Spent the last week in San Diego at the National Pastor's convention. Giddy up, it was crazy. Had a chance to meet a few people whose books I have read or blogs I track, namely Brian McLaren, Dan Kimball, and Doug Pagitt. Dan Kimball has possibly the sweetest hair ever. And he can teach! His new book is sitting in front of me--titled "They Like Jesus But Not the Church." Oh man, that describes a lot of students I teach. Dan gave some sweet insight about the disconnect between church and Jesus, and yet Dan hasn't given up on the church, he actually pastors one. And no doubt does a might fine job.
Some sweet, sweet music each morning and evening, led by Josh Fox for a few sessions. Josh managed to get 1800 pastors dancing a jig to some sweet Johnny Cash--that instantly gives him cred and respect. I am a little envious though, because Josh is also a pastor at Dan's church. That is a lot of talent on one team. Maybe something like having Crosby and Malkin playing together. I also had a chance to listen to another singer, Todd Agnew, who has got a sweet bluesy voice. Met Ken Miedema too. I was in a production Ken created way back in the day, titled the "New Connection." I reminded Ken I was the kid who forgot his line and said "Shit" right into the microphone for everyone to hear. He told me if we were into swearing confessions, he dropped a big eff bomb a while back when he couldn't find some music. It is good to know in the future I can light it up with Ken when I get pissed off.
There was just too much going on for me to give a reasonable summary of it all. I came away with a sense that lots of people are trying to find ways to be the church, and that following Jesus isn't always fun nor easy, and I guess he never said it would be. Seriously, with all due respect, Jesus is a little crazy. I'm not sure that the NT Jesus totally fits my Jesus. I'm also quite sure that my Jesus is a nicer, kinder version of the real Jesus. After it was all said and done, I found myself wrestling with one question:
If there was no heaven, would I still follow Jesus?
Anyone?
4 comments:
Wow, that question will rock you. Hmm.
Ahhh...I rewrote my comment a couple of times...I can't think of what I would do. I'd like to think that I would. Would there still be a hell? Maybe I would, just less than wholeheartedly. I think there are many earthly rewards from following Him. I mean, helping and loving others makes the world a better place anyways and most of us aren't 100% altruistic so there are good feelings that come from that. I'm interested in other responses so I'll be brave and publish my wishy washy response in hope that others say something!:)
Hey Louise, interesting that you say less than wholehearedly. I was talking to a few students at school, and they actually thought the opposit--because they knew they'd be authentically following Jesus for who He is, and not for alterior motives. I thought that was interesting; I hadn't thought of that.
I also wanted to add something else. Without heaven, in death there would be no gain for anyone. At least now I have the comfort in knowing that my mom gained from her death by being in heaven, now she is happier than ever before. It gives me peace and provides some meaning in her death, some purpose in her death (there are other things that we have learned from it, but you know what I mean). If I think back to Kenya, all the Christians I talked to couldn't wait to die so they could be in heaven. I wonder what would be so great about following Jesus for them when they have nothing already. A God who loves them so much that He can provide them with an amazing heaven when they die, is one that they want to follow. Also, in regards to the students that you talked to, I would like to think that I would follow him more wholeheartedly. I don't think I'm following Jesus for the reward of heaven but I think it helps to increase my love and appreciation for Him if that makes sense. Guess we'll never know...
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