Imagine this…the perfect Sunday 
service.? Music was hot, worship leader was Holy Spirit inspired, sermon was on point, there were tears as lives were touched and transformed, and some even came to faith for the first time!? This might not be the typical Sunday experience, but perhaps the Sunday we long for and pray for.? I know I sure do!?
But here?s the danger ? if all we aim for is that kind of experience on Sunday, I don?t think we?re achieving the full mission of God, and we might even be selling our people short of the fullness of life that Jesus talked about.
I think about Elijah on Mt Carmel ? talk about an experience of the powerful presence of God!? Elijah bringing the word ? follow God or follow Baal…this appeal backed up with a physical manifestation of God?s glory and power, of course with the Old Covenant touches ? plenty of blood and a little bit of fire.? Ok, this might not be that Sunday experience you long and pray for, but it would get plenty of people talking.
But fast-forward a few days later…where is Elijah?? Hiding in a cave.? Done.? Depressed.? Over it.? He wants out of this life.? And God shows up and cares for him.? Nurtures him.? Provides for his needs.? Restores him.? The God of the mountain top experience now caring for his son in the quiet of the cave.
The God who does incredible, life transforming, scales-from-their-eyes-removing work on Sunday also cares on Monday: tenderly for the worker who hates her job; for the student dosed up on caffeine buzzing to get through exam block; the mother who can?t seem to find the strength to even think about changing another nappy; the suited up, high capacity CEO about to introduce the change that could make or break his business.
Sam Jackson – Senior Pastor, Toowoomba Community Baptist Church
October, 2016
You must be logged in to post a comment.