossians 3:15

– walking to church

Okay, so I don’t mean to sound overly dramatic but this right here – illustrated in the two photographs – is a grandparent’s dream come true. That’s right, the grandchildren in church.

Every week, Sunday morning is a great experience; it is always good to be in worship. But this time, having David and Beks and Geoffrey with us, we experienced an extra measure of grace.

A series of phrases was used during the service that got my attention (thanks, Adam Schultz). Here they are:

  • “Christ calls us out of our distractions and into his grace.”
  • “When we confess, God forgives.”
  • “When we are lost in the noise, Jesus offers peace.”

Life is noisy and we can absolutely get lost in the middle of it all. It is not just distractions it is disappointments, it is overwhelm, it is pressure, it is the sense that we are not in control, it is our concern about where it is all leading, it is our lack of faith. But Jesus calls us into his grace.

This is hugely important. It is also counter-intuitive for us as human beings steeped in anxiety and in unbelief.

Jesus calls us into his grace

Story:

I have a favorite story from Rebekah that helps here. She was approached at a Presbytery (district) meeting one day, and the other minister was cynically dismissive of her positive, Christ-centered, outlook. “Your problem is that you are naïve” he said. “When you gain some experience you will change your tune.”

Of course she already had many more years experience in leadership than he had, via a series of pastorates at once both challenging and affirming beyond our dreams. She looked at him quizzically and then offered the following rejoinder.

– decades of ministry

“I don’t think the word is naïve,“ she said. “After more than thirty years of ministry I can say that I believe. I believe in Jesus, I believe in Gods promises, I believe that ‘my redeemer is faithful and true.'”

For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth…. – Job 19:25

Faithful. True. Redeemer. We are called into his grace – DEREK

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