I was standing on the shores of the Galilee. It was unseasonably super hot. The water actually cooled my body temperature. I started to feel restored. Jesus. It’s all about Him right here—right now. He did something we couldn’t do on our own. I was overwhelmed with a deep sense of gratitude. My heart was full.

Jesus. Jesus restored the relationship between the entire human race and God. Jesus corrected it to be what God designed it to be. This is what Jesus Christ did in redemption. Jesus. It’s about Him.

I’ve wondered for a long while now about what God thinks is happening in the greater United Methodist Church. As I stood on the shores of the Galilee, I wondered if we’re only interested in the development of our own human organization. I listened to a church leader profess to us that “it’s all about Jesus. It’s only been about Jesus.” This leader also went on to tell me about the UMC pension plan and how it was intact no matter what happens in the future.

The reconciliation of the human race according to God’s plan meant realizing Him not only in our lives individually but also in our lives collectively. I don’t sense that what’s happening in the greater church has anything to do with reconciliation or Jesus. Lines are drawn. Parties hold the line. People identify with a specific caucus or social action group.

When I travel to the Holy Land, I always meet Jesus. It’s like a spiritual chiropractic adjustment. He restores my soul. From that tiny little geographic location, Jesus Christ sent apostles and teachers for this very purpose— that the corporate Person of Christ and His church, made up of many members, might be brought into being and be made known. We are not here to simply develop a personal spiritual life or to enjoy a quiet spiritual retreat. Pension plans and 401k plans make sense. Insurance is a big deal. But, I wonder what Jesus thinks of the current full realization of the church. I struggle with this current environment and if it is really for the purpose of building His body.

So ask this question: am I building up the body of Christ or am I only concerned about my own personal development? Is the essential thing my personal relationship with Jesus Christ— “…that I may know Him…” (Philippians 3:10) or whether or not my pension plan is fully funded? To fulfill God’s perfect design for me requires my total surrender— complete abandonment of myself to Him. Whenever I only want things for myself, the relationship is distorted. I often suffer great humiliation as I come to acknowledge and understand that I have not really been concerned about realizing Jesus Christ Himself but only concerned with knowing what He has done for me or keeping an eye on my retirement portfolio.

My goal needs to be Jesus Christ Himself. My goals get off course when I lose sight of Him. I’m not in ministry for joy, peace or even blessing. Those are outcomes of the relationship with Jesus regardless of the circumstances or the situation. My visits to the Holy Land reveal much within me—the state of my heart, soul, mind and strength. I’m reminded of the parable for this Sunday. Jesus taught about the wheat and the weeds. (Matthew 13:24-30 and 36-43) I think it’s tempting to get caught in the weeds. We never see anything good. Focus is key. Allowing things to unfold is hard. Some may say it takes discipline. I know it takes discipline for me to focus on what is right, good, holy and pure. Focus on Jesus. I am very much aware that I can measure my life by some other standard.

Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy.

Pastor Jen