I’ve been thinking about one of the verses we read in Mark awhile back (chapter 6). It was about the time when Jesus sent his disciples out to spread Jesus’ teachings to others. Here’s the version by Eugene Peterson in the Message Translation of the Bible
-8Jesus called the Twelve to him, and sent them out in pairs. He gave them authority and power to deal with the evil opposition. He sent them off with these instructions: 8-9“Don’t think you need a lot of extra equipment for this. You are the equipment. No special appeals for funds. Keep it simple.10“And no luxury inns. Get a modest place and be content there until you leave. 11“If you’re not welcomed, not listened to, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way.” 12-13Then they were on the road. They preached with joyful urgency that life can be radically different; right and left they sent the demons packing; they brought wellness to the sick, anointing their bodies, healing their spirits.
One thing I’ve learned over the past few years of trying to be a “disciple” is that folks are ready for their spiritual journey when they are ready. The church can start the best and most exciting programs and people may even show up, have fun, and meet lifelong friends, but, that does not guarantee that the planned event will help anyone grow closer to God. We tend to come to God in our own time – and when the time is right we are open to hearing God’s word. And – when that happens, God’s work really does chase away our “demons” and bring to us healing. A relationship with God is relational by nature- and involves spending time with God through prayer (the listening kind, not just the talking kind), scripture reading, and worship – as well as by other spiritual disciplines.
Reading Mark at Starbucks was an experiment that has worked in a few other churches, but, it didn’t catch on here. Justin and I have been the only “readers” for that past few weeks and there have been no comments on the blog for quite some time. A life following Jesus is a life where we are not afraid to change course and so I am changing course now and putting our “Reading Mark” group on hold. By doing so I believe I’m following the advice that Jesus gave his earliest disciples: “If you’re not welcomed, not listened to, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way.”
Let me know when you’re ready, though, I’m waiting and available to all who are interested in growing closer to God.
Grace and Peace,
Carol
