Fences or Bridges
This group has learned to welcome everyone into study in the name of Jesus, and no matter their background or what they look like or what they are.
Season 6, Episode 40 · Fences or Bridges
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The story behind the idea
Then we all sang a few songs together and intermixed were prayers by gentlemen who were zeroing in on our church and the mission in Christ and how blessed we are. I remember thinking it is good for me to be here, but even more than that, I'm thankful Nick is here to hear his grandpa pray and to see these men of faith.
What stands out
He followed up by saying things like this This group has broken down barriers between Christians. This group has learned to welcome everyone into study in the name of Jesus, and no matter their background or what they look like or what they are working through, they are welcome here. We are pursuing Christ and we are pursuing peace, and we are tearing down old blockades that can be felt even across auditoriums where people sit.
Why it matters
The truth of the matter is, putting the last two episodes together, there are impressive people with great qualities that somewhere along the way, we just planted ourselves on different sides of the river. The idea of just permanently erecting a fence and not learning from each other and not growing together and not sharing in who Jesus is for us becomes dangerously comfortable. Maybe I don't have the courage to go down there and build a bridge, but Jesus is always at work. If you are inviting him, as that man did, to work on your property, don't be surprised if he isn't interested in building up division with those that you should love.
A faithful way forward
I'm not talking about that person, I'm talking about people who know you both. When Glenn got through telling the story, he was really building towards Jesus being the carpenter, which of course is primarily true. In my mind, I was thinking of the carpenter as just somebody who knew them both. The carpenter was likely a local guy, he knew about the division between this family.
Put it into practice
He didn't chase them, he didn't lecture them often, he just invited their questions and then he answered them. Just be always open to answer questions or have conversations and occasionally, when you can, invite them to where you are.
Take the idea with you.
- 01What idea from this study most needs my attention right now?
- 02Where does this challenge the way I am currently thinking or living?
- 03What is one faithful step I can take this week?
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