Exiled Community

Last tuesday night, I went to see the Supertones Farewell concert in Annapolis, MD. I know some of you thought that ska was dead, but it is alive and well when the Supertones play.

Some history…

I started listening to the Supertones back in 1995 or 1996 with their first CD. They made a big impression on me for the upbeat, fun music that was Christ centered. Their music really encouraged me to keep on in my faith.

So, last Tuesday night…I skanked, danced, moshed, jumped, sang, and screamed with a band that I was sad to see say good-bye. The students I took to the concert really enjoyed the Supertones…and were surprised to see one of their pastors in the mosh pit!

It is a beautiful day outside today. Too nice to be in the office. I got to go home during lunch and wanted to do some yard work of something so I wouldn’t have to go back inside. But, alas, I am sitting at the computer. I have just finished my Good Friday sermon and will begin working on Easter either later today or tomorrow.

This past weekend, we took some students to see Superchick at a youth rally. It was good. In the next three weeks, I will be at 2 concerts. My personal favorite will be the Supertones on March 29th. I have been a Supertone fan since 1995. Their music really helped my stay positve and on target when I was a teen. I am so excited to go to the show.

I am grateful to God this week. I have really felt his presence in my life during the day to day stuff…not just in worship. He has given me strength when I am weak. It is exciting this week to celebrate God’s redemptive plan for humankind. God is good!

During my devotion time today, I was reading in John where Jesus reinstates Peter. Earlier, Peter denied Jesus three times as Jesus was in the process of being tried before the Jewish council. After the resurrection, Jesus ask Peter three times if Peter loves him(Jesus). Each time, Peter says yes…and each time Jesus tells him to “feed my sheep.”

Peter is a great example of someone before the cross/resurrection and after. While Peter was a disciple, he often did not understand Jesus and denied even knowing Him. Yet, after the cross and resurrection, Jesus reaches out to Peter and reconnects their relationship. I have to imagine that Peter was hurting inside becuase he denied knowing Jesus. When we fast forward to the book of Acts, the gift of the Holy Spirit is given to the 120 in the room. Who is it that is preaching to the crowd? Peter! Acts says that 3,000 became believers that day.

Before the cross/resurrection, Peter was a bumbling disciple who denied even knowing his rabbi who he acknowledge was the Messiah. After the cross/resurrection Peter is powerful, eloquent, and effective in ministry.

I feel like Peter. There are times that my actions, thoughts, or words deny Jesus. Without Easter, I could not be ‘reinstated’ or forgiven. I couldn’t experience the vibrant new-life that comes through God’s grace. Without Easter, I am utterly lost and confused…since Easter, I can bask in God’s love and fulfill his purpose for my life.

steve
Originally uploaded by lamo5973.

Until I figure out how to put this with my profile, this will have to do. A recent picture of yours truly.

Easter is just around the corner. I am designing and preaching at our Good Friday service on Good Friday (who would have thought!). In the account of Christ death (In this case, in Luke), those who encountered the Cross of Christ had a response. Some were positive, some not so. The two criminals who were crucified on either side of Jesus had different responses. One cursed while the other cried out to Jesus. The Roman Centurian, who may have taken part in the brutality that Jesus faced, exclaimed “Surely this is the Son of God,” when Jesus gave up his spirit. The crowd, who was jeering and abusing Jesus, when the earth trembled at his death, suddenly become filled with grief for what they had done.

The Cross is a polarizing symbol. For some it represents the salvation that comes through Christ death and resurrection. To others, it represents the brutality in the name of God during the Crusades, Inquisition, and so on. To some, it is just a nice piece of Jewelry. Regardless of the view, the Cross of Christ elicits a response.

That got me thinking, “what is my response?” I am a Christian who strives to live out my faith in a real and relevant manner. I desire to have a deep and intimate relationship with God, yet sometimes my response to the Cross isn’t what I know pleases God. I take it for granted that God’s Son took my place on the Cross. I take for granted that my sin drives the nails into the hands of Jesus. My prayer this Easter, is to live my life in response to what Christ did for me on the Cross…and that you would too!

Starting soon, I will be posting here in regards to life, faith, ministry (I’m and Youth Pastor and Worship Leader), and anything else that comes to mind. For me, this is therepy to clear out everything in my head. Hope you come back!