Crossing the Threshold
The incarnation of Jesus (Divine yet human) was the crossing of a threshold. The passing from one reality into another. Changing chapters. New beginnings, if you will. Just as you and I cross thresholds through transitions into new beginnings, Jesus’ entrance into human life changed the world in ways that much of humanity has not recognized.
God sent Jesus into our world to meet people where they were, and he continues to come to you and me. He meets us where we are. Through the good and bad, Immanuel (God with us) does not leave. Consider how that impacts our perceptions of the world. A God figure who is with us rather than separated in some far-off space called heaven. A Presence that transforms the here and now rather than simply being a ticket to a future place after we die.
If he is meeting you and me where we are, then he must be meeting every other person on earth where they are too. Let’s stop and consider some of those whom he visits (though not always obvious)…the person on the street corner, the addict, the immigrant, the prisoner, the poor, and so many more whom we may think God has abandoned. Or worse, people whom we are quick to abandon.
Pastor Sharon H. Miller said, “Who you are is more important than what you do.” As we prepare to step over the threshold of a new year, I encourage you to take Pastor Miller’s quote personally. Jesus came to forgive our sins and restore us to right relationship with God. He didn’t come to promise vocational success, national glory, or even a faithful life without pain. Where are you looking for Jesus’ presence?
New Year’s blessings,
Pastor Randy