This past Saturday, I attended a funeral for a friend, Rev. Mark Spaw. He was the former District Superintendent for Ann Abor and served in that role for 8 years. I first met him when I interviewed for Commissioning with the Board of Ordained Ministry. I still remember the first question he asked me after he introduced himself. It was and is a deep theological question to ponder. “If Jesus can be viewed as three legs of a stool; each one representing His life, death and resurrection, which one would be most important for you?” I was extremely nervous because this was my first interview of the day. I took Rev. Mark seriously and began to imagine Jesus being represented by a stool. So when he got to the question, I realized I missed it. I had to ask him to repeat it. What followed was a reflection on how Jesus is manifested in our lives; through His servant leadership on earth, His willingness to give His live up for us, and the miracle of His resurrection.
During this season of Lent, we are asked to do the same thing. Reflect upon how Jesus’ journey impacts our lives. Consider how His life, death and resurrection has transformed and is transforming who we are. I often encourage laity and clergy alike to tell our story. As United Methodists, we are dedicated to doing work in and for the people in our churches, creating new ways to impact the lives of those who do not have a relationship with our Lord yet and celebrating who we are and who’s we are. We are not good at telling our story. Witness and testimony are a part of our Christian journey. Christianity began as the apostles gathered in homes to share what they had witnessed during His mission and ministry. People who were healed, spread the good news of how Jesus touched their lives and their hearts, restoring them and renewing them. Cleopas and his friend rushed back from Emmaus to tell the other disciples that they had seen the risen Savior. Personal witness and testimony of Emmanuel, God is with us.
Our faith was born through the remembrance of Jesus’ miracles, sermons and presence among us. His message was not meant for one time, but for all times. I invite and encourage all of us, whether we gather during worship, pot lucks, committee meetings, Bible studies or even pub conversations, to share how we have been touched, and are being touched, by Jesus’ presence in our lives. Jesus’ mission is ongoing. There is still work for us to do as we continue to be His hands, feet and just as important, His voice in and for the world. And Amen.