From the Pulpit: Radiate Christ

Last night, I had a dream that I was walking outside with shorts on and I was debating whether or not it was time to mow the yard. I woke up with a deep desire to see spring and I am anticipating the changing of the seasons by getting my shorts out of the totes! Anticipation is something we all feel and it seems that we are always anticipating something in our lives. Whether it be the next vacation, new job, baseball season starting, etc., there is always something that we look forward to and meet with great joy. 

The past Wednesday we celebrated Ash Wednesday and it began 40 days (not including Sundays) of preparation, repentance, and fasting in anticipation of Jesus’ death and resurrection. So, we as the body of Christ now begin to anticipate and meet with great joy the Good News that is Jesus dying for our sins, conquering death on the third day, and now being seated at the right hand of God so that we can have a right relationship with Him! It is this transformational news that transcends everything else in life and allows us to find true love, joy, and peace in this world.  

One byproduct of anticipating something with great joy is that you can’t keep yourself from sharing it with others. The happiness on your face prior to leaving frigid South Dakota for warmer climates like Arizona or Florida radiates a room or the joy you possess as you wear your favorite team’s baseball cap in anticipation for opening day of baseball (Go, Twins!) to arrive touches everyone you come into contact with. I hope the same is true for each of us this Lenten season. I pray that we would radiate the love of Christ, radically claim His goodness, and powerfully proclaim His Good News to everyone we come into contact with so that when people see you (whether with words or not), that they would know that you have been in the presence of God.  

As we enter into Lent, may you prepare yourself and anticipate the greatness that is Jesus. Will you get excited with me to share the Good News of Jesus with those around us and will you radiate Christ as you witness to love and great mercy? Join with me friends on this great adventure of being in relationship with Jesus. You won’t regret it!