[amc] a note from the pastor
- From: Garland Robertson <pastor@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: Austin Mennonite Church <amc@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:00:05 -0500
Members and Friends of Austin Mennonite Church
I pray you are nourished by the promise of God's abiding presence and
eternal protection.
We learn many things from the experience of Jesus, yet probably the most
challenging one for us to manage is recognizing what happens when
someone consistently lives out the vision of God’s intention for human
life in the earth as Jesus perceived of it. It is truly profound, even
miraculous, that someone like Jesus would have actually existed within
the context in which he grew up. Even the ‘idea of Jesus’ is
astonishing--that this kind of personality could actually be envisioned
by someone. Disruptions and aggravations characterized the world of
Jesus. Powerful people and rigid structures demanded respectful
recognition and strict observance, created and imposed by both occupying
Roman rulers and traditional religious professionals. The lifestyle and
teaching of Jesus might have annoyed the occupying rulers but it enraged
the religious professionals. Apparently Jesus was not surprised by this
reception and despite their resistance he remained undeterred. This
determination created his ‘cross’ and his obedience to his vision of
God’s way of life exposed his cross to him. He devotedly took it up. He
asks that those who follow him do likewise.
The scriptures for this next Sunday are Isaiah 50:4-9a, Mark 8:27-38,
and James 3:1-12. Thoughts prompted by these resources will compose the
sermon, 'The power of presence.'
May it go well with you. Sincerely,
Garland Robertson
-------
Austin Mennonite Church, (512) 926-3121 www.mennochurch.org
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