In this week's sermon we talk about the importance of the question that Jesus poses to his disciples: "But who do you believe I am?" This is a question that each of us are going to have to answer some day as well. One that no one else can answer for us. However, we can find support from a community of believers if we declare our answer to be "Jesus is Lord." For this is a statement that requires our very lives. Its an answer that reminds us that faith isn't easy and a community supporting us in our answer reminds us that faith is not solitary - in fact it is very hard to grow in grace by yourself.
A common response when you ask people what they believe today is that they are "spiritual but not religious." Part of me really wants to affirm this statement. That they are seeking something but are put off by organized religion that waters down the truly spiritual. However, as much as I want to affirm it, I struggle, because I also realize that a large part of religion is doing life together - realizing that Christ does not call us to be lone rangers, but rather to grow in grace together.
Right before Jesus asks his disciples this question, he is found in the gospel of Luke feeding the five thousand. This is one of my favorite stores in the Bible. A story of not having enough becoming abundance. But I also like this story because it takes what others may see as a limitation - 5 loaves and 2 fish - and turns it into a testimony. In the words of Pastor Mike Slaughter, “Jesus can do more through our limitations within community than we can ever hope to accomplish using our own strength. We see our limitations; Christ reveals our possibilities.”
When we declare "Jesus is Lord" and are surrounded by people who believe this as well, then our limitations become possibilities. Our weakness become declarations. And we are reminded that our lives are no longer our own, but are sold out for Christ's purposes.
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